Battle of the Brands: John Deere 9RX Four-Track vs. Case IH Steiger Quadtrac
The John Deere 9RX and Case IH Steiger Quadtrac series are two of the most popular high-horsepower 4-track tractors on the market. Both offer power and performance for demanding agricultural applications, but there are some key differences between the two tractor series. Let's put these brands head to head.
Engine
In our comparison video, we compared a John Deere 9RX 590 to a Case IH 580 Quadtrac. The John Deere 9RX 590 is powered by a new John Deere JD14 13.6L engine that produces up to 691 max horsepower. The John Deere also features Hydraulic Intelligent Power Management (IPM), unlocking up to 50 additional HP in high hydraulic demanding jobs on 9 Series tractors 590 HP and above. The Case IH Steiger Quadtrac is powered by a 12.9L FPT engine capable of producing a maximum horsepower of 682. Both engines are turbocharged and intercooled, and they offer excellent fuel efficiency. However, John Deere 9RX 590 used 5% less fluids (Diesel + DEF) than the Steiger 580 QuadTrac at rated power; 7.5% less at peak power.*
Transmission
The John Deere 9RX employs the e18 Powershift 18F/6R transmission, offering 18 forward and 6 reverse speeds. This setup delivers smooth shifting and efficient power transfer. The Case IH Steiger Quadtrac uses a PowerDrive 16F/2R transmission, providing 16 forward and 2 reverse speeds. Case IH also offers a CVXDrive transmission in the 370-540hp range; however, that comes with a higher price tag.
Hydraulics
Both the John Deere 9RX and Case IH Steiger Quadtrac offer multiple hydraulic options. The John Deere 9RX comes with a standard 55 gpm (208 L/min) pump or an optional 110 gpm (416 L/min) pump. The Case IH Steiger Quadtrac with CVXDrive comes standard with 57 gpm (216 L/min) pump. On a Case IH Steiger Quadtrac with PowerDrive, 42 gpm (159 L/min.) is standard, while 57 gpm (216 L/min) is optional.
Tracks
The John Deere 9RX and Case IH Steiger Quadtrac both have four-track drive systems, which provide excellent traction and stability in all terrain conditions. The John Deere 9RX has a wider track width than the Case IH Steiger Quadtrac, which gives it a slight edge in terms of stability.
Cab and Comfort
Both the John Deere 9RX and Case IH Steiger Quadtrac have spacious and comfortable cabs. The John Deere 9RX cab has a few more creature comforts than the Case IH Steiger Quadtrac, such as a heated steering wheel and a refrigerator.
Precision Ag Technology
- John Deere 9RX 590: Features the latest John Deere Gen4 or G5 displays and StarFire™ Integrated Receiver for ease of Precision Ag use, right from the factory. JDLink Connectivity is also included in the base equipment, allowing data to flow seamlessly to Operations Center. Expert Alerts proactively notify dealers of potential machine issues and provide an actionable solution allowing the repair to be scheduled before it fails.
- Case IH 580 Quadtrac: Equips the AFS Guide™ precision farming suite, offering similar functionalities like auto-guidance and data management. The AFS Connect™ telematics system allows remote monitoring and support.
Price
Pricing will greatly depend on the options chosen, but a true apples-to-apples comparison should yield similar prices when comparing a John Deere 9RX and Case IH Quadtrac. We recommend contacting your local dealership for quotes to compare side-by-side.
Dealer Support
Having an excellent support and service team to call on is critical to getting the most out of your tractor. Consider the dealership's reputation as well as its proximity to your location for parts and service. Don't underestimate the importance of finding a partner who truly cares about your success with your tractor.
Things to Consider When Evaluating Dealers
- Read online reviews: See what other customers say about the dealer's service, responsiveness, and expertise.
- Talk to other tractor owners: Get recommendations from farmer friends or neighbors who have bought tractors.
- Visit the dealership: Get a feel for the atmosphere, meet the staff, and ask questions about their service department.
- Compare service offerings: See what different dealers offer in terms of warranty repairs, mobile service, parts availability, etc.
So is John Deere or Case IH better?
I'll leave that up to you to decide! Both are quality high-horsepower tractor options with some clear pros and cons. If you are still undecided, I encourage you to test drive the tractors yourself. As an authorized John Deere dealer in Illinois, Prairie State Tractor can arrange a demonstration for you. Our experienced sales staff can also help you choose the right tractor for your operation's specific needs.
View used John Deere tractors for sale
View used Case IH tractors for sale
Note: This comparison was completed before the Case IH 715 Quadtrac and John Deere 9RX 830 tractors releases. These two tractors now represent the largest tractors in their respective portfolios. Comment on our video if you'd like to see an updated comparison with newly released models!
*Per a Nebraska Drawbar Test Report