Ultimate tractor for white cow deal pays off
Cambridge dairy farmer Kirsty Steeghs made a unique trade off with her husband.
The AFS Connect Puma, now available in the Australian and New Zealand markets, features a range of new design features and performance updates, including the connectivity capabilities of its larger Steiger, Magnum and Optum siblings.
The new AFS Connect Puma models will also come with continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard, and the addition of a new 260 horsepower model to the range, that previously stopped at 240hp. In addition, there are also bigger rear tyres, a stronger front axle, and a bigger rear axle on the higher horsepower models.
The Case IH AFS Connect telematics package allows instant two-way data transfer between the tractor and the AFS Connect online management portal, giving owners and farm managers complete control over their farm, fleet and data management.
Tractor performance and implement operating data is immediately, securely and continuously sent to the online portal for monitoring by the owner and/or operator.
“This allows users to make management decisions more precisely and with greater speed, supported by instantly accessible and accurate data, both current and historical. There is also the ability to monitor real-time information such as the location of the tractor, its fuel levels and other key management and performance data,” said Lawrence Polga, Case IH Australia/New Zealand product manager for Puma tractors.
Owners can also allow their Case IH dealer to remotely monitor their tractor’s AFS Pro 1200 terminal screen via AFS Connect, providing the opportunity for dealer notification of early warning signs of a tractor issue, remote service access, and operating advice based on machine data, minimising downtime, while also allowing seamless upgrades of operating software or product enhancements.
A new larger cab features a premium leather seat with active suspension features and full cooling and heating capabilities. A new drive pedal provides enhanced precision and control for slow-speed inching, field work with headland turns, and highspeed travel on the road. Further detail includes increased storage, a larger cool-box and multiple USB sockets.
A new hydraulic cab suspension will be introduced for increased comfort, while the introduction of an ‘advanced vehicle suspension’ (AVS) option will fully integrate frontaxle suspension, cab suspension and rear hitch damping to provide the operator with a higher level of driving comfort.
Elsewhere in the cab, there is a multi-controller armrest and its multifunction lever, a larger AFS Pro 1200 touchscreen monitor with greater functionality, and A-pillar tablet instrumentation for engine/transmission information read-outs. Via the new monitor at the front of the armrest, key controls on can be customised to suit the operator and the job at hand.
A new fuel tank offers an increased capacity of 457 litres, ergonomic steps offer easier access, and a storage box on top, and at the bottom, in front of the steps, acts as a dedicated storage area.
