There's a new name to remember in the Case IH tractor universe: the Versum was recently unveiled at Sima 19, the big Paris exhibition, joining the brand’s familiar Quadtrac, Magnum, Puma, Maxxum and lately the Optum.
It’s yet to be decided whether the new model will be offered in New Zealand.
The Versum follows the trend in CVT style transmissions, rather than conventional semi-powershift set-ups: this tractor is the first Case-IH in the 100hp category to have the company’s CVXDrive transmission.
Offered as four models between 100 and 130hp (100,110, 120 and 130), the series uses a 4-cylinder FPT engine of 4.5L, meets Stage 5 emission rules using SCR and has up to 10hp boost and 600-hour service intervals.
The transmission has stepless speed control from 0-40km/h with seamless range changes, active hold control for stop and restarts on hills and a road speed of 40km/h at a fuel saving speed of only 1700rpm.
At the rear a 110L/min CCLS hydraulic system can lift up to 5600kg and an integrated front linkage set-up has 2300kg capacity.
A four-pillar cab has plenty of room and good visibility and a control layout that mirrors its larger siblings, with the familiar MultiController armrest and joystick control.
The tractor has a reasonable payload, with a front axle rated to 3500kg, making it a great mount for loader operations. Typical shipping weight is 5500kg and maximum operating weight 8800kg.
Its compact dimensions and tight turning radius -- with power up to 140hp maximum -- should prove popular with those looking for the proverbial pocket rocket.
Options include front axle and cab suspension, front linkage and PTO, up to seven remote hydraulic outlets and multiple PTO combinations including ground speed drive.