CASE IH previews its most powerful ever puma tractor at SIMA 2022

Flagship Case IH Puma 260 CVXDrive™ provides best in segment power-to-weight ratio and ultimate connectivity / New premium-quality cab is the quietest Puma cab ever / Advanced semi-active cab suspension provides excellent operator comfort / Built in Austria to the highest quality standards

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Case IH has chosen SIMA 2022 to preview its new Puma 260 CVXDrive™, the most powerful, and advanced Puma ever. Providing ground-breaking comfort and connectivity, combined with excellent handling, power delivery and fuel efficiency, it incorporates aggressive styling and a suite of advanced technologies which help farming businesses to operate more efficiently, productively, and profitably. 

Delivering an optimum blend of reliability, power and economy, Puma has become an outstanding global success story for Case IH since its launch in 2008. As the ultimate model in this popular range, the 260 CVXDrive provides a unique combination of farm, fleet, and data management capabilities, which are only available from Case IH and controlled from the tractor’s larger, more comfortable Puma cab. Designed with arable farmers and contractors, the new tractor delivers elevated levels of power, performance, and productivity, with reduced operating costs plus increased uptime thanks to long service intervals and pro-active connected services.

At the heart of this new flagship model is the Case IH AFS Connect system comprising the AFS Pro 1200 touch screen monitor, AFS Vision Pro operating system and AFS Vector Pro receiver. These allow the operator to configure tractor management and precision farming functionality to their specific requirements. Farm owners and managers can administer and optimize farm, fleet, and management data from a desktop PC or mobile device, at any time, while extended remote capabilities include screen sharing. AFS AccuGuide™ auto guidance and AFS AccuTurn Pro automated headland management technology further increase convenience and productivity, with accuracy to 1.5cm with RTK+.

Christian Huber, Case IH Global Tractor Product Marketing Manager, states: “This is the most powerful, technologically advanced Puma ever. In addition to providing 11% more power, it incorporates substantial improvements which enhance productivity, deliver a quieter, more refined operating experience and lower ownership costs.

Delivering the power is a fuel-efficient FPT NEF six-cylinder engine rated at 260hp with a maximum, unboosted, output of 280hp. With Engine Power Management, this figure climbs to 302hp for PTO, hydraulic and transport applications.

Quieter and more efficient, the new CVXDrive continuously variable transmission allows 50 kph to be achieved at just 1,550 rpm for optimum fuel economy. Productivity is further enhanced by customisable settings for the CVXDrive continuously variable transmission, its patented Advanced Trailer Braking system which stabilises tractor and trailer, and up to 24 powerful LED lights for improved night visibility.

The Puma 260 CVXDrive is equipped with bigger and stronger front and rear axles.  The optional 2.05m-diameter 710/70 R42 rear tyres increase the footprint by up to 18%, maximising traction and carrying capacity while minimising soil compaction. Ideal for customers who require high power output, but not a larger, heavier tractor, it is fitted with a rear linkage which can lift 10,468kg and a hydraulic system with a flow rate of up to 170l/min.

All of this within the same compact dimensions as the current Puma. 

THE QUIETEST PUMA CAB EVER

When it comes to comfort, this new tractor sets a new standard for Puma, with increased space, more storage, and better visibility. The maximum sound level inside the cab is just 66dB(A), comparable to that of a luxury car, making it extremely comfortable.

The semi-active hydro-pneumatic cab suspension isolates the operator from vehicle movement and they can adjust it to suit individual preferences or changing terrain, delivering excellent ride quality and optimum comfort. The optional Case IH Advanced Vehicle Suspension (AVS) system takes this to another level by integrating the semi-active cab suspension, rear hitch and front axle suspension, sophisticated software reacting to changing surfaces for an even smoother ride.

Providing the operator with a panoramic view from their state-of-the-art mobile office, the cab features wider steps for easier, safer entry and exit, conveniently placed grab handles, new fenders which enhance side visibility and a windscreen wiper with up to 240° of coverage. The 460-litre fuel tank is 15% larger, giving up to three hours more working time before refilling. It also includes an integrated stowage space for a toolbox and other essential service items so that these do not need to be carried inside. An integrated clean water tank enables the operator to wash their hands, significantly improving hygiene and safety when working with equipment such as sprayers.

Inside, a multitude of functional and convenience features include a key fob which provides keyless operation in conjunction with the engine starter button, subwoofer speaker to optimise sound quality from the stereo system, additional space for personal belongings, plus an integrated coolbox to keep food and beverages cool and fresh. A premium leather seat with active suspension is optional.

At the heart of the operator’s workspace, the ergonomic MultiController armrest now incorporates more features, all of which are convenient to use and fully customisable. They include an encoder which enables the operator to easily navigate the display, Hot Key quick access buttons, customisable remote-control buttons with LED colour coding, plus additional programmable buttons for various tractor functions, AFS guidance and ISOBUS applications while Tractor Implement Management allows simple connection and communication to and from implements.

The 750-hour service interval for the Puma 260 CVXDrive is up to 50% longer than for some key competitors in this premium market segment, so less time is spent on maintenance and more time working. Serviceability and reliability are further improved by a new hydraulic circuit which has 30% fewer connections and is quieter, while newly designed rear electro-hydraulic remote valves allow coupling/uncoupling of the colour-coded hydraulic connectors with zero leakage. Similar revisions to the wiring harnesses reduce the number of connections by 50%, making it much less complex.