Case IH’s association with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) goes back to its link with and buyout of Steyr tractors. With Case IH, Steyr and New Holland all part of the CNH Group, this Steyr-based technology became available to all of these brands.

These were branded CVX in CaseIH colours, CVT in Steyr colours and TVT in New Holland colours. In later years, CNH developed its own CVT transmission. These units were initially available in Case IH Puma models as CVX, developed for both US-built Magnums and the smaller Maxxum series.

There are three models in the Maxxum Multicontroller CVX range – the 110, 120 and 130. Our test tractor was the flagship 130 CVX.

All are four-cylinder tractors using Euro3b FPT-Fiat Power Train 4.485 litre engines. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is used to assist in meeting emission regulations, so no diesel particulate filter (DPF) is fitted.

Rated power of the Maxxum 130 CVX is quoted by the manufacturer at 131hp. With power management under mobile PTO, haulage and some hydraulic applications, this rises to 150hp.

Impression

The Maxxum 130 features the same styling as its larger and smaller siblings. It most resembles the larger Puma, because it uses the same cab.

The Maxxum series has evolved from the Case IH MXU. The higher specification Maxxum multicontroller (MC) versions have inherited the cab pillar display from the larger US-built Magnums. Lower specification versions retain a conventional dash display.

In the flesh, the only thing that gives away the Maxxum 130 CVX’s transmission abilities is its CVX badge. It features the same Multicontroller lever as the 16x16 powershift variant.

As a multicontroller variant, specification is quite high. It includes front suspension, cab suspension and three electro-hydraulic spool valves. Maximum lift capacity is quoted at 7.864t on MC variants and front linkage option has a maximum lift capacity of 3.1t.

The CVX MC versions get a higher output variable displacement hydraulic pump delivering a maximum of 125 litres/min. Other options include an integrated AFS Pro 700 monitor mounted on the front of the multicontroller armrest. In addition to monitoring tractor functions, it can connect to and control ISOBUS implements plus integrate GPS precision farming options. If the tractor is used for spraying or fertilizer spreading, it is more necessary than optional.

Transmission

The multicontroller lever on the seat’s armrest acts as a drive lever. In manual driving mode, push it forward and the tractor goes forward. The more you push it forward, the faster it goes. Pull it back, and it slows down. Pull it back all the way and it comes to a complete stop.

There are three user-defined ranges – F1, F2 and F3. So, for example, the operator can set the first to maximum of 8km/h, the second to 20km/h and the third to the tractor’s top speed of 50km/h. Additional buttons on the multicontroller lever select forward/reverse shuttle, lift raise/drop, one hydraulic function and more.

Another user-friendly feature on the lever is a thumbwheel under the grip handle. This allows the operator to set the maximum speed in each range, which can also be done while driving.

At floor level there are still clutch and brake pedals. Under the steering wheel is a conventional forward/ reverse shuttle lever which incorporates a park-brake.

Automatic driving mode is equally simple. The same range and speed settings apply, as does forward/reverse shuttling facility. For PTO work you can set the engine rpm with the small left-hand throttle lever on the multicontroller armrest. To make the tractor move you push the multicontroller lever forward to reach the maximum speed set by the driver. The accelerator pedal performs the same function only you use your foot instead. For general driving or road-going operations you can set the maximum engine rpm with the right-hand throttle lever and drive with the pedal or hand control.

For different operations, the aggressiveness of how the transmission reacts to the multicontroller lever/drive pedal can be set. Case IH has incorporated a hold facility into its transmission as well. Returning the drive lever home or releasing the accelerator pedal in auto mode brings the tractor to a stop without touching the brakes. And it will hold even on a hill with a substantial load on tow.

To work

Ideally we would like our test Maxxum to have been equipped with a loader. Its size and hydraulic output dictates it would potentially be an ideal loader tractor. Some light haulage work was on the agenda first, with some silage bales to be drawn back to the yard from field storage. About 8t of bales on a twin-axle bale trailer were no problem for the 130.

Next up was a much greater load, 13.5t on an 18ft twin-axle Broughan trailer. The little pocket rocket handled and stopped with the load quite well. But it was at the very upper limits of a tractor of this stature, with stiff hills in our area. Without cab and front-axle suspension, you definitely would not marry this task to the 130.

