Farmers contemplating buying a used Case Maxxum can hardly be accused of heading into uncharted territory; these long-serving mid-rangers have now been around for more than seven years, and their various strengths and weaknesses are well known within the trade. Here we summarise the findings from discussions with past and present Maxxum users
There’s something about the Case IH Maxxum that inspires loyalty. Neither particularly blessed with electronic sophistication nor exterior style, the tractor has a dedicated band of followers that regard the angular profiled mid-ranger as ‘it’ in the world of 100hp-130hp prime movers. Many, quite literally, would buy nothing else.
Such unstinting fidelity – many of our interviewees were driving their second or third tractor – brings a significant downside for potential new disciples to the Maxxum cult. Used prices are still holding up well, despite this year’s launch of the Case MX, and tidy examples are hard to find; the tractors are easy to sellon, and dealers know it.
Mechanically, the Maxxums have changed little since their introduction in 1990, and this probably goes some way to explaining their enduring popularity. Here we take a closer look at some of the more distinctive Maxxum features.
Starting with the transmission, the Maxxum’s four-speed powershift remains one of the tractor’s greatest assets, not least because it has proved a relatively reliable unit. Though no longer a strong selling point in itself – four-speed powershifts were not as widely available in 1991 as they are today – it is nonetheless quite rare to find such a box on an early 90s’ tractor.
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