Case IH is looking to test the market with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) version of the Quadtrac. Believed to be the first time such a transmission has been available in an articulated tracked tractor, the CVXDrive option was developed jointly with ZF. Complementing the existing five powershift models, the new transmission is available in the three smallest models; the Quadtrac 470 CVX (max. 525hp), 500 CVX (max. 558hp) and 540 CVX, which with a maximum output of 613hp, currently offers the highest available power of any CVT tractor. With four mechanical ranges, with automated range-changing, the new transmission provides stepless travel from 0-40km/hr, and 0-18km/hr in reverse. Three adjustable target speeds can be stored from 0 to 40km/hr, adjustable via the thumb-wheel and buttons on the Multicontroller. The transmission incorporates a kick-down feature which ensures maximum acceleration, and 40km/hr is achieved at just 1640rpm. Claimed benefits include ease of use particularly for inexperienced operators, faster acceleration to field or road speed, reduced operator fatigue, full power availability at low ground speeds for special applications/implements, and full hydraulic flow availability at low ground speeds, for applications such as drilling/planting. The North American launch will take place at the Farm Progress show at the end of August, and the European premiere is planned for Agritechnica. Production of the initial batch of commercial models is already underway, with full availability from January. The CVX option costs between €30,000 to €40,000 and the first models are expected to arrive in the UK sometime Q1 2018.