Case Expands Tractor Connectivity Suite

CASE has debuted its sophisticated connectivity suite, AFS Connect, in Australia fitted to the Puma tractor to bring its top-tier technology into the more affordable price and performance brackets.

The Case IH AFS Connect Puma uses the same tech employed in Case’s high horsepower range, such as the Steiger, Magnum and Optum.

The new tractor was shown recently at the FutureAg event held in Melbourne on April 17. The FutureAg Expo is a showcase of agricultural machinery and technology taking place at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Case IH's introduction of AFS Connect on its high horsepower tractor ranges over the past few years changed the game for local farmers, and now it has been rolled out across its popular Puma models adding new design features and performance updates, including the expanded connectivity capabilities.

Case IH Australia/New Zealand product manager for Puma tractors, Lawrence Polga, said the Puma was already renown for its performance and versatility.”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,” he said.

The new Puma models will also come with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as standard, and a new 260 horsepower model will be introduced, where previously the range stopped at 240hp. There's also bigger rear tyres, stronger front axle, and on the higher horsepower models in the range, a bigger back axle as well.

Case said that the most exciting upgrade is around 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," Mr Polga said.

He 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, 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," he said.

A new hydraulic cab suspension will be introduced for 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.

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, is 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. Increased storage, large cool box and multiple USB sockets will also be welcomed by operators.

The cab also features a Multi-controller armrest and its Multi-Function lever, larger AFS Pro 1200 touchscreen monitor with greater functionality, and A-pillar tablet instrumentation for engine/transmission information read-outs.

Via the new monitor at the armrest's front, key controls on the Multi-controller and armrest can be customised 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," Mr Polga said.

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

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