Case IH Puma Tractor Wins Prestigious Red Dot Design Award
While equipment sales teams bask in the glory when they sell a product, they often forget the designers and engineers who bring that product from an idea to production.
Existing Puma models already have a good reputation with larger farmers and contractors for delivering efficient power, reliability and operator comfort. The new 4B series will embody significant improvements and refinements, says NZ operations manager Case IH, Tim Fanning.
"It will set the benchmark for other manufacturers to follow," he says
Taking a quick peep before Fieldays, the most noticeable visual difference is the new roof cap which sports 360 degree LED surround lights and the overall family look of the Magnum and Optum ranges. At the front of the cab, a single-piece front screen gives unhindered forward visibility which should prove a favourite with operators.
Inside the cabin greater comfort is offered with a new Grammar Maximo Evolution, semi-active leather clad seat. This has a novel sideways-sliding backrest for added support, but cleverly moves out of the users' way when he looks over his shoulder to inspect work or hook up implements.
For easier control of repetitive field tasks, the headland management control (HMC II) can be used to record or edit sequences during work or while stationary. It offers 12 triggers to start the next step in a sequence such as time, distance, hitch position, PTO or shuttle movement. Control is via the PRO700 touch screen, which is ISOBUS 3 compatible and allows control of all the tractor's key functions.
As the name suggests, a key change to the machine centres on the 6.75L FPT engine which is upgraded to meet Tier 4B /final emission regulations. This is achieved by using the Hi-SCR system (DEF only), which removes the need for any energy sapping exhaust gas recirculation or diesel particulate filters (DPF). The company claims that the set-up results in a cleaner burning and more powerful engine, with lower fuel consumption, and an industry leading 600 hour service interval.
For the NZ market, customers will be able to choose a Classic or Ultimate level of specification and a decision to specify full powershift or CVT transmissions according to operating requirements or personal preference.
