WITH THE introduction of Euro Stage 4 / US Tier 4 Final emissions compliant engines, Case IH has taken the opportunity to rationalise its Puma range, with the least powerful model dropping out but the others getting a bit more muscle for both draft work and pto, transport and hydraulics applications.

Different model numbers apart, the latest models are distinguished externally by a new roof panel with shapelier housing for the LED work lights and a one-piece windscreen. Inside, an updated headland management system brings additional functions within its scope and there are new seat options to keep the driver comfortable.

With the 148/171hp Puma 130 and 188/218hp Puma 170 out of the picture, the line-up with semi- and full powershift transmissions kicks off with the 'short' wheelbase 150 and 165, with 165hp and 180hp outputs for draft work.

These maximum figures for draft work rise to 190hp and 210hp for road work and when driving pto implements or operating equipment with high demand for hydraulic oil flow. Three 'long' wheelbase models follow - the 200/225hp Puma 185, the 220/245hp Puma 200 and the 240/260hp Puma 220.

Both transmissions have 18x6 speeds in regular 40kph guise, with an additional direct drive gear added for the Eco 40kph and 50kph versions. As before, there are more power options on CVX versions equipped with a stepless transmission.

The Puma 175 joins the smaller machines with 180/225hp and the range is extended at the top end by the Puma 240 with 260hp for draft work - 10hp up on the previous version, but with the same 270hp 'power boost' figure for other applications.

- Changes to pto drive gears adds to the improved fuel economy promised by new engines installed in Case IH Farmall tractors that also deliver more power and torque for added performance.

Part of an upgrade package for the more powerful models in the 'A' series Farmall line-up, the Farmall 85A (86hp) and 95A (99hp) have an extra 4hp over their predecessors, while the 105A (107hp) and 115A (114hp) increase by just a single digit. Torque output is increased by a little over 4% in each case and the rated speed has come down to 2300rpm, with fuel consumption reckoned to be reduced by 4-8%.

Economy is further enhanced when driving pto-powered equipment because the gearing tweaks now see 540rpm achieved at 1535rpm using the 'eco' setting, compared with 1715rpm on the previous 85A and 95A, while 1000rpm for more power-demanding implements is clocked at 2261rpm rather than 2381rpm.

At the core of these improvements is a new engine - a 3.4-litre compact four-cylinder diesel from the FPT Industrial range.