Watch: test driving the chunky Case IH 300 Optum CVX

The Case IH Optum 300 CVX took centre stage on the McGuinness brothers’ farm at Richardstown, Ardee, along with the new high-spec Luxxum model.

The new Case IH Optum range fills the gap between the Puma and Magnum models, with two models at 270hp and 300hp. Some of the key features of the new tractor include a standard four-speed rear PTO and two-speed front PTO, which is unique in this class of tractor.

The development of the Optum range sees Case IH recognise that there is a demand for ever higher horsepower tractors in a compact, conventional build. Tractors of this build size and up to 300hp are particularly popular among contractors and large tillage users.

The new Case IH Optum 270 and 300 provides more power in a tractor closer to Puma rather than the Magnum, according to Michael. In fact, the Optum range is not unlike the Puma series in many respects. Its engine, drivetrain and cab have all evolved from the Puma series. That said, there are a huge number of differences between the Optum and Puma.

The Optum’s styling follows very clearly from the Case IH family styling. The bonnet is like an aggressive version of the Puma’s. And the range also has the new roof hood with LED lights. Inside at the controls is a familiar place to be for any existing Case IH operator.

Engine

Powering both Optum models is a fully reworked Tier 4-Final, 6.7-litre NEF engine from FPT. There is no boost facility on Optum models. Rated horsepower of 270hp and 300hp is achieved on both models at a rated speed of 2,100rpm. Maximum power of 313hp is achieved at 1,800rpm on the larger of the two.

Quite a bit of work has been done on the tuning side to meet stringent T4-final emission standards and get the extra power out of the NEF engine. This FPT did without adding exhaust gas recirculation or a diesel particulate filter.

FPT enhanced the cylinder head design of the NEF engine with new valve material and design for higher combustion pressure. Pumping more air into the engine is a single eVGT (variable geometry turbo) electrically controlled.

Lower powered Pumas use a standard wastegate turbo.

The Optum features familiar styling, to the rest of the Case IH range, especially the Puma and Maxxum.

The turbo incorporates some clever features including an exhaust flap which closes to get the engine up to running temperature quicker.

As an option, this can be used as an exhaust brake, operated by a second accelerator pedal on the left hand of the foot pedal assembly.

Cleaning up the engine’s exhaust gases after combustion is the Hi-eSCR-only after-treatment solution. This is a catalyst-only based system using three “cats” in total to scrub the exhaust gases clean. Used are a diesel oxidation catalyst, selective catalytic reduction (AdBlue) and clean up catalyst. The latter cleans up the bad smell of the ammonia used in SCR.

Physically, the engine receives a structural sump and the engine block is no longer stressed. The new structural sump design also eliminates the need for side rail supports.

New intricately moulded plastic fuel tank and auxiliary fuel tank are wrapped around, and extend into every void to create an on-board fuel capacity of 630 litres on the new Optum. AdBlue capacity is 96 litres.

Transmission

Moving rearwards and the Optum’s drivetrain is based on the Puma, but beefed up to handle the extra power. The gear ratios are also different from the smaller Puma, and out at the axles is a double epicyclic final drive in each trumpet housing.

Flange or bar axle design is available. The Optum can accommodate tyres up to 2.15m in diameter. Optionally available is a tyre pressure monitoring system but not inflation/deflation. Up to 16 tyres can be monitored on the tractor’s AFS monitor.

There are four mechanical ranges within the CVX transmission to provide maximum efficiency, according to Michael. Range changes are automatically managed by the tractor’s electronic control system, and in conjunction with the double-clutch system. Top speed of 50km/h is achieved at a fuel sipping 1,600 engine rpm, according to Michael.

At the very rear, a four-speed PTO is standard, providing ECO 540/1,000rpm speeds in addition to standard 540/1,000rpm speeds. PTO speed selection has been via lever-operated cable controls on Puma tractors.

On the new Optum, PTO gear speed shifting has gone electric, with speeds being shifted directly by electrically operated solenoids. Up front, Case IH offers a two speed PTO as standard. An industry-first Case IH claims with standard 1,000rpm and 1,000rpm eco speed offering.

The standard hydraulic pump offered is a 165-litre/min pressure and flow controlled, variable displacement piston pump. Optionally available is a 223-litre/min pump.

The hydraulic and transmission system share the one backend oil. Featuring an extra backend-oil sump, the Optum has a massive 148-litre backend oil capacity. The extra sump helps keep oil drag to a minimum, maintaining transmission efficiency.

Three replaceable filters plus a suction filter and mesh filters in the hydraulic lines ensure the oil is kept clean as possible. Filter change intervals are 600 hours while backend oil is double that at 1,200 hours.

Steering the Optum is a front axle used on the smaller Magnum models, which is rated for 7,500kg. This features a saddle-type suspension system, similar to that used on the Magnum.

The comfort level of the front suspension can be set from the seat’s armrest controller to hard, medium or soft.

Front axle brakes are available as an option.

The Case IH Optum is a big hitter, pushing out at maximum 313hp from the FPT motor.

Standard is reactive steering which means the wheels return to straight ahead like a mechanical or power-assisted steering system.

ABS braking is also offered as an option. Cab suspension is a mechanical-only system with five comfort settings.

Inside the cab and things are much the same as Puma models. The Optum benefits from changes to Case IH’s headland management system introduced earlier. The Optum also features ISOBUS Class 3 with federate control for use with the Case IH large square baler range. This allows the baler to control the tractor’s forward speed to get the most out of both tractor and baler.

Seating options are also similar to those recently introduced on Puma models, including dual-motion, leather and various seat heating options. Again there are lots of lighting options, halogen and LED.

Operation in the field

To demonstrate the Optum in the field, a Kverneland 6 furrow fully mounted reversible was hooked up. No problems lifting the plough with the Optum and the controls for the plough were connected to the ISOBUS terminal. All settings could be altered form the AFS monitor for wheel depth, front furrow and much more. Being a long-standing powershift tractor driver with a left hand forward reverse shuttle, it did take a little bit of getting used to at first.

When driving the Optum tractor using pedal mode to accelerate, simply push on the pedal to push on through the transmission speed in either forward or reverse. The CVX transmission has a range of driving settings to match nearly all tasks. The two-throttle type assembly on the control armrest gives the operator the ability to mix and match the engine speed, to suit the forward speed of the tractor.

Depending on the setting, the tractor can either hold the forward speed constant, for jobs like ploughing, or hold the engine speed constant and reduce the forward speed.

For tasks such as powering a trailed silage harvester, the forward speed will reduce automatically to keep the engine at full RPM and blowing the grass up the chute. When the load comes off, then the transmission will resume the desired forward speed. This CVX transmission has full solenoid control of the ranges within the unit.

The AFS monitor with the updated headland management system.

The CVX transmission technology with APM software is behind the heart of tractor in the big FPT motor, to get the best out of the Optum. On the Optum, a selection of driving modes are available:

To conclude, this tractor is predominantly like the Puma, with a heavy duty Magnum feel. The tractor is priced around €185,000 plus VAT depending on specification. It is likely to make an impact in the high horsepower market, as it ticks all the boxes in this segment of the market.