The new Case IH Puma tractors were introduced at the SIMA Show in Paris, France, in March this year and launched in the UK at the Cereals in June. Now it’s South Africa’s turn. This new tractor range, currently available from Northmec Dealers countrywide, consists of four models from 123kW to 213kW. The CASE IH engineers who designed them focused on economy and efficiency. New engine and latest transmission The Puma is driven by a new common-rail engine with extra power boost and an innovative power management system.
Common-rail, high-pressure fuel injection and an electronic fuel management system ensure economical operation under all conditions. The low-emission, 6,7ℓ turbocharged diesel engines with intercooler and four-valve technology reach their rated output at 2 200rpm. This combines with the injection system to ensure the engine runs especially smoothly. A “constant engine speed” mode ensures engine and PTO speed don’t fluctuate under varying loads. modern Vistronic fan improves the engine’s efficiency, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
Engine oil and filter replacement intervals have been extended to 600 hours. new automatic cut-out feature turns off the engine if coolant temperature is too high or oil pressure is insufficient. The engines are also approved for use with up to 20% biodiesel. Smooth gear shifting The 18×6 Full Powershift Transmission includes a Powershuttle lever on the steering column, allowing the driver to switch between forward and reverse travel without declutching, ideal when working with a front loader or at the headland. The rear PTO shaft is driven directly by the engine’s flywheel at speeds of 540E/1 000rpm.
The Puma’s new, intelligent PTO shaft management functions automatically. It interrupts power transmission to the implement as soon as the lifting mechanism is raised and reconnects it as soon as it’s lowered again. This function can also be integrated into all headland manoeuvres. In practice, turning operations not only become safer, but also use less fuel. The PTO shaft is equipped with a soft-start feature that slowly increases the torque, to protect the implement’s drive shaft. – Joe Spencer Contact Matthew McGregor on (011) 922 2300, 082 335 5118 or e-mail [email protected] |fw
