Case IH Maxxum tractor review- Maxxum 110 CVT

Stepless continuously variable transmission is quite commonplace in larger operations these days,but the Case IH Maxxum CVT range of tractors has opened the market to smaller-output users in the 110-130hp bracket. Brent Lilley reports.

Case IH distributor CB Norwood chose New Zealand’s National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek in Hamilton to release its all new Case IH Maxxum CVT line-up, featuring three tractors from 110-130hp (80.9-95.6kW) — all with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The lead up to the June Fieldays, the largest agribusiness exhibition in the southern hemisphere, can be pretty hectic for most exhibitors, but thankfully the guys from Case IH were happy to take some time to give me a preview of the new Case IH Maxxum 110 CVT tractor.

Although I got to drive both the Classic and the Ultimate spec machines, it’s largely the Ultimate spec — featuring front axle suspension, 50km/h road speed with air brakes and Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) monitor —I chose to concentrate on for this test.

Engine

Transmission

Linkage and hydraulics

Case IH Maxxum 110 CVT engine

The single-piece bonnet opens up (using a special tool, due to European Union regulations) nice and high to give access to the compact-yet-powerful engine, built by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), a subsidiary of CNH Global.

This is a 4 cylinder, 4.5-litre, turbocharged engine using electronic common rail injection to maximise power while reducing fuel consumption.

The electronic engine management system will give a power boost up to 143hp (105.2kW) on demand under tough conditions, while a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system (AdBlue, for example) is used to treat exhaust gases after combustion to meet Tier 4 emissions standards.

Although I didn’t get into any seriously demanding work on the day, the engine was very responsive and my past experience with similar engines is in line with Case IH’s claim the engine is designed to hold on better with maximum torque at lower engine speeds.

A fuel tank capacity of 175 litres of diesel and 37 litres of AdBlue will keep the machine working through the day and into the night.

Servicing intervals are definitely a stand-out point, and, although I have heard some disbelief in the past from others, Case IH maintains its stance on 600-hour suggested intervals for engine oil and filters, along with 1,200-hour intervals for transmission oil, which leads to less downtime and lower running costs.

Case IH Maxxum 110 CVT Transmission

without getting too in-depth and complicated — the Case IH CVT uses a combination hydrostatic drive pump motor and a double-clutched mechanical gearbox, which work together to provide a smooth, stepless, variable-speed drive from 0-50km/h.

While this transmission is new to the Maxxum range, it’s thoroughly tried, tested, and proven in the larger models. The Active Stop component of the transmission means you can pull the Multifunction handle all the way back or release the drive pedal and the tractor will stop, without having to push the clutch or brakes — the transmission will hold the tractor stationary even if it is stopped on a slope.

Cleverly, this also provides a form of engine braking that prevents the tractor from gaining speed downhill to give greater control over the machine — something that really impressed me. This transmission is a simple, smooth experience to drive. The three working speed ranges give excellent control in all situations. They are adjustable, and can be changed on the fly. The aggressiveness of the transmission can also be varied.

Case IH Maxxum 110 CVT linkage and hydraulics

This Case IH Maxxum is able to lift a whopping 7,864kg, which is more than capable of meeting any demand.

The quick-link Category 2 hook arms, along with turnbuckle and pin-style stabiliser arms make hitching implements a breeze.

The main hydraulic pump provides an impressive 125 litres per minute, which will be more than adequate for almost all demands while a separate dedicated pump with a 40l/m output is used for the steering circuit to ensure there’s always enough oil for steering.

There is an array of options available for hydraulic remote valve for these machines, from up to four at the back, along with front linkage and mid-mount valves for loaders.

But standard on the Ultimate spec machine are four sets of remote valves, which are electronically controlled. When combined with the AFS 700 monitor in the cab, this gives the operator impressive control over their set-up, including a handy feature that allows operations to be learned as you go rather than having to be programmed in manually.

Now the low point, is the fact the rear remote valves are stacked vertically on the right-hand side of the top link.

This is a pain when you tend to be hitching implements from the left-hand side. They are also numbered from the bottom to the top, which seems to defy logic, but, as I’ve said in the past, it all comes down to what you get used to.

Case IH Maxxum 110 CVT Cab

Case IH has largely hit the mark with the cab on the Maxxum, which is a spacious four-posted affair that comes standard with a tinted back window to shield you from the sun. Wide doors can attract mixed opinions with some — there’s praise for their excellent visibility and accessibility, but large heavy doors can catch the wind.

Once in the cab, there is a large deluxe air seat for the operator and a comfortable jump seat for any co-pilots, the familiar tan upholstery is pleasing on the eye and the steering column and dash is easily adjusted with a foot pedal.

My praise goes to the man at Case IH who finally decided to move the air-conditioning controls from the rear pillar to the roof on the right-hand side, making it far easier to use while driving.

Extra slots next to the air-con and a radio in the roof also provide a convenient spot for a CB radio or handy extra storage, along with the ample-sized removable bin on the left-hand side of the seat.

Several digital displays, corresponding buttons, and lights are built into the right-hand A-pillar to give the operator are clear view of the tractor’s vital stats. Cab suspension complements the front axle suspension to give a smooth ride.

Case IH Maxxum 110 CVT Controls

Controls for the tractor are by and large contained on the right-hand armrest of the seat, which is easily adjusted into just the right spot.

Up front on the Ultimate spec machine is the Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) 700 monitor, which is the same ISOBus touchscreen monitor found across the CNH range. It uses customisable run screens that can display a wealth of information, while also being able to run ISOBus compatible implements and cameras.

The heart of the controls is the familiar Multicontroller, now featuring in almost all Case IH models over 100hp (73.6kW).

On the face, redesigned, larger raised buttons are used to change direction and change the work speed range. There’s a scroll wheel on the underside used to adjust the maximum speed of each work range and a further four buttons give control of the linkage and a hydraulic remote valve.

The Multicontroller also controls the engine rpm and hence the speed of the tractor by pushing it forward. One problem was that when pushed right forward, your hand can hit the bottom of the AFS 700 screen.

A row of switches gives control over the hydraulic remote valves, along with a small programmable joystick that will be handy if a loader is fitted.

A membrane panel uses well-laid-out, colour-coded pictorial buttons that effectively give control over the rest of the functions of the tractor.

The Verdict

I came away feeling pretty impressed with the Case IH Maxxum 110 CVT. It’s a great all-round package, combining the simplicity, familiarity, and features that are already common place in the Maxxum range, with benefits of a proven and reliable CVT transmission found in the larger Case IH models.

Subtle changes in the cab, such as moving the air-conditioning controls to the roof, increased storage compartments, and a tinted rear window, all get a big thumbs-up from me.

While the location and layout of the rear remote valves is a hindrance when hitching up implements, it isn’t a deal breaker and could easily be sorted by Case IH.

What this model does well is it opens up the benefits of a CVT to a market that previously would have found it tough to justify the extra expense by providing an economical option.