Review: Case IH Puma 240 CVX Drive

By: Dan Reymer

Date: 24.11.2022

Multiple new features and reliability upgrades are at the forefront of the new Stage V Case IH Puma and the LWB model is proving a definite success

Each series of the Case IH family has been getting a re-vamp over the last few years. A modernised look is an obvious cosmetic design change to the Stage V Case IH Puma, while multiple new features and reliability upgrades are at the forefront of the new Series releases.

Sleek design performs and delivers on its promises

With the arrival of the Case IH standard wheelbase Puma earlier this year, the countdown began for the release of the long wheelbase Puma.

The long wheelbase Case IH Puma has been proven around the country for the last 12 years, with slight changes during that time, so I was looking forward to seeing the latest updates. No sooner had one arrived in the yard of Giltrap AgriZone in Cambridge than I was behind the wheel for a more in-depth look to assess the finer details along with the CVX Drive transmission (which complies with the latest Tier V emissions standards).

The Puma Series is well-established around the world serving farmers and contractors of all sizes. With such a diverse range of sizes and transmission options, a suitable machine is available for any application. The LWB Puma with the CVX Drive transmission comes in a choice of 185, 200, 220, and 240 model sizes. Case IH showcases the standard horsepower as their model sizes, which makes it rather easy to identify the size of the tractor. Each model has a significant power boost feature which ranges from 25 to 40 additional horsepower.

Large rear window offers good visibility of the attached implement

Specs

The Stage V LWB Puma features the reliable 6.7-litre FPT industrial engine that has proved its worth in multiple areas. The 240 CVX Drive puts out 240hp at standard operating but boosts to 270hp in certain PTO and transport operations. Along with phenomenal horsepower, it comes with 1160Nm of peak torque – plenty of power for most applications.

The substantial 388-litre fuel tank allows plenty to get a full day’s work done, along with a 57-litre AdBlue tank. A great design of the tanks on the Puma series is that the bottom of the tank slopes, so fuel pick-up is always submerged. Other tanks may have larger capacities, but on slopes, the fuel runs to one side of the tank causing air to make its way up the fuel lines. The 50kph CVXDrive transmission has had several refinements over previous models, which impressed me. The top speed of 53kph is achieved at 1530 engine RPM, leaving more fuel available in the paddock where it’s needed. The LWB Puma has a bigger, heavier trans than the SWB models. Featuring a four-stage transmission, it automatically changes through each range allowing the perfect speed for each situation. This set-up also reduces wear, as it’s always in the right range for its speed and carried load.

New bonnet opens well clear of the engine bay

The Case IH Puma 240 CVX Drive we had to look at was a rather high spec, built exactly to the customers’ (Stephen Reymer) requirements, as it was pre-ordered through the local Case IH dealer, Giltrap Agrizone. Coming from a Puma 195 CVT, Steve chose to stick with the Case IH Puma series as he likes the precise speed control, layout of the dash on the A pillar along with the armrest configuration, the overall size and balance of the tractor, and the low cost of ownership. A range of options was selected, such as a hydraulic pick-up hitch, no sunroof, full auto guidance, and front linkage PTO. Available in a ‘classic’ or ‘ultimate’ specification, the customer can easily choose the starting base of their new tractor.

This particular 240 was spec’d in the ultimate package that includes a wide variety of features over the classic spec. Four-speed rear PTO is standard on these tractors, and the LWB CVX Drive models are electronically shifted between 540, 540E, 1000, and 1000E. The rear hydraulics on the ultimate spec are sizeable with a 170 litres per minute pump, pumping to five rear remotes and power beyond. A great part of the Case IH set-up is that the hydraulic top link is permanently plumbed into its own spool, plus the pick-up hitch extension is on its own spool as well. This essentially gives the tractor seven rear hydraulic spool valves with options for more. The 10,463kg rear linkage capacity certainly has the capability to lift whatever you hitch on while the front has a 3785kg lift capacity.

Test time

Being able to pick up the Case IH Puma 240 CVX Drive from the dealer and drive it to its new home was a special moment. The first job for the new machine was strip-tilling some maize ground, where the use of the factory-fitted auto guidance system was a necessity. Five minutes after hitching, the tractor was set up and steering itself in the paddock.

Plenty of vision out across the compact front bonnet

The Case IH AFS 700 screen makes it simple with a clear layout and a combination of words and pictures on the buttons to eliminate any confusion. With the ability to fully customise each run screen, plus the left-hand column, there’s no shortage of information provided to the operator. The ability to re-name each run screen is a bonus so if a different operator needs to use the tractor, each screen is well set out and simple to change between operations. The AFS screen on this model is a hybrid between the old series and the new AFS connect tractors. This incorporates a new wheel layout for the main menu as well as the original main menu.

Making the tractor work hard for its first hours on the job is a must. Testing out the draft control and wheel slip settings were needed on the moist peat soil. They didn’t disappoint either, as the wheel slip increased in a soft spot, and the linkage lifted and dropped at the right areas leaving a nice even finish. The AFS 700 screen clearly displayed all fuel usage data along with productivity rates and field areas.

Another notable part of the Case IH Puma is how cool the whole machine runs. Keeping an engine and transmission cool helps keep efficiency up along with integral components from overheating and failing. Another standout feature is the front axle. The 240 model features a six-tonne, heavy-duty front axle. Improved design has extremely large kingpins and grease nipples to prevent failure. Having the brakes inside the front hubs also means braking is applied at the most direct contact to the ground, reducing unnecessary load on components in the driveline. Variable rate steering was also an added feature of this new model. Easy to set up and adjust through the AFS 700 screen, the speed makes headland turns a breeze, not to mention how smooth and light the wheel is to turn.

