Case IH has been offering its Optum line of mid-horsepower tractors for about a decade. This year, the new models added to that family bring more ponies to the stable, with the new flagship model now hitting 435 horsepower
“The current Optums are a 270, 300 and 340 with a 6.7-litre engine,” says J.E. Cadle, North American marketing manager for Optum tractors.
“This is 360, 390 and our top model we call a 440, but it’s 435 maximum horsepower, and it’s the 8.7-litre. And it’s constant power. When we say 435, we’re delivering that 435 all the time.”
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To back up the bigger engine and deliver power, the three new models get a sturdier version of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) the brand has been offering in the current Optums.
“This is a CVT with our CVXDrive transmission. It’s a 4 X 2,” he says.
“It’s very similar to the one that’s in the Optum today, but it’s bigger, beefed up to handle the extra horsepower. That 4 X 2 design gives us more mechanical efficiencies. It’s a proven design, very quiet.”
The CVXDrive version in these Optums can hit 37 m.p.h. (60 km-h) on the road.
However, in order to cram that bigger engine and transmission into an Optum, Case IH’s engineers had to start from scratch and re-engineer the tractor.
“Even though the Optum name is not new for Case IH, this tractor really is new from the ground up,” says Cadle.
WATCH: Greg Berg shows us the new Optums at Agritechnica
With the new big three Optums able to deliver more power in the field and handle bigger implements, the hydraulic system needed to be ramped up as well.
A standard flow rate of 58 g.p.m. (219 l/m) comes from a single-pump system, but there is an option to go for a dual, twin-flow system now. Two pumps will boost flow up to a total of 95 g.p.m. (360 l/m). That allows the tractors to run bigger implements or run at a lower engine r.p.m. and still get high flow rates.
There is also a larger reservoir to allow for a higher volume of oil to flow, which accommodates the demands of larger or more hydraulic cylinders on an implement.
To help improve traction and smooth out the ride, the suspended front axle gets a redesign.
“Suspended front axle was standard on the current Optum … but an independent front link, a double wishbone suspension is what’s new,” says Cadle.
“So this is a totally different CNH-designed, independent front-link suspension. We get a really nice ride out of this tractor. It will keep power to the ground if you’re on a slope or uneven terrain. Its handling on the road is awesome with this new suspension.”
Added to that is an improved hydraulic braking system and the addition of an engine brake, making these tractors ideal for road haulage. There is also an option for built-in auto tire inflation system.
“The braking system on this tractor is outstanding,” says Cadle.
“It’s got an engine brake. You barely touch these brakes and the tractor stops on a dime if you need it to.”
Inside, the cab won’t see any significant changes. It will carry over the design, which was introduced a couple of model years back. The new Puma range of tractors uses the same cab.
The Optums get a facelift too, with a redesigned hood and overall appearance change that is in line with the look of the current Steigers, sprayers and the newest Pumas.
One unique feature of the redesign is the IH emblem built into the rear taillights.
Getting into the cab, steps are built into the 180-gallon fuel tank at a more gentle rake to make access easier.
New cats out of bag
Speaking of the Puma line, the brand just announced the debut of three new models — 155-, 165- and 185-horsepower versions made their debut.
Puma buyers can choose between the CVXDrive continuously variable transmission or the ActiveDrive 8 dual-clutch transmission.
Since the Optums made their debut at Agritechnica, Cadle says the brand has had a lot of positive feedback from potential customers waiting for their release on this side of the ocean.
“We got a lot of response in North America organically from that. We really didn’t put anything out in North America about it. Customers were contacting their dealers. They saw it on social media. So we’ve been getting a lot of positive response from customers out there already.”
Optums will be available for ordering in June. Buyers can expect deliveries to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