On the hill test home with the same trailer, we felt the Maxxum really was under pressure and dropped well down in forward speed. To be fair, we did the same task with a six-cylinder tractor developing around the same boosted power and the results were not that different.

Initially we did our trailer work in manual transmission mode but when we got used to the system, switched to auto. Auto is a really nice drive function for the road. You can choose to drive by pedal or multicontroller lever. We preferred pedal.

You can set up your middle range to suit junctions and turns. A quick change up the range sets cruising to the tractor’s maximum speed. In auto, once top speed is reached, the engine drops down to a fuel-sipping 1,750rpm.

It maintains this low rpm as best it can until it meets a hill. Engine Power Management (EPM) helps keep momentum going. According to the operator’s manual, EPM should cut in above 18kph and back out below 18kph. In practice, this was favourably lower on our test tractor.

Another useful feature of the transmission is what Case IH calls its anti-jack-knife function. Ordinarily, when the brake pedals are pressed, the transmission ratio is adjusted to compensate for a reduction in speeds. This apparently saves on tractor brake wear. When you release the brake pedals, more adjusting is required by the tractor’s computer to match engine and transmission ratios.

Pressing and holding the forward shuttle button (driving forwards), then pressing the brake pedal brings on the brakes of the tractor and trailer. This is far smoother when slowing down for junctions and works really well.

Reversing with a trailer did take a little bit of getting used to. You have to revert to normal tractor mode in your head, set up a speed on the drive lever and use the clutch and brakes as normal.

On to ploughing, at which the Maxxum 130 was in its element. A fixed-width Kverneland four-furrow reversible plough was handled with absolute ease. Some heavily trafficked headlands were ploughed uphill and downhill.

The Maxxum’s short wheelbase made it very manoeuvrable on headlands and multicontroller functions for three-point linkage, hydraulic turnover and forward/reverse shuttling were ideal.

The ground was really tough where it was tracked so four-wheel drive, diff lock and the front weights were essential. Auto management of diff lock and four-wheel drive made headland manoeuvres a little less busy. There is a headland management facility if you need to streamline headland tasks even further.

Would I put five furrows behind it? I don’t think so.

Function

Most functions are located on the armrest, and very easy to set up and use. Electrohydraulic services are even easy to set with different flow rates. A large dial under the armrest cover allows selection and navigation of EHR function. A small electric joystick integrated into the multicontroller armrest can be used to operate tractor hydraulic functions – rear, front (if fitted) or a loader.

Personally, when it comes to the A-pillar instrument display, I would prefer the analogue gauge functions and warning light function to go back to the centre dash. All are OK for field work but in the wrong direction for your eye on the road.

Right-hand door function is retained on the Maxxum multicontroller. It is not necessarily the easiest to get to, but you can get to it if necessary.

Electric mirrors are really useful when changing trailers and especially useful for reversing high-side trailers around corners.

Separate to the handbrake, CVX versions have a park-brake function engaged by the steering wheel forward/reverse shuttle lever. The park-brake function of the Maxxum CVX is very useful and adds an extra element of safety to tractor use around the farm. The park-brake is automatically applied if the tractor is stationary for more than 45 seconds.

Storage specs are not too bad on Case IH Maxxum 130 CVX. A large pocket up front fills the gap left by the relocating of the instrument cluster. Other pockets and storage nets around the tractor help as well. Two pockets up in the roof beside the radio could do with some frontal netting to stop objects falling. A decent passenger seat is also welcome. Finally, there are lots of power points positioned at various locations inside the cab, including two wire pole type connectors.

CaseIH Maxxum 130 CVX specifications

Engine: 4.485-litre, four-cylinder, Stage 3b, FPT

Rated power: 131hp

Maximum power with engine management: 163hp

Maximum torque with engine management: 676Nm

Transmission: 50kp continuously variable transmission

Hydraulics: 125 litres/min closed centre load sensing hydraulic pump

Maximum rear linkage lift capacity: 7,864kg

Maximum front linkage lift capacity: 3,100kg

PTO: 540rpm /540rpm economy/ 1000rpm

Weight: 5,300kg

Wheelbase: 2.454mm (with front axle suspension)

Turning radius: 4.05 metres

Tyres: Continental 600/65-R38 (rear) & 480/65-R38

Fuel tank/AdBlue capacity: 175 litres/37 litres.

Price: N/A