Package of upgrades for Case-IH’s Puma line-up

Case IH’s line-up of Puma tractors, from the 185 Multicontroller to the 240 CVX, has been subject to “significant updates” for the “new model year”.

These include: front axle suspension improvements; improved steering reaction (along with optional Adaptive Steering Control); uprated gross vehicle weights and ISOBUS Class III compatibility.

The updates mirror those introduced on CNH’s sister brand – New Holland – in its T7 ‘Long Wheelbase’ (LWB) range. These were detailed in AgriLand on July 26.

Like its New Holland stablemates, these Case IH Puma models are powered by FPT Industrial 6.7L N67 engines.

Puma 185 Multicontroller to Puma 240 CVX models now benefit from front axle suspension improvements, incorporating a double accumulator to “create an enhanced ride for operators, particularly as front and rear axle loads change”.

According to Case IH, these suspension revisions improve operator ride and machine stability during both field work and road travel. Meanwhile, gross vehicle weight allowances have been increased from 13 to 13.65t on Puma Multicontroller models and 14t on Puma CVX tractors.

‘Adaptive’ steering

Puma 185 Multicontroller to Puma 240 CVX models can also now be equipped with Adaptive Steering Control (ASC).

This variable-rate steering system allows the ratio between the number of steering wheel turns made and the steering angle of the front wheels to be altered. In this way, the number of steering turns required to take the tractor from lock-to-lock can be adjusted – to suit the work in hand.

Through the tractor’s AFS (Advanced Farming Systems) terminal, the operator can select a desired steering ratio via three pre-set options or a custom setting.

Also new, and for all Puma models, is Reactive Steering. This introduces “sharper reaction and self-centering” to the steering system, apparently resulting from improvements to the front axle, including new steering sensors.

New Puma Multicontroller and Puma CVX tractors with ISOBUS Class III functionality also make possible two-way data transfer between the tractor and a compatible implement. This not only allows implement features to be controlled via the AFS 700 terminal screen, but also allows the implement to feed back information that can then control tractor settings such as forward speed – useful, for example, when baling.

The Class III system also enables, for example, the baler to direct the tractor’s steering along the swath, to ensure an even intake and a perfectly-formed bale.

It is now possible, via the AFS 700 terminal screen, to configure all buttons on the Multicontroller – apart from those that operate the transmission – plus the remote valve paddle switches and the remote valve joystick, to operate ISOBUS implements as desired.

All models now feature new colour-coded remote valves. This is intended to make implement coupling easier, by identifying which valve at the rear of the tractor corresponds to which switch (electro-hydraulic remote valve models) or lever (mechanical remote valve models) in the cab.