Classy new home for CLAAS
Visitors to last week's National Fieldays were able to check out the new home for CLAAS Harvest Centre, Waikato and the parts, training and demonstration hub for the network's five other branches in the North Island.
While the complete Puma range is being revamped with a new design, the larger frame models – from 185-240hp – also benefit from additional features geared towards operator comfort.
Split into the standard wheelbase Puma 150-175 models and the larger, longer wheelbase Puma 185-240 tractors, features include an optional hood-mounted camera and upgraded road and work lights as fitted on the larger Case IH Optum and Magnum tractors.
New cab features include a low-mounted front windscreen wiper for improved visibility, a cool box with cover on the front end of the steering column and turning indicators with electronic cancelling. New left-hand aluminium steps with high performance LED ingress lighting makes entrance to and exit from the cabin safer and easier.
On the mechanical front, the FPT Industrial 6.7-litre engines meet the latest Stage V emission standards with HIeSCR2 technology, without the use of exhaust gas recirculation. Housed under the distinctive new hood, the Stage V models offer lengthened engine (750hr) and transmission oil (1,500hr) change intervals meaning fewer oil/filter changes over a machine’s lifetime, lowering the total cost of ownership.
On Puma CVT models, updated engine power management is now also available when operating in reverse. Meanwhile, both transmission offerings gain extra power at high RPM for a more agile drive in transport applications.
Overall, the factory reports improved acceleration and deceleration, better shuttle behaviour – as well as drive pedal sensitivity and cruise control override – and better multi-controller sensitivity and position detection.
