Steiger Cougar III ST-280
Power
280 hp
Production
1981-1983
Engine
Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder
Transmission
Dana-Spicer 1010
Drive
4WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Steiger Cougar III ST-280
The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 is a high-horsepower four-wheel drive tractor produced by Steiger in Fargo, North Dakota, between 1981 and 1983. Designed for heavy-duty agricultural operations, this machine belongs to the Cougar series, known for its articulated steering and robust powertrain.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Caterpillar 3406DIT turbocharged diesel engine. This 14.6-liter (893 cubic inch), 6-cylinder liquid-cooled unit provides a rated output of 280 horsepower (208.8 kW) at 2100 RPM. It is engineered for high torque, peaking at 945 lb-ft (1281.4 Nm) at 1200 RPM, which allows for consistent performance under heavy draft loads.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Power is transferred through a Dana-Spicer 1010 transmission, featuring ten speeds paired with a two-speed transfer case, providing a total of 20 forward and 4 reverse gears. The drivetrain utilizes a 393.7 mm hydraulic dry disc clutch. The tractor features four-wheel drive with outboard planetary final drives, ensuring effective power delivery to the ground.
Hydraulics and Operator Environment
The hydraulic system is an open-center design operating at a pressure of 2250 psi (155.1 bar). It includes a dedicated Cat pump with a flow rate of 31.9 gpm (120.7 lpm) and a Cummins pump with 28.6 gpm (108.3 lpm), supporting 3 to 5 valves for implement control. The operator is housed in the standard Safari Cab, which includes both heating and air-conditioning systems as factory equipment.
Conclusion
The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 is a heavy-duty articulated tractor suited for large-scale field work. Its combination of a high-torque Caterpillar engine, multi-speed transmission, and climate-controlled cabin makes it a reliable asset for demanding traction and tillage tasks.
Production Information of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280
- Original price was $89,000 in 1983
- Four-wheel Drive (4WD) tractor
- Built in Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| Manufacturer | Steiger |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280
| Wheelbase | 128 inches [325 cm] |
|---|---|
| Height (exhaust) | 155.8 inches [395 cm] |
| Length | 252 inches [640 cm] |
| Width | 96 inches (tractor body) [243 cm] |
| Ag front | 18.4x38 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 24.5x32 |
| Ag front(optional) | 23.1-34 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x34 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x34 |
| Ag front(optional) | 30.5x32 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 30.5x32 |
| Ag front(optional) | 23.1-34 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x38 |
| Ag rear | 18.4x38 |
Engine Specifications of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280
- Caterpillar 3406DIT
- Liquid-cooled inline
- Turbocharged diesel
- 6-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 61 qts [57.7 L] |
|---|---|
| Air cleaner | Two paper elements |
| Rated RPM | 2100 |
| Torque RPM | 1200 |
| Torque | 945 lb-ft [1281.4 Nm] |
| Displacement | 893 ci [14.6 L] |
| Power | 280 hp [208.8 kW] |
| Bore/Stroke | 5.40x6.50 inches [137 x 165 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 70 qts [66.2 L] |
| Oil capacity | 36 qts [34.1 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280
Transmission variants 1
- Ten-speed transmission with two-speed transfer case.
| Transmission | Dana-Spicer 1010 |
|---|---|
| Gears | 20 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch | 393.7mm hydraulic dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280
- Four-wheel drive
- Safari Cab standard with heat and air-conditioning.
- Hydraulic dry disc brakes
- Articulated power steering
| Final drives | Outboard planetary |
|---|
Power Information of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280
- Https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/001/0/1/1017-steiger-cougar-iii-st-280-tests.html
Hydraulics Specifications of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Cummins Pump flow | 28.6 gpm [108.3 lpm] |
| Cat Pump flow | 31.9 gpm [120.7 lpm] |
| Pressure | 2250 psi [155.1 bar] |
| Valves | 3 to 5 |
Three-Point Hitch of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280
| Rear Type(optional) | III |
|---|
Electrical System of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 90 |
Where it sits
With 280 HP, the Steiger Cougar III ST-280 sits just above Cougar III ST-270 (270 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 ST-280 have?
The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 delivers 280 HP.
What years was the Steiger Cougar III ST-280 produced?
The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 was produced in 1981-1983.
What engine does the Steiger Cougar III ST-280 have?
The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Steiger Cougar III ST-280 use?
The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 uses a Dana-Spicer 1010 transmission.
Is the Steiger Cougar III ST-280 4WD?
The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 is available in 4WD.