CaseIH reveals Puma tractor series

Case IH set a standard in high horsepower tractors with Steiger, Quadtrac, Magnum and Maxxum. Puma springs from that same lineage. Dependable power is being brought back to growers and dealers by the new Case IH Puma family of tractors.

Designed for the grower who wants a multi-purpose machine that's easy to use, with plenty of power and solid reliability, the Case IH Puma tractor is the fuel-efficient new workhorse that simplifies operations for growers. It handles a wide variety of tasks in many different types of farm enterprises - from row-crops to hay and forage to vegetables.

"If the Puma name sounds familiar, it should," says Don Rieser, senior director Case IH global product marketing management, tractors. "The Puma name has a proud heritage dating back two decades, when Steiger introduced the Puma 1000 row-crop tractor. This powerful, high-horsepower tractor was revolutionary for its time, and we chose the great Puma name for our new line of even more powerful and adaptable tractors." Steiger Tractor became part of Case IH in 1986.

Like the original, the new Case IH Puma is powerful, flexible, and maneuverable. And, it's been thoroughly put through its paces. "These new tractors are built with time-tested Case IH components, and we've put thousands of hours on them in actual field situations before turning them loose," Reiser says. "Pumas have a proven engine, driveline and high visibility cab. From day one operators will get maximum power, productivity and comfort from these models."

Power for the Puma line will be supplied from a proven Case IH 6.7 liter engine that provides an excellent weight to horsepower ratio for economical operation. A full Powershift transmission with an optional Econogear helps make maximum use of the available power. An enlarged, ergonomically designed cab leads to efficient and comfortable operation, and features excellent operator visibility. Configurable hydraulics adjust to handle heavy three-point loads with precision. Puma can range from row crop to utility work with ease, Reiser says.

Power and fuel efficiency The Tier 3 certified Case IH 6.75-liter (411 cubic inch) engine is a six-cylinder, four-valve electronic power plant engineered for high performance and fuel efficiency that allows the new Puma tractor to exceed the horsepower of its namesake. A workhorse commonly used in other Case IH machines, the engine is rated at up to 180 PTO horsepower - with an additional 25 to 35 hp Power Boost available for PTO and transport.

"Power Boost allows the operator to move through tough crop conditions or steep grades without losing speed or productivity," says Tom Dean, Case IH marketing manager for mid-horsepower tractors. "For example, Power Boost will give the Case IH Puma operating a disc mower conditioner extra power to keep the mower conditioner running at full speed while also easily moving up a steep incline."

The engine in Puma tractors has an industry-leading 600-hour service interval to save maintenance time and investment. "It also provides the basis for an outstanding weight-to-horsepower ratio, for the fuel efficiency needed in today's farm economy," Dean notes. There are four models available:

• Puma 165 - 135 PTO horsepower
• Puma 180 - 150 PTO horsepower
• Puma 195 - 165 PTO horsepower
• Puma 210 - 180 PTO horsepower

Full Powershift & 19th economy gear Another key feature of the new Case IH Puma tractor models is the 18x6 Full Powershift transmission. A standard Auto-Shift setting for field and transport provides automatic shifting based on the load, for increased productivity and fuel savings.

In addition, a Constant Engine RPM setting shifts to hold the engine speed within a desired range. "It holds the RPMs in a chosen range, helping the operator reduce fuel usage while maximizing productivity," Dean says. And a new optional 19th EconoGear economy transport gear reduces engine speed in 19th gear for additional improved fuel economy at top road speeds.

Modern, quiet comfortable cab The ergonomically designed Puma cab puts armrest-mounted gear, throttle and hitch controls located within easy reach, along with a new optional electrohydraulic joystick. A central digital instrument center located at the front cab corner post provides critical information at a glance. A programmable, electronic end-of-row function automates headland routines and allows the operator to focus on the tractor's outstanding tight turning capability.

"Like others in the Case IH family, Puma tractors offer outstanding visibility in all directions, with up to 63 square feet of cab glass," says Dean. "They also provide ultimate operator comfort, thanks to an automatic climate control system, a suspended cab option, and the new Positive Response heated seat option." Positive Response seats adapt continuously and automatically to each individual driver and terrain, using a sensor and controller system mounted inside the seat suspension that sends electronic signals to the shock absorber. The shock absorber changes from soft to firm up to 500 times per second.

In addition to operator comfort, as with every piece of Case IH equipment, ease of serviceability is paramount. "A large, front toolbox, flip-up hood, central service points, a swing-out radiator-oil cooler - it's all designed to make maintenance tasks more efficient and productive," notes Dean.

Adaptable, high-flow hydraulics With a hitch-lift capacity of up to 15,873 pounds, a fender-mounted raise/lower switch and a hitch dampening system, Puma tractors are designed to handle the heavy three-point loads generated by larger implements and allow precise adjustments in the field.

"We engineered them for maximum adaptability to the requirements of today's loaders, implements and remote hydraulic motors," Dean says, "including our new Case IH LX700 Series loader line." The new LX770 loader is tailored to fully utilize the power and performance of multi-purpose Puma tractors.

"Whether you have row crop work, large hay tools or heavy loader requirements, the solid, reliable Puma tractors from Case IH provide the horsepower you want and the fuel economy you need."