Steiger Cougar III PTA-280
Power
280 hp
Production
1981-1983
Engine
Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder
Transmission
Allison HT-754
Weight
34000 lbs [15422 kg]
Drive
4WD
Introduction
Steiger Cougar III PTA-280: Articulated 4WD Tractor
Produced by Steiger in Fargo, North Dakota, between 1981 and 1983, the Cougar III PTA-280 is a heavy-duty articulated four-wheel drive tractor designed for large-scale agricultural operations requiring significant traction and power.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Caterpillar 3406-DIT 14.6-liter, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. It generates 280 horsepower at a rated speed of 2100 RPM, with a peak torque of 945 lb-ft reaching its maximum at 1200 RPM. The cooling system has a capacity of 70 quarts, and the engine includes ether injection and a block heater for reliable cold-weather starting.
Transmission and Drive System
Power is managed through an Allison HT-754 power shift transmission equipped with a torque converter, offering 10 forward and 2 reverse gears. The machine utilizes a 4x4 articulated steering system, supported by outboard planetary final drives to handle high torque loads during field operations.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is an open-center configuration providing a pump flow of 28.6 gpm (108.3 lpm) at a pressure of 2250 psi, utilizing 3 to 5 valves to operate various implements. The independent rear PTO offers dual speed settings of 540 and 1000 RPM, allowing for versatile equipment compatibility.
Dimensions and Operator Environment
With a wheelbase of 132.5 inches and a maximum weight of 34,000 lbs, the tractor is built for stability under heavy draft loads. The operator station features the standard Safari Cab, which includes air conditioning. Hydraulic disc brakes are utilized to ensure stopping control for the machine's mass.
Conclusion
The Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 is a robust, high-horsepower tractor engineered for demanding soil engagement tasks and heavy-duty field work. Its combination of a high-torque Caterpillar engine and articulated 4WD makes it suitable for large acreage farming.
Production Information of Steiger, Cougar III PTA-280
- Original price was $103,000 in 1983
- Four-wheel Drive (4WD) tractor
- Built in Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| Manufacturer | Steiger |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Steiger, Cougar III PTA-280
| Max weight | 34000 lbs [15422 kg] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 132.5 inches [336 cm] |
| Wheelbase(optional) | 140.3 inches [356 cm] |
| Wheelbase(optional) | 95.7 inches [243 cm] |
| Length | 264.6 inches [672 cm] |
| Shipping weight | 27600 lbs [12519 kg] |
| Width | 39 inches [99 cm] |
Outer width of duals
Fenders
Frame
| Ag front | 23.1x34 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x34 |
| Ag rear | 23.1x34 |
| Ag rear | 18.4x38 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 24.5x32 |
| Ag front | 18.4x38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 30.5x32 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x34 |
| Ag front(optional) | 30.5x32 |
Engine Specifications of Steiger, Cougar III PTA-280
- Caterpillar 3406-DIT
- Liquid-cooled inline
- Turbocharged diesel
- 6-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 56 qts [53.0 L] |
|---|---|
| Pre-heating | Ether injection |
| Pre-heating(optional) | Block heater |
| Torque | 945 lb-ft [1281.4 Nm] |
| Rated RPM | 2100 |
| Displacement | 893 ci [14.6 L] |
| Power | 280 hp [208.8 kW] |
| Bore/Stroke | 5.4x6.5 inches [137 x 165 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 70 qts [66.2 L] |
| Oil capacity | 36 qts [34.1 L] |
| Torque RPM | 1200 |
Transmission Information of Steiger, Cougar III PTA-280
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Allison HT-754 |
|---|---|
| Type | Power shift with torque converter |
| Gears | 10 forward and 2 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Steiger, Cougar III PTA-280
- Safari Cab standard with air-conditioning.
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Articulated power steering
| Drive | 4x4 articualted 4WD |
|---|---|
| Final drives | Outboard planetary |
Power Information of Steiger, Cougar III PTA-280
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Steiger, Cougar III PTA-280
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 28.6 gpm [108.3 lpm] |
| Pressure | 2250 psi [155.1 bar] |
| Valves | 3 to 5 |
Three-Point Hitch of Steiger, Cougar III PTA-280
| Rear Type(optional) | III |
|---|
Electrical System of Steiger, Cougar III PTA-280
| Charging system | Alternator |
|---|---|
| Charging amps | 90 |
Where it sits
With 280 HP, the Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 sits between Cougar III ST-270 (270 HP) and Panther III PTA-297 (295 HP) in Steiger's range. Its power puts it in the 94th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 have?
The Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 delivers 280 HP.
What years was the Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 produced?
The Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 was produced in 1981-1983.
What engine does the Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 have?
The Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 use?
The Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 uses a Allison HT-754 transmission.
How much does the Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 weigh?
The Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 weighs 34000 lbs [15422 kg].
Is the Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 4WD?
The Steiger Cougar III PTA-280 is available in 4WD.