Despite its size, the big Magnum 245 tractor, from Case IH, is simple to operate
- Plenty of power
- Luxury trim
- Powerful brakes
- Sloping bonnet with clever hinge-lift system
- Stable ride that soaks up the bumps
Simplicity best describes the Magnum 245 tractor I operated because it was as easy to drive as a car.
The big Magnum 245 would be ideal for a contractor who does a lot of groundwork and, with 2002Nm of torque on tap, it’ll pull just about anything in the paddock.
Engine and power
The six cylinder, 8.3-litre Cummins engine generates a maximum of 185kW (248hp) and 2002Nm of torque at 1400rpm. Case IH says it peaks at 179kW (240hp) at the PTO and has an up to 53 percent PTO torque rise.
Technology driving the engine includes a turbocharger, four valves per cylinder, common rail fuel injection, with air to air exhaust gas cooling.
Case IH mounted the powerplant independent of the transmission and chassis to reduce vibration and engine stress.
Performance and handling
During the test the Magnum 245 felt very stable without any implements on the back. The suspension soaked up the same bumps that the lighter (and more high tech) Puma CVT225 bounced around on the day before.
Helping is the long 3005mm wheelbase, front suspension, and a healthy 112mm of travel.
The optional front suspension will automatically turn itself on at a speed above 8km/h.
Its turning circle is also quite impressive for such a long tractor. The heavily fabricated chassis is sculpted to permit the wheels to turn the tractor in a radius of 4.9m on full lock.
To move forward, simply start the engine, ensure it’s in a gear below around eighth (depending on the implement), engage the wet shuttle into forward and put your foot on the accelerator.
The driver has the choice of using the foot throttle or the main stick throttle. I tried both forms of control and had greater control using the foot pedal for delicate work.
Simple transmission
The 50km/h powershift transmission system has 19 forward speeds (40kmh 18-speed standard) that go right the way through by using the electro/hydraulic powershift switch. The Case IH system includes an electronic control which allows smooth shifts each and every time.
You have the option of using the Magnum in auto road mode where the operator can use the throttle to control vehicle speed and the transmission selects the optimum gear for hills etc. In-paddock you can also use the auto field mode, where the engine remains at your pre-set rpm and the transmission takes care of the ground speed as the load changes.
Inside the cab
You have a commanding view over your implements, helped by a large and seamless front windscreen and top to bottom one piece door windows – right in front of the B pillars.
Case IH’s optional Luxury specification includes red leather seat, leather steering wheel, tinted rear window, a grey leather instructor’s seat, and floor carpet.
The cab has plenty of space yet there are only a couple of places to put small things.
Contractor sized electrically adjustable mirrors and a good light system should make it even easier to use in the field.
There’s no front dash to speak of so for information the driver refers to the vertically stacked displays on the A pillar. A pair of LCD displays show the basic operating functions such as time, speed, gear position and PTO operation for the top display.
The smaller LCD display underneath is the main interface, with all the control pre-sets, and the small touch pad is directly below that, along with the warning light display. The Magnum can be fitted with a large colour screen as an optional extra.
On the hand throttle lever is the powershift toggle switch for changing up or down through all 19 gears. Beside that are the controls for the hydraulic remotes and their functions, which include three float settings, the linkage position dial, a headland management switch, diff lock, hitch load control, auto shift switch, PTO, and more.
Below the armrest are the controls for selecting functions such as hydraulic flow, remote valve timers, linkage rise/fall speed, and for headland management. The headland management record/play system can remember your previous half hour’s work (or so) and automatically load the timers of the relevant functions.
To the right is a row of lesser used switches, including the two (optional) constant engine pre-sets.
The Magnum 245 also comes ex-factory ready to accept a GPS guidance system.
See a range of Case IH tractors for sale.
Specifications
Engine Six-cylinder Cummins
Capacity 8.3 litres
Power rating 185kW (248hp)
Max torque 2002Nm at 1400rpm
Transmission 19/6 speeds (F & R) with full powershift
Clutch type Wet
Max speed 50km/h (with optional 19th speed)
Fuel capacity 682L
Front suspension Hydraulic, with 112mm travel
Min turn radius 5.6m
Weight 9499kg (with front suspension)
Max operating weight 12,000kg
Maximum hitch lift 6382kg (Std)
Hydraulics Four remotes with 166 or optional 223L/min flow, (three Std)
Wheelbase 3005mm
Photography: Terry Stevenson