Case-IH has launched an entirely new, fresh-faced two-model series filling the size gap between the Puma and Magnum ranges. Emily Padfield was at the launch.

Increasingly, farmers and contractors are asking for high horsepower neatly packaged in a compact, agile frame. For manufacturers, it’s become a race to pack as many horses as possible into the smallest but toughest frame, not only capable of handling the draft requirement that’s required of it, but also able to perform in a transport role.

See also: Case-IH overhauls 140-series Axial Flow combines

The Optum offers just that, according to Dan Stuart of Case-IH. Coming in at just under 3m, with a 2,995mm wheelbase, both models can handle a maximum vehicle weight of 16t, providing plenty of opportunity for ballast.

Case-IH is keen to stress that the Optum is designed and built in St Valentine, Austria, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Any models destined for the US market will be built here in Basildon, according to Mr Stuart.

There are two models in the line-up, the Optum 270 and 300, both powered by an FPT Industrial 6.7-litre NEF engine, fitted with a new electronic variable geometry turbo that promises to optimise engine fluid management. It also gets an enhanced cylinder head with new valves that deliver higher combustion pressure, he adds.

This new turbocharger also allows for an optional exhaust break feature, which stops fuel injection, closes the exhaust flap, ramps up the cooling fan and increases the vane angle of the VGT.

The new variable-pitch cooling fan is completely independent from the engine and can also be reversed to blow away any debris. This can be programmed into Case-IH’s headland management system, the HMC II, for jobs such as ploughing or baling.

Because the Optum is available only with a CVX transmission, engineers have introduced an advanced cylinder head and there is no boost as such, but a slight peak in power at 288hp for the Optum 270 and 313hp for the Optum 300.

Available with both 40kph and 50kph boxes, the transmission features four mechanical gears for maximum efficiency, and boasts performance of 53kph at 1,600rpm, offering significant transport savings, says Mr Stuart.

A new structural sump design not only avoids complex chassis arrangements and side rails, but is also beefy enough to handle heavy draft applications and removes the stress from the engine block.

The range features the front axle from the smaller Magnum models coupled with saddle-style front axle suspension, which features two hydraulic cylinders with 8deg of oscillation and 110mm of vertical travel.

“The problem can be transferring all this power to the ground, but that’s where tyre manufacturers come in. The Optum can handle being shod with 2.15m diameter (for example 710/75R42) tyres,” explains Mr Stuart.

With most Optum orders expected to include front linkages, there’s an industry first in terms of front pto. It’s the first time that a 1,000 eco pto will be offered, according to Mr Stuart. “This will be a real bonus for contractors running front and rear mower combinations or similar machines.”

For those wanting a healthy hydraulic capacity, there are two specs available, one 165 litre/min and another higher 223 litre/min, delivering 59hp and 81hp respectively. Both are pressure and flow controlled variable displacement piston pumps.

Because of this open hydraulic system, there is an extensive five-stage filtering system to prevent contamination and the service interval for changing the oil is 1,200 hours. Filter changes are due at 600 hours.

The Optum has a massive 630-litre fuel capacity, thanks to an ancillary tank on the opposite side to the filler cap, as well as a 96-litre AdBlue tank – enough for a full day’s work.

Other spec options such as Case-IH’s standard and advance ABS systems are available, as well as a novel tyre pressure monitoring system, which allows the operator to monitor air pressure on up to 16 tyres, both on the tractor itself or on the implement or trailer.

By replacing the standard valve cap with one that includes a wireless transponder, operators are able to monitor tyre pressures on the AFS 700 monitor in the cab, and even set parameters to alert them if there’s a puncture. An airline connection option is also available on the back of the tractor.

As well as a new bonnet design and lighting arrangement, both get a Magnum cab with 2.6sq m space and a healthy 5.87sq m glass and a high-visibility roof. The new models will go into production this autumn, are now available for order and will be launched at Agritechnica.