Steiger Panther III PTA-297
Power
295 hp
Production
1978-1981
Engine
Turbocharged diesel, 8-cylinder
Transmission
Allison HT-740
Weight
34000 lbs [15422 kg]
Drive
4WD
Introduction
Steiger Panther III PTA-297: High-Power Articulated 4WD Tractor
The Steiger Panther III PTA-297 is a heavy-duty four-wheel drive tractor manufactured between 1978 and 1981 in Fargo, North Dakota. Designed for large-scale agricultural operations, this machine represents a significant era of high-horsepower articulated tractors.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Cummins VT-903, a 14.8-liter liquid-cooled V8 turbocharged diesel engine. It delivers 295 horsepower at a rated speed of 2600 RPM. The engine produces 700 lb-ft of torque at 1800 RPM, providing the high pulling capacity required for heavy tillage and land preparation. It includes features like ether injection for cold-weather starting and an optional block heater.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Power is transferred through an Allison HT-740 powershift transmission featuring a torque converter lock-up. The drivetrain configuration provides 8 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds, complemented by a two-speed transfer case. The tractor utilizes articulated power steering and Steiger S-34 outboard planetary final drives to manage the torque and weight requirements of its four-wheel-drive platform.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is an open-center load-sensing type, designed to support demanding implements. It features a pump flow of 35 gpm and a total system capacity of 22 gallons, distributed across 4 valves. The rear PTO is independently operated via an electrically controlled hydraulic clutch, offering both 540 and 1000 RPM speeds through different shaft sizes.
Dimensions and Operator Environment
Built on a 132.5-inch wheelbase, the Panther III has a shipping weight of 28,975 lbs, which can reach a maximum operational weight of 34,000 lbs. The tractor is equipped with the Safari Cab, which was standard for this model and included air conditioning to enhance operator comfort during long field hours.
Conclusion
The Steiger Panther III PTA-297 is engineered for high-intensity agricultural environments where traction and power are paramount. Its combination of a high-torque Cummins V8, robust powershift transmission, and articulated frame makes it a capable machine for heavy-duty soil engagement.
Production Information of Steiger, Panther III PTA-297
- Original price was $95,200 in 1982
- Four-wheel Drive (4WD) tractor
- Built in Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| Manufacturer | Steiger |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Steiger, Panther III PTA-297
| 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 | 28975 lbs [13143 kg] |
| Width | 39 inches [99 cm] |
Outer width of duals
Fenders
Frame
| Ag front | 24.5-32 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 30.5-32 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 20.8-38 |
| Ag rear | 24.5-32 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 20.8-38 |
| Ag front | 30.5-32 |
Engine Specifications of Steiger, Panther III PTA-297
- Cummins VT-903
- Liquid-cooled 90-degree V8
- 8-cylinder
- Turbocharged diesel
| Coolant capacity | 68 qts [64.4 L] |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 38 qts [36.0 L] |
| Pre-heating(optional) | Ether injection |
| Idle RPM | 650-2860 |
| Rated RPM | 2600 |
| Displacement | 903 ci [14.8 L] |
| Power | 295 hp [220.0 kW] |
| Power(optional) | Block heater |
| Bore/Stroke | 5.50x4.75 inches [140 x 121 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Torque RPM | 1800 |
| Torque | 700 lb-ft [949.2 Nm] |
Transmission Information of Steiger, Panther III PTA-297
Transmission variants 1
- Four gears, plus reverse, with two-speed transfer case. Automatic torque converter lock-up.
| Transmission | Allison HT-740 |
|---|---|
| Type | Power shift with torque converter |
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
Mechanical Specs of Steiger, Panther III PTA-297
- Four-wheel drive
- Safari Cab standard with air-conditioning.
- Articulated power steering
| Final drives | Steiger S-34 outboard planetary |
|---|
Power Information of Steiger, Panther III PTA-297
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO(optional) | 1000 (1.75) |
| Clutch | Electrically-controlled hydraulic PTO drive. |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.375) |
Hydraulics Specifications of Steiger, Panther III PTA-297
| Type | Open center load sensing |
|---|---|
| Total flow | 2250 gpm [8516.2 lpm] |
| Pump flow | 35 gpm [132.5 lpm] |
| Capacity | 22 gal [83.3 L] |
| Valves | 4 |
Three-Point Hitch of Steiger, Panther III PTA-297
| Rear Type(optional) | III |
|---|
Electrical System of Steiger, Panther III PTA-297
| Charging system | Delco-Remy alternator |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Battery CCA | 475 |
| Charging amps | 90 |
| Batteries | 4 |
Where it sits
With 295 HP, the Steiger Panther III PTA-297 sits between Cougar KR-1280 (280 HP) and Panther III PTA-296 (296 HP) in Steiger's range. Its power puts it in the 95th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1259 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Steiger Panther III PTA-297 have?
The Steiger Panther III PTA-297 delivers 295 HP.
What years was the Steiger Panther III PTA-297 produced?
The Steiger Panther III PTA-297 was produced in 1978-1981.
What engine does the Steiger Panther III PTA-297 have?
The Steiger Panther III PTA-297 is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 8-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Steiger Panther III PTA-297 use?
The Steiger Panther III PTA-297 uses a Allison HT-740 transmission.
How much does the Steiger Panther III PTA-297 weigh?
The Steiger Panther III PTA-297 weighs 34000 lbs [15422 kg].
Is the Steiger Panther III PTA-297 4WD?
The Steiger Panther III PTA-297 is available in 4WD.