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.
Bay of Plenty dairy farmer Ross Barker was always keen on Case IH tractors, but needed the support of a local dealer before he bought his Maxxum 125 Silver two years ago.
Barker and his family farm 190ha at Reporoa, milking 530 cows. They ran Case IH tractors a decade ago. Then they heard Giltrap Agrizone was setting up locally.
“You need a good service outlet. I’ve always believed that it’s good having a tractor, but we need someone out here locally to service and maintain it. We decided to look at the Maxxum 125.”
Barker wanted a 125-140hp 6-cylinder tractor with a front-end loader, to tow a 13m3 feedout wagon.
“It had to be a decent size but I didn’t want a beast…. It’s an awesome tractor. It’s manoeuvrable getting into gateways, as it’s not a very long tractor. It seems to be a bit shorter for the same horsepower so it gets around easily. It’s also great for loading silage.”
Maxxum tractors are designed for livestock operations, rowcrop applications and roadside mowing. Features include cab visibility, thoughtfully designed controls and comfort, and good PTO, hydraulics and transport power boost.
Barker says the cab is well laid out, with everything located in a logical place. It is also simple to operate.
The Maxxum Multicontroller provides access to all tractor controls and moves with the seat, allowing better vision and control of the implement at work.
“These tractors are getting quite techno but with farm workers you need something that someone can just jump in and drive. The Maxxum is like that. We have two other workers operating it regularly and they have no trouble with it.”
The Case IH Maxxum 125 is also comfortable to operate. The cab suspension reduces shock loads by 25%.
A power boost of up to 25hp can be achieved with the 6-cylinder Maxxum models, allowing work in tough conditions and on steep inclines without losing speed or productivity.
The engines have a high-pressure common rail fuel system that offers more power, faster throttle response, better fuel economy, less noise and lower exhaust emissions due to more efficient and more complete fuel combustion.
New Plymouth-based Manuka honey exporter Egmont Honey has completed its acquisition of Taihape beekeeping business Tweeddale's Honey, with settlement finalised on Friday, 18 September.
Westpac NZ is calling on farmers and growers to start preparing now for the possibility of a dry summer, as likely El Niño conditions raise the risk of drought across parts of the country.
Fonterra Co-operative Group has confirmed the independently assessed candidates standing for election to its board in 2026.
Fonterra has revised its Farmgate Milk Price forecast for the 2026/27 season, lifting the midpoint and narrowing the range on the back of improving global dairy commodity prices.
New Zealand's citrus growers were challenged to build their future on the value embedded in their fruit rather than the volume they produce, at Citrus New Zealand's annual gathering in Gisborne on 17 September.
Leading John Deere technicians and apprentices from New Zealand and Australians were recognised at the recent sixth annual JD Technician of the Year Awards, held in Brisbane.