Case IH Puma gets AFS Connect

Over the years, Case IH has equipped its higher horsepower tractor ranges including the Steiger, Magnum and Optum with AFS Connect and now, it is the popular Puma’s turn to receive the innovative product for improved connectivity and efficiency.

In addition to AFS Connect, the new Puma range also features a range of design upgrades and performance updates, as well as a brand new 260hp range-topping model.

The new AFS Connect Puma 260 made its debut at the FutureAg Expo at the Melbourne Showgrounds last week.

“The Puma has always punched well above its weight when it comes to performance and versatility in the mid-range of our tractor models, and now with the addition of the AFS Connect platform it’s made an already strong tractor even better, offering customers everything they could once only find in our larger tractors,” said Case IH Australia/New Zealand Product Manager for Puma tractors, Lawrence Polga.

The new AFS Connect Puma models will also come with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as standard. There are also bigger rear tyres, a stronger front axle, and on the higher horsepower models in the range, a bigger back axle as well.

But the most exciting upgrade is the Puma’s technology capabilities, with the Case IH AFS Connect telematics package allowing for instant two-way data transfer between the tractor and the AFS Connect online management portal, giving  owners and farm managers complete control over farm, fleet and data management.

Tractor performance and implement operating data are immediately, securely and continuously sent to the online portal for monitoring by the owner and/or operator.

“So they are able to make management decisions more precisely and with greater speed, supported by instantly-accessible and accurate data, both current and historical. You can also monitor real-time information such as the location of the tractor, its fuel levels and other key management and performance data,” Polga said.

Owners could also choose to allow their Case IH dealer to remotely monitor their tractor’s AFS Pro 1200 terminal screen via AFS Connect, Case IH said, providing the opportunity for dealer notification of early warning signs of a tractor issue, remote service access, and operating advice based on machine data.

“Having that connectivity between the farmer in the paddock and the dealer allows us to minimise their downtime and if they choose, to be connected to their machine for any types of product improvements like software and future updates,” Polga said.

A new hydraulic cab suspension provides better comfort on the new models, and there will be an option for Advanced Vehicle Suspension (AVS), a fully integrated suspension system combining front-axle suspension, cab suspension and rear hitch to provide the operator with a higher level of driving comfort, Case IH said.

There’s a new fuel tank with increased capacity of 457 litres, ergonomic steps, a storage box on top, and at the bottom, in front of the steps, a dedicated storage area.

A new larger cab features a premium leather seat with active suspension features and full cooling and heating capabilities, and the operating experience is further enhanced by a new drive pedal, which provides enhanced precision and control for slow-speed inching, field work with headland turns, and high-speed travel on the road.

It also includes increased storage, large coolbox and multiple USB sockets for further comfort and convenience.

Like its larger siblings, the new AFS Connect Puma models feature a multi-controller armrest with a multi-function lever; a larger AFS Pro 1200 touchscreen monitor with greater functionality, and A-pillar tablet instrumentation for engine/transmission information read-outs.

Key controls on the multi-controller and armrest can be customised via the new monitor at the armrest’s front to suit operator preference and the job at hand, including the remote valve paddle switches.

“The inclusion of AFS Connect takes the Puma’s capabilities to a new level, giving users a versatile tractor with continuously-variable transmission that offers even more in terms of comfort, capability and connectivity,” Polga said.

The AFS Connect Puma is available to order now. For more information, contact your local Case IH dealer.