Last August, Case IH announced it was adding another tractor series to its AFS Connect models, which already include the AFS Connect Steiger and Magnums. To this group of machines with enhanced integrated technology features now comes the AFS Connect Optum tractors.
Unlike the Steigers and Magnums, which are basically designed for hard pulling in fields, the brand describes the new AFS Connect Optums as “all-purpose” tractors. “The AFS Connect Optum series tractor is engineered to deliver the muscle and horsepower needed for extensive roading and haulage — plus enhanced comfort for high-volume hay and forage operation,” states the company press release.
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The AFS in the name refers to the brand’s Advanced Farming Systems technology, which gets integrated into the AFS Connect tractors. The AFS in Optum series tractors (and the other AFS Connect series) allows for quick-and-easy sharing and access to digital data. In the Optum series, buyers get to choose from two models — the 270 and 300.
“The AFS Connect Optum tractors were designed to seamlessly integrate technology to make farmers’ jobs as efficient and precise as possible,” said J.E. Cadle, Case IH mid-range tractor marketing manager. “These tractors can deliver the muscle and horsepower that are needed on the road or in the field, along with advancements meant to make the operator’s day spent in the cab more comfortable.”
The company says the tractors include a “highly sophisticated steering system, telematics, monitors, sensors and farm management software applications, the full vehicle interface and intuitive AFS Pro 1200 display is capable of wireless file transfers, guidance lines, prescription maps, fleet management, data sharing and product control.”
AFS Connect allows for importing several different file formats, both via USB stick and AFS Connect File Transfer. Owners of AFS Connect equipment can also create rules to receive current vehicle status notifications.
The Optums come with some premium mechanical features as well, including a suspended front axle and cab suspension along with a semi-active seat, all of which combine to provide a pretty comfortable ride. In addition, the new models offer more cab space and storage compartments, along with an optional cool box to help keep food and drinks cold.
To add to the comfort, Optum cabs offer 11 per cent more glass area for better visibility, including a bigger windshield and wider doors. A redesigned A-pillar display reduces clutter and helps improve visibility as well. Even with the increase in glass area, an improved HVAC system helps the cab cool down 35 per cent faster.
And under the hood, a 6.7-litre diesel gets mated to the brand’s CVXDrive continuously variable transmission, which is standard equipment on the Optums.
“When our team was designing and engineering the AFS Connect Optum series tractors, we were sure to incorporate customer feedback and keep the features that made a difference on their operations, and expand on that with next-generation technology,” Cadle said. “When you step into the cab, you can tell that this tractor will keep you comfortable all day with important features that will help drive efficiency and productivity.”
AFS Connect Optums are now available for delivery in 2022.