Case IH Farmall C Upgrade: More power, weight & precision
The Case IH Farmall C, well known across New Zealand, has just seen an upgrade including a new look, increased weight and hydraulic power, and a cab overhaul.
The latest Case IH Optum AFS Connect range features a new cab, interior and connectivity package designed to benefit both the operator and the owner.
Like the lineup it succeeds, the three models offer rated power outputs of 250hp, 270hp and 300hp, all mated to the Case IH CVXDrive continuously-variable transmission.
A new cabin offers 7.5% more interior space, with improved visibility created by 11% more glass, while noise levels drop to 66 decibels, helped in part by the premium materials now lining the cab.
Inside, the all-new Multicontroller armrest incorporates a new control lever with configurable buttons. Using the new, larger AFS Pro 1200 monitor at the armrest’s front, key controls on the Multicontroller and armrest can be customised to suit operator preference and the job in hand – including the function buttons and remote valve paddle switches.
ISOBUS-compatible, the touchscreen monitor with a high-resolution screen allows the operator to monitor all primary tractor functions, but also incorporates front and rear camera feeds, alongside controls to optimise the engine, transmission, hydraulics and PTO.
The new models are now equipped as standard with the Case IH AFS Connect telematics package, already seen on the Magnum, Steiger and Quadtrac models. This gives instant, two-way data transfer between tractor and online management portal with realtime machine monitoring.
Owners can monitor the location of their tractors, fuel levels and other key management and performance data. This helps them with machine logistics or seeing if a job has been completed. As data transfer is possible both ways, job instructions, application maps and other data can also be sent remotely to the tractor from the farm office PC – via the AFS Connect web portal.
Additionally, farmers can allow dealers to view the AFS screen display in real time, letting operating data to be checked and – if required – to suggest alternative settings or warn of early signs of faults.
From the operator’s seat, lowered rear fenders improve visibility, while the four-post cab with full-length doors also aids sight lines. Night visibility can be enhanced by LED road- and work-light packages with up to 14 lights in the roof – four in the front of the cab, two on the rear fenders and six in the bonnet.
A new pressurised climate control package, with more outlets for enhanced air distribution, features auto-zone control. Meanwhile, the high-spec seat incorporates lateral suspension, full cooling and heating capabilities and an upper swivelling backrest to monitor rear implements and when reversing.
Rural contractors will be able to play a role in the revamped agricultural plastic recycling scheme with new regulations due for Cabinet signoff before this year’s election.
Farm workers living in accommodation provided by their employers are now set to be able to access their KiwiSaver funds to buy their first home thanks to a pending change in the rules governing KiwiSaver.
Treat agricultural emissions differently. That’s the message from the chair of the prestigious Riddet Institute, Sir Lockwood Smith.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc and Pacific Toyota have pulled the covers off the season's most unique performance vehicle - The Lamb Cruiser.
The 2026 New Zealand Horticulture Conference is set to see more than 900 growers, employers, service providers and industry stakeholders gather in Wellington in July.
New Zealand's longest running television programme, the iconic Country Calendar, celebrated its 60th birthday in style in Wellington last week.

OPINION: Your old mate hears an international incident is threatening to blow up the long-standing Anzac alliance as Kiwis and Aussies…
OPINION: The media is already playing the 'who will Winston choose?' game every time the polls show Labour and National…