By Martin Rickatson

Among the tractor updates from Case IH for 2018 is a new eight-step, three-range semi-powershift transmission, ActiveDrive 8, for the Maxxum range, joining the existing four-speed semi-powershift and continuously-variable transmission options.

Available on the mid-spec' Maxxum Multicontroller models, ActiveDrive 8 provides a total of 24 speeds in both forward and reverse. Covering speeds up to 10.2 km/h, range one is specifically designed for heavier draft work, while range two covers the 1.6-18.1 km/h band.

For road travel, the transmission is designed to start in range three, and a skip-shift function allows quick progress through the powershift speeds. An auto shift feature means the tractor can be set to progress automatically through any set of eight speeds in the field, and through all 16 gears in the top two ranges on the road.

A pedal kick-down function can be used to over-ride the transmission automation and cause it to downshift.

The revision of the Maxxum range also sees a new 175hp (max) six-cylinder Maxxum 150 launched at the top of the line, with availability from Q3 2018. This is claimed to be the lightest, smallest tractor in the industry using a six-cylinder engine of this power output.

Meanwhile, Puma 185 Multicontroller to Puma 240 CVT models now benefit from front axle suspension improvements, incorporating a double accumulator for an enhanced ride, particularly as front and rear axle loads change. Gross vehicle weight allowances have been increased from 13,000kg to 13,650kg on Puma Multicontroller models and 14,000kg on Puma CVT tractors.

Puma 185 Multicontroller to Puma 240 CVT models can also now be equipped with Adaptive Steering Control (ASC). This variable-rate steering system allows the ratio between the number of steering wheel turns made and the steering angle of the front wheels to be altered according to the requirements of the work in hand.

Through the tractor’s AFS terminal, the operator can select a desired steering ratio via three pre-set options or a custom setting.

Also new, and for all Puma models, is Reactive Steering, which enhances response and self-centres the steering.

Lastly, Puma Multicontroller and Puma CVT tractors can now come with ISOBUS Class III, making possible two-way data transfer between the tractor and any compatible implement.

This not only allows implement features to be controlled via the AFS 700 terminal screen, but also allows the implement to feed back information that can then control tractor settings such as forward speed, said to be especially useful in operations such as baling, allowing the baler to direct the tractor’s steering along the swath to ensure an even intake and a well-formed bale.

Meanwhile, it’s now possible, via the AFS 700 terminal screen, to configure all Multicontroller buttons – apart from those that operate the transmission – plus the remote valve paddle switches and the remote valve joystick, to operate ISOBUS implements as desired.

For the largest arable units, Case IH has also revealed it is to offer the industry’s first tracked tractor with a continuously-variable transmission. There's now a CVT option for the Quadtrac 470, 500 and 540 tractors.

CVT will also be available on the wheeled Steiger equivalents, while the default transmission on all models remains the 18-speed powershift.

The new transmission offers stepless travel from standstill up to 43km/h, and can be operated to work at a desired forward speed or engine speed, with Automatic Productivity Management software then able to adjust engine and transmission management accordingly.

At 617 peak hp, the Quadtrac 540 is reckoned to offer the highest available power of any CVT tractor on the market, claims Case IH. Comparable figures for the Quadtrac 500 CVT and Quadtrac 470 CVT are 558hp and 525hp.

Claimed benefits include ease of use – particularly for inexperienced operators – faster acceleration to field or road speed, reduced operator fatigue, full power availability at low ground speeds for special applications/implements, and full hydraulic flow availability at low ground speeds.

The transmission allows the storing of three adjustable target speeds from 0km/h to 43km/h, adjustable via the thumb-wheel and buttons on the tractor’s armrest-mounted Multicontroller joystick. A kick-down feature allows maximum acceleration, and 40km/h is achieved at 1440rpm.

In place of the foot throttle found on models with powershift, Quadtrac CVT models are fitted with a drive pedal. In automatic mode this acts as a true drive pedal, controlling the tractor’s ground speed, and maximum ground speed can be controlled with the thumbwheel and speed range buttons on the Multicontroller joystick.

In manual mode, the foot pedal acts as a conventional foot throttle. Also new is a powershuttle switch on the Multicontroller joystick, which works in parallel with the column shuttle, and a dual hand throttle for the setting of minimum and maximum engine speeds.