Factory GPS system working perfectly fresh out the box

Class 3 ISOBUS is now in full implementation on the Stage V Puma. This series of ISOBUS allows the implement to control certain parts of the tractor such as speed. Machines such as big square balers can control the speed to keep operating at full productivity. This reduces downtime and eliminates overloading of drivelines.

Hitching up to machines is straightforward, with dedicated buttons for hitching. The ability to override all draft settings and inch the linkage makes hitching up an easy and safe procedure. The addition of a pick-up hitch on this tractor makes hitching trailers simple and fast. The hook is lowered from the cab, extended to pick up a trailer hitch, and bought back into the locked position without any winding of jacks or plugging in of hoses.

As part of the Tier Five regulations, emission standards have to be at a higher level, and CaseIH has adopted a selective catalytic reduction rather than alternative or supplementary exhaust gas recirculation. Cutting the emission jargon short, this essentially means for the owner, longer service intervals, which are now boasted at 750 hours on the engine and 1500 on the transmission. This helps reduce the cost of ownership with fewer services over the machine’s lifetime.

New features

Multiple new features are packed into the AFS (advanced farming systems) screen that I’ve been looking forward to seeing in the flesh. The new transmission control screen allows the operator to set each individual transmission setting from acceleration and deceleration, all the way to whether you want it to roll to a stop or stop as fast as possible.

Large lift capacity handles heavy implements with ease

The improvements on this front make the tractor a dream to drive in every aspect, including the forward-reverse shuttle. The transmission brake function (activated by pulling the stick back rapidly) combined with the exhaust brake brings the tractor to a halt at an impressive pace.

Case IH has an advanced braking system where it will apply the brakes, including trailer brakes, at a rate based on the pressure applied by the operator’s foot also applying the trailers first. Another feature to note is the anti-jack-knife system, whereby, by pressing the forward button, the trailer brakes are applied only, therefore, stretching the unit and avoiding jackknifing.

Also updated on the new stage Puma V are the stabiliser arms, with the addition of a pin feature to change between Cat 2 width and Cat 3 at the pull of a pin. I’d say it would be the best design on the market I’ve seen to date: they are rapid to set, coarse thread prevents dirt and other matter from blocking the threads, and chains lift the locks up when the linkage drops for jobs such as ploughing.

New transmission control set-up screen

Hitching to the front is made twice as simple, thanks to the new hood camera. An extremely wide-angle lens covers the front link arms and front tyres. This provides the operator with the ability to get extremely precise when hitching, minimising time getting in and out of the cab, along with making it easier to navigate tight gateways.

Improvements

Timing is a large part of farming. So, when the time comes, every minute of every day is soaked up and often turns into the night. The 240 CVX Drive we had to test was fully spec’d in the lighting department with 14 led work lights and another six in the front of the new style bonnet. The arrangement of lights definitely gives 360 degrees of light and brightens up a large area of ground. The new bonnet lights give an awesome view of the front end and out to the sides in front of the front wheels.

The new look grill also allows more airflow through the radiators, as there’s much more grill area. When spec’d with front linkage and PTO, reverse fan comes standard, which is a paramount feature for stacking and mowing. A push of a button reverses the fan blades blowing all foreign matter off the grill, allowing fresh air into the cooling package again.

Inside the cab is where a heap more of other improvements have been made. From the new aluminium steps to the in-cab mirror, refinements have been made to improve operator comfort. One of the first noticeable points is the new low window wiper that covers basically double of the previous models, which is an immense upgrade. The home position is also on a downhill angle, so dust and water don’t build up on top and block vision. The fridge has a touch of its lunchroom space cut off due to this change, but a lid has been added to keep the sun off the important lunchtime meal.

A well-refined style for a great-looking and performing machine

Also worth noting is an improvement to the indicator and wiper stalks. Previous models were prone to self-cancel and were hard to push, but the latest Puma features a new design with electronic cancelling to eliminate any frustrations, and there’s a luxurious quality feel that comes with the new design.

The monitor rail has also been revised with new sliding rail clamps to add all implement monitors needed along with a factory-fitted phone holder with two USB ports for charging options. The in-cab mirror has been placed in a more strategic location adding to greater visibility, and the new thicker headlining gives an even quieter cab. The all-new steering wheel finishes the refinements off and adds to the quality feeling of the Case IH Puma. Although marker/hazard boards aren’t a factory-fit option yet, the team at Giltrap Agrizone did an extraordinary job designing and fitting these to comply with the road regulations here in New Zealand.

Summary

The Case IH Puma series has had an impressive refinement and multiple new features have been introduced to the series. Operator comfort has been vastly improved in all areas. The AFS 700 screen is simple to use and is straightforward and can produce any piece of information needed.

Hydraulic capacity on the 240 Ultimate spec runs a 170 litres per minute pump ad with five rear remote valves, power beyond, hydraulic top link, and pick-up hitch, all on their own separate spool valve. One of the most impressive updates though is the transmission control screen. The ability to adjust and refine settings to match operator preference is a great step forward. The responsiveness, shuttle, and deceleration have all been vastly improved, making 240 Puma a dream to operate. The 2884mm wheelbase is a versatile size and to push 270hp out at 1160Nm of torque, the end result is an extremely manoeuvrable machine with the power to tackle any job.

Case IH Puma 240 CVX Drive Ultimate Specifications

Engine	6.7L stage V FPT industrial
Transmission	CVT/stepless 50kph
Horsepower standard/boosted	240/270
Torque	1160Nm
Hydraulic pump capacity	170L/min
Fuel Tank	388L
AdBlue tank	57L
Stabiliser arms	Automatic
Rear hydraulic remotes	5 + 2 (top link and pick-up hitch)
Lights	20 LED 360-degree
Exhaust brake	Yes
Wheelbase	2884mm