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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WHY IT MATTERS: The new Optum models fill a gap in Case IH’s lineup between the mid-range Puma and the heavy Steiger, giving Prairie producers a 435-hp option with CVT efficiency for mixed field and road work.
Built from the ground up
To fit the bigger engine, Case IH’s engineers had to start from scratch.
“Even though the Optum name is not new for Case IH, this tractor really is new from the ground up,” says Cadle.
The three new models get a sturdier version of the continuously variable CVXDrive transmission already offered in the current Optums — a 4 X 2 design beefed up to handle the extra horsepower.
“That 4 X 2 design gives us more mechanical efficiencies. It’s a proven design, very quiet,” he said.
The CVXDrive in these Optums can hit 37 m.p.h. (60 km/h) on the road.
More hydraulic flow
With the new Optums able to deliver more power and handle bigger implements, the hydraulic system needed to keep up.
A standard single-pump system delivers 58 g.p.m. (219 l/m), but an optional dual twin-flow system boosts that to 95 g.p.m. (360 l/m). That allows the tractors to run bigger implements or run at lower engine r.p.m. and still get high flow rates. A larger reservoir accommodates the demands of more hydraulic cylinders on an implement.
Suspension and breaking
The suspended front axle gets a redesign — moving from the standard setup to an independent front-link, double wishbone suspension.
“We get a really nice ride out of this tractor,” says Cadle. “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.”
An improved hydraulic braking system and the addition of an engine brake make these tractors well suited for road haulage. There is also an option for a built-in auto tire inflation system.
“It’s got an engine brake. You barely touch these brakes and the tractor stops on a dime if you need it to,” says Cadle.
Cab and styling
Inside, the cab carries over the design introduced a couple of model years back — the same one used in the new Puma range.
Outside, the Optums get a facelift with a redesigned hood and an appearance in line with the current Steigers, sprayers and newest Pumas. One unique detail: the IH emblem is built into the rear taillights.
Getting into the cab, steps are built into the 180-gallon fuel tank at a more gentle rake for easier access.
New Pumas too
The brand has also announced three new Puma models — 155-, 165- and 185-horsepower versions. Puma buyers can choose between the CVXDrive continuously variable transmission or the ActiveDrive 8 dual-clutch transmission.
Ordering and delivery
Since the Optums made their debut at Agritechnica in November, Cadle says the brand has had strong interest from North American customers.
“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, with deliveries expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
