Steiger Cougar III PT-250
Power
250 hp
Production
1979-1980
Engine
Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder
Transmission
Spicer SST 1010
Weight
28444 lbs [12902 kg]
Drive
4WD
Introduction
Steiger Cougar III PT-250: Heavy-Duty Articulated Tractor
The Steiger Cougar III PT-250 is a high-horsepower four-wheel-drive tractor manufactured between 1979 and 1980 in Fargo, North Dakota. Designed for large-scale agricultural operations, this machine represents the heavy-duty engineering standards of the late 1970s, focusing on traction, stability, and pulling capacity.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Caterpillar 3306T, a 10.5-liter, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. With a displacement of 638 cubic inches and a compression ratio of 17.5:1, it delivers a rated 250 horsepower at 2200 RPM. This liquid-cooled unit is optimized for sustained high-torque output required in heavy tillage and pulling applications.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The drivetrain features a constant mesh transmission with five speeds and two ranges, complemented by a two-speed transfer case, providing a total of 20 forward and 4 reverse gears. Power is transmitted through a hydraulic cerametallic dry disc clutch. The tractor utilizes an articulated steering system and outboard planetary final drives to manage power distribution across all four wheels.
Hydraulics and PTO
Equipped with an open-center hydraulic system, the Cougar III PT-250 provides a pump flow of 20 gallons per minute (75.7 lpm) at a system pressure of 2250 psi. The tractor supports 4 or 5 valves for implement control. The independent rear PTO offers dual speed options of 540 and 1000 RPM, allowing for versatile use with various power-driven implements.
Operator Environment and Chassis
The machine is built on a 132.5-inch wheelbase, providing a stable platform for field operations. It features the standard Safari Cab, which includes factory-installed air conditioning to enhance operator comfort during extended work hours. Safety and control are managed through hydraulic disc brakes and articulated power steering.
Conclusion
The Steiger Cougar III PT-250 is engineered for demanding tasks where high tractive effort and engine reliability are paramount. Its combination of a proven Caterpillar engine, robust articulated chassis, and multi-speed transmission makes it a suitable machine for large-acreage farming and heavy-duty draft applications.
Production Information of Steiger, Cougar III PT-250
- Original price was $74,500 in 1980
- Four-wheel Drive (4WD) tractor
- Built in Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| Manufacturer | Steiger |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Steiger, Cougar III PT-250
- Raba 598 rear axle
| Front axle | Raba 598 |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 132.5 inches [336 cm] |
| Shipping weight | 28444 lbs [12902 kg] |
| Height (exhaust) | 155.7 inches [395 cm] |
| Length | 264.6 inches [672 cm] |
| Max weight | 32000 lbs [14515 kg] |
| Width | 120.2 inches [305 cm] |
Minimum
| Ag front | 18.4-34 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8-38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 18.4-38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 24.5-32 |
| Ag front(optional) | 18.4-38 |
| Ag front | 23.1-30 |
| Ag front(optional) | 24.5-32 |
| Ag rear | 23.1-30 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 30.5-32 |
| Ag rear | 18.4-34 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 23.1-34 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 20.8-38 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 20.8-34 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 23.1-34 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 20.8-34 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 30.5-32 |
Engine Specifications of Steiger, Cougar III PT-250
- Caterpillar 3306T
- Liquid-cooled inline
- Turbocharged diesel
- 6-cylinder
| Starter volts | 12 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 638 ci [10.5 L] |
| Compression | 17.5:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.75x6.00 inches [121 x 152 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 52 qts [49.2 L] |
| Oil capacity | 26 qts [24.6 L] |
| Idle RPM | 830-2470 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Power | 250 hp [186.4 kW] |
Transmission Information of Steiger, Cougar III PT-250
Transmission variants 1
- Five-speed transmission with two ranges and a two-speed transfer case. Tractor must be stopped to shift ranges on transmission or transfer case.
| Transmission | Spicer SST 1010 |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 16 qts [15.1 L] |
| Clutch | Hydraulic cerametallic dry disc |
| Type | Constant mesh |
| Type(optional) | 37 qts [35.0 L] |
| Gears | 20 forward and 4 reverse |
Transmission only
Transmission and transfer case
Mechanical Specs of Steiger, Cougar III PT-250
- Four-wheel drive
- Safari Cab standard with air-conditioning.
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Articulated power steering
| Final drives | Outboard planetary |
|---|
Power Information of Steiger, Cougar III PT-250
| Rear PTO(optional) | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Hydrostatic-drive |
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Steiger, Cougar III PT-250
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 20 gpm [75.7 lpm] |
| Valves | 4 or 5 |
| Capacity | 22 gal [83.3 L] |
| Pressure | 2250 psi [155.1 bar] |
Three-Point Hitch of Steiger, Cougar III PT-250
| Rear Type(optional) | III |
|---|
Electrical System of Steiger, Cougar III PT-250
| Battery volts | 12 |
|---|---|
| Ground | Negative |
| Batteries | 4 |
| Charging volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery CCA | 475 |
| Charging amps | 90 |
Where it sits
With 250 HP, the Steiger Cougar III PT-250 sits between Steiger #1 (238 HP) and Cougar III PTA-251 (251 HP) in Steiger's range. Its power puts it in the 94th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1259 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Steiger Cougar III PT-250 have?
The Steiger Cougar III PT-250 delivers 250 HP.
What years was the Steiger Cougar III PT-250 produced?
The Steiger Cougar III PT-250 was produced in 1979-1980.
What engine does the Steiger Cougar III PT-250 have?
The Steiger Cougar III PT-250 is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Steiger Cougar III PT-250 use?
The Steiger Cougar III PT-250 uses a Spicer SST 1010 transmission.
How much does the Steiger Cougar III PT-250 weigh?
The Steiger Cougar III PT-250 weighs 28444 lbs [12902 kg].
Is the Steiger Cougar III PT-250 4WD?
The Steiger Cougar III PT-250 is available in 4WD.