Steiger Cougar III ST-280

Name: Steiger Cougar III ST-280
Brand: Steiger

Power

280 hp

Production

1981-1983

Engine

Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder

Transmission

Dana-Spicer 1010

Drive

4WD

Over 200 HP 1980s

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."

Introduction

Production Information of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280

The production information of the tractor (Cougar III ST-280) includes details about its manufacturing.

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

This section sums up the dimension and tires information of the tractor.


Wheelbase	128 inches [325 cm]
Height (exhaust)	155.8 inches [395 cm]
Length	252 inches [640 cm]
Width	96 inches (tractor body) [243 cm]


	24.5x32
Ag front	18.4x38
	24.5x32
	23.1-34
	20.8x34
	20.8x34
	30.5x32
	20.8x38
	30.5x32
	23.1-34
	20.8x38
Ag rear	18.4x38

Engine Specifications of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280

Get the specifications for the engine and if different options are available.

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-280Y

Discover all variants of transmission available for this tractor model.

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-280Y

This section summarizes all mechanical information such as the brake system and other specifications.

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-280Y

Discover the power specifications and options available for this tractor model but also PTO (Power Take-off) information.

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

Hydraulic system type, pressure, pump flow and valves.


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

Hitch category and rear/front lift capacity.


Rear Type	III OptOptional

Electrical System of Steiger, Cougar III ST-280

Battery voltage, charging system and ground.


Ground	Negative
Battery volts	12
Charging system	Alternator
Charging amps	90

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.

More Steiger models

9150280 HP · 1986 - 1990 Cougar 1000280 HP · 1986 Cougar CR-1280280 HP · 1985 Cougar III PTA-280280 HP · 1981 - 1983 Cougar IV CM-280280 HP · 1983 - 1985 Cougar IV CS-280280 HP · 1984 - 1985 Cougar IV KM-280280 HP · 1983 - 1985 Cougar IV KS-280280 HP · 1984 - 1985

View all 81 Steiger models →

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