Wednesday, 16 March 2016 07:55

Prize-winning Optum due here in June

Written by Mark Daniel

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

The first Case IH Optum examples expected to hit New Zealand in June.

The first production models of the Case IH Optum are now coming off the factory lines, the first examples expected to hit New Zealand in June.

This tractor, made in Austria, certainly turned heads at Agritechnica in November last year, where it won the coveted Machine of the Year 2016 Award. It fits between the Puma and Magnum ranges, compact in dimensions and lighter in weight.

It is powered by proven FPT 6.7L NEF engines to deliver 270 and 300hp at rated speed. This rises to a maximum of 313hp as the engine comes under load and is complemented by a maximum torque figure of 1282NM at 1400rpm. The engine meets the latest Tier4B emission regulations using SCR technology and is set up to carry 630L of diesel and 96L of Ad-Blue liquid.

The transmission is carried over from the LWB Puma range, upgraded with strengthened castings, a new rear axle and double planetary final drives to handle the increased power.

Speed is steplessly variable between 20m/sec and 53km/h and the Active Stop feature removes the need to hold the tractor on the brakes when stationary.

A load bearing sump assembly acts as a backbone for the tractor and keeps tare weight down; it allows operating weights up to 16,000kg, which helps get the additional power to the ground without compromising the agility of the tractor.

As part of the package a rear lift capacity of 11,058kg combines with the ability to lift 5821kg up front, and a CCLS hydraulic system gives up to 220L/min output. The steering and transmission systems are separate.

Completing the package, a new reactive steering system sees the steering wheel return to the straight ahead position after turns to make high speed work more comfortable; and a headland management function (HMC 2) takes care of repetitive tasks in the paddock, as well as offering a remote file transfer system. Connectivity with implements is by the Isobus 3 plug-and-play system.

Though this tractor is relatively high-spec, operators wanting high-speed transport ability might opt for the ABS or ABS Advanced option.

www.caseih.co.nz

More like this

Case IH Wins EIMA Award for Optum Suspension System

With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.

The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.

In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.

Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.

Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”

Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.

www.caseih.com

Case IH Unveils Next Generation Puma Series Tractors

Case IH has unveiled its redesigned next generation Puma Series tractors, said to offer improvements in connectivity, operator comfort, fuel efficiency and drivability.

Fendt 900 Vario Marks 50,000 Units With Anniversary Edition

Fendt's 900 Vario was unveiled at Agritechnica 1995 and has since gone on to become a popular choice for farmers and contractors worldwide.

Case IH AF10 Combine Impresses During Challenging Canterbury Harvest

While it took some time for Wakanui farmer Eric Watson to get the tracks dirty on his new Case IH AF10 combine, he says it was worth the wait, with the challenging conditions really putting the new machine through its paces.

Case IH Puma Tractor Wins Prestigious Red Dot Design Award

While equipment sales teams bask in the glory when they sell a product, they often forget the designers and engineers who bring that product from an idea to production.

Featured

Fines For Velveting Without Pain Relief, Illegal Slaughter and NAIT Breaches

Three men have been sentenced in District Courts after Ministry for Primary Industries prosecutions over animal welfare, food safety and cattle tracing offences.

A Year of Delivery for Fonterra

Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.

Editorial: Common Sense Prevails

OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.

Ex-Fonterra Suppliers Face Stricter Share Sell-Down Requirements

Dairy farmers, still holding onto their Fonterra shares despite switching milk supply elsewhere or exiting the industry, now face a stricter share sell-down requirement.

Aimer Farming Raises $3M to Launch AI Beef Pasture Tool

Hamilton-based agritech company Aimer Farming has completed a $3 million capital raise to support its next stage of growth, including a beef farming product due to launch in 2027.

Miriam Lauridsen on Farm Health and Safety Culture

When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.