Case IH Maxxum 135 CVT 2019 tractor review

If there’s anything that farmers need and want in a tractor, Case IH reckons it's listened and delivered with the new generation Maxxum tractor series.

When the Maxxum first made its debut about 30 years ago, it fast became a trusted workhorse on farms around the world thanks to its reliability and versatility. Not one to rest on its laurels, Case IH breathed new life into the line-up in 2018 by incorporating a series of new features and niceties aimed at improving operator experience.

In late July this year, Case IH Australia announced the launch of its next-gen Maxxum CVT (continuously variable transmission) range, in ratings of 115, 135 and 150hp. In addition to CVT, the new-generation Maxxum is also available in Multicontroller models featuring the new ActiveDrive 8 semi-powershift transmission.

The Case IH Maxxum 135 CVT made its public debut at the 2019 AgQuip field days in August and farmmachinerysales.com.au was among the first to put the new rig through its paces.

The Maxxum has come a long way since the boxy, bulky design of decades past.

The new Maxxum 135 CVT now sports a sloping bonnet with a new LED lighting package. The latter features eight lights in the roof, offering superior illumination in low-light conditions.

The 135 CVT now also has a longer 2642mm wheelbase – about 255mm more than its predecessor – for better stability and control. However, that has not come at the expense of its manoeuvrability, says Case IH, the model maintaining it's 4.6m turning radius.

Under the bonnet is a 4-cylinder, 4.5-litre turbo-charged FPT engine offering 135hp. The range-topping Maxxum 150 CVT model features a 6-cylinder engine offering 145hp.

All models in the new Maxxum range meet the latest overseas engine emissions standards via a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. This means operators will need to tend to the AdBlue tank when needed to ensure the system runs smoothly.

The Maxxum 135 CVT runs a continuously variable transmission which makes the tractor not only incredibly easy to drive but fuel efficient as well.

According to Case IH, the Maxxum 135 CVT has a fuel consumption of 276g/kWh, as tested by the German Agricultural Society – DLG.

Operators need not worry about gear changes and the CVT provides a smooth ride up to a top speed of 40km/h or an optional 50km/h.

Available in all CVT models is a split throttle function that limits the speed range of the tractor, allowing it to only travel within the pre-determined range.

A handy Active Stop function holds the tractor and its load stationary even on a steep incline without the operator having to hit the brakes. All they have to do is pull the joystick right back to the base position and the tractor will come to a complete stop and hold its position.

The new Maxxum CVT range is equipped with Case IH’s Headland Management Control II function which helps farmers automate their headland sequences.

“When you're doing your headland control turns you can automate the functionality of your hitches and rear linkage to lift, turn and then drop back down to the exact precise position that you had previously,” explained Case IH ANZ Mid-horsepower Tractors Product Manager, Seamus McCarthy.

Driving the new Maxxum 135 CVT could not be any easier. After a quick rundown with McCarthy, I was able to make myself right at home in the tractor and drive it with confidence.

The seats and steering wheel were easily adjustable to suit operators of any size and build.

Due to the nature of the CVT, changing speeds was easy and very smooth, with no jerking movements as can sometimes be experienced on non-CVT tractors when changing gears.

There are several ways operators can operate the tractor – either by using the joystick on the armrest, foot pedals on the floor or the shuttle lever on the left of the steering wheel.

The shuttle lever is useful during loader operations when the driver needs to control the loader and tractor direction changes simultaneously.

The ergonomically designed Multicontroller armrest features all the controls operators need to handle their operations including PTO speed, implement controls, headland management control and more. Controls fall into hand easily, and a display on the right-hand A-pillar provides key tractor performance information including speeds, fuel levels and more.

In a bid to reduce operator fatigue, Case IH has added a couple of new steering features such as reactive steering and adaptive steering.

Reactive steering reduces the amount of turns operators have to make on the wheel for turns at headlands, for example.

“Operators only need to turn the steering wheel once or 1.5 times to get a full-lock turn with reactive steering,” McCarthy said.

The adaptive steering function then returns the wheel to the centre position after operators are finished making their turns.

Farmmachinerysales.com.au was not able to test the Maxxum 135 CVT with implements hitched to it so could not attest to the power and handling of the tractor under load. However, we could not fault the comfort inside the cab and ease of operation overall.

On its ‘Surround Vision’ cab on the new-generation Maxxum tractors, Case IH has fixed a one-piece glass windscreen which, combined with the new sloping bonnet design, offers 360-degree visibility around the tractor.

A high-visibility roof panel gives operators a clear view of their front loader operations while the back window opens up to allow operators a closer look at rear implements.

A suspended front axle and air suspension seats absorb all the shock when travelling across the paddock, providing ultimate operator comfort during long hours in the cab.

Customers can also opt for more deluxe seat options such as leather upholstery, if desired.

With tractor cabs more often than not becoming a makeshift office for farmers where they spend most of their hours during the day, Case IH has included a series of creature comfort features in the new Maxxum tractors to ensure operators feel right at home. This includes air-conditioning, radio and ample storage compartments.

The Maxxum 135 CVT has a hydraulic capacity of 125l/min and comes standard with three remotes. A fourth remote is available as an option.

“The steering pump is separate so that allows you to get full hydraulic capacity on your implements,” McCarthy said.

In addition to a rear PTO, the Maxxum 135 CVT is also available with a front hitch and PTO that allows operators to attach a front mower, for example.

It's not hard to see why the Maxxum has been a farming favourite for three decades. The latest refinements have taken efficiency, productivity and fuel efficiency to the next level.

Sure, the CVT model is dearer compared to models with a conventional transmission but the ease of operation and smoothness of the drive are, we think, worth the extra.

Otherwise, the Maxxum Multicontroller models with ActiveDrive 8 transmission are also worth looking into.

The range, more specifically the Maxxum 145 Multricontroller model, was awarded the accolade of Tractor of the Year 2019, mainly due to its efficient eight-step semi-powershift transmission.

According to Case IH, the double-clutch transmission impressed the panel of judges at the prestigious and international Tractor of the Year awards with its manoeuvrability and performance.

“All gear and range shift can be done manually or automatically in an extremely fluid way,” they said.

The 2019 Case IH Maxxum tractors with CVT are now available at Case IH dealerships nationwide. Pricing for the Maxxum 135 CVT starts from $154,206.

The Multicontroller models are expected to arrive in Australia by end of December 2019.

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