Steiger Cougar III ST-280 Tractor

Manufacturer Steiger
Price 89,000(USD)
Model Cougar III ST-280
Equipment Type Four-wheel Drive 4WD Tractors
Factory Fargo, North Dakota, USA

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 1401

Description Cummins diesel 20-speed 4WD August 27 - September 9, 1981 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 1401 file Drawbar performance Gear 12 used for power test. Gear 1 used for pull test.
Max power 249.69hp / 186.2kW
Max pull 31,517lbs / 14296kg

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 1412

Description Cat diesel 20-speed 4WD October 19 - 30, 1981 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 1412 file Drawbar performance Gear 10 used for power test. Gear 4 used for pull test
Max power 247.27hp / 184.4kW
Fuel use 15.1gal/hour / 57.2l/hour
Max pull 32,462lbs / 14724kg

STEIGER COUGAR III ST-280 POWER

Engine 280hp / 208.8kW
Drawbar (tested) 249.69hp / 186.2kW

ENGINES OVERVIEW

The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 tractor is equipped with either a Cummins 14.0L 6-cylinder diesel engine or a Caterpillar 14.6L 6-cylinder diesel engine, offering robust power and torque for demanding agricultural tasks. The high displacement of these engines ensures excellent fuel efficiency and durability under heavy loads, making it suitable for both tillage and hauling operations. However, potential challenges include maintenance costs associated with high-capacity diesel engines and compatibility with existing implements, necessitating careful consideration when integrating into a fleet.

Description Cummins 14.0L 6-cyl diesel Caterpillar 14.6L 6-cyl diesel

ENGINE DETAIL 1

The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 features a robust Cummins NT-855C turbocharged diesel engine with a significant displacement of 14.0L, delivering 280hp and a torque of 920 lb-ft at 1400 RPM, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Its 14.1:1 compression ratio enhances fuel efficiency, while the ample oil (35 qts) and coolant (61 qts) capacities ensure enhanced thermal management and reliability during prolonged operations. However, the tractor's size and power may necessitate careful handling and adequate support equipment for optimal performance in challenging agricultural settings.

Description Cummins NT-855C turbocharged diesel 6-cylinder liquid-cooled inline
Displacement 855ci / 14.0L
Bore/Stroke 5.50x6.00inches / 140x 152 mm
Power 280hp / 208.8kW
Air cleaner two paper elements
Compression 14.1:1
Rated RPM 2100
Torque 920 lb-ft /1247.5 Nm
Torque RPM 1400
Starter volts 12
Oil capacity 35qts / 33.1L
Coolant capacity 61qts / 57.7L

ENGINE DETAIL 2

The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 is powered by a Caterpillar 3406DIT turbocharged diesel engine, providing a robust output of 280 hp at 2100 RPM and a high torque of 945 lb-ft at 1200 RPM, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications. Its large 14.6L displacement and efficient cooling capacities (70 qts of coolant) enhance prolonged operational reliability, while the dual paper air cleaner elements ensure effective filtration in dusty environments. However, its substantial oil capacity (36 qts) and complex service requirements may pose maintenance challenges, necessitating skilled personnel for optimal upkeep.

Description Caterpillar 3406DIT turbocharged diesel 6-cylinder liquid-cooled inline
Displacement 893ci / 14.6L
Bore/Stroke 5.40x6.50inches / 137x 165 mm
Power 280hp / 208.8kW
Air cleaner two paper elements
Rated RPM 2100
Torque 945 lb-ft /1281.4 Nm
Torque RPM 1200
Starter volts 12
Oil capacity 36qts / 34.1L
Coolant capacity 70qts / 66.2L

STEIGER COUGAR III ST-280 ENGINES

The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 tractor is powered by either a Cummins 14.0L or a Caterpillar 14.6L 6-cylinder diesel engine, providing robust performance for heavy-duty agricultural tasks. With a substantial fuel tank capacity of 267 gallons (1010.6 liters), it offers extended operational endurance, making it suitable for large-scale farming applications without frequent refueling. However, the considerable weight and size may limit maneuverability in tighter fields or during transport.

Description Cummins 14.0L 6-cyl diesel Caterpillar 14.6L 6-cyl diesel
Fuel tank 267gal / 1010.6L

TRANSMISSION

The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 features a Dana-Spicer 1010 transmission, offering 20 forward and 4 reverse gears, which enhances its versatility in varied terrain and operational needs. The ten-speed configuration with a two-speed transfer case allows for optimized torque management, particularly beneficial in heavy pulling scenarios. However, the reliance on a hydraulic dry disc clutch may present challenges in terms of heat dissipation under extreme load conditions, requiring careful operation to avoid premature wear.

Transmission Dana-Spicer 1010
Gears 20 forward and 4 reverse
Clutch 393.7mm hydraulic dry disc
Description Ten-speed transmission with two-speed transfer case.

MECHANICAL

The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 features a robust 4x4 articulated 4WD chassis, enhancing stability and traction in various terrains, making it suitable for heavy-duty agricultural applications. Its outboard planetary final drives provide efficient power transfer and reduced maintenance, while the hydrostatic power steering offers improved maneuverability and precision in tight spaces. The hydraulic dry disc brakes ensure reliable stopping power, and the 20-speed transmission allows for optimal speed selection, enhancing versatility across diverse field operations.

Chassis 4x4 articulated 4WD
Final drives outboard planetary
Steering hydrostatic power
Brakes hydraulic dry disc
Cab Safari Cab standard with heat and air-conditioning.
Transmission 20-speed

HYDRAULICS

Type open center
Pressure 2250psi / 155.1bar
Valves 3 to 5
Cat Pump flow 31.9gpm / 120.7lpm
Cummins Pump flow 28.6gpm / 108.3lpm

TRACTOR HITCH

Rear Type 3 (optional)

STEIGER COUGAR III ST-280 TIRES

The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 features versatile tire options for both front and rear, enhancing traction and stability across various agricultural applications. Its ability to accommodate larger tire sizes, such as 30.5x32, allows for increased flotation and reduced soil compaction, beneficial in wet or soft ground conditions. However, optimizing the tire configuration for specific tasks is crucial, as mismatching tire sizes can affect power transfer and overall machine handling.

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

DIMENSIONS

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

STEIGER COUGAR III ST-280 WEIGHT

Cummins Shipping 25,600lbs / 11612kg
Cat Shipping 25,900lbs / 11748kg
Operating 30,500lbs / 13834kg
Max capacity 34,000lbs / 15422kg

DIMENSIONS & TIRES

The Steiger Cougar III ST-280 features a robust wheelbase of 128 inches, providing stability and improved traction on uneven terrain, making it ideal for heavy-duty agricultural operations. Weighing between 25,600 to 30,500 pounds, it offers substantial ground pressure for better soil penetration but may be a challenge on softer ground, necessitating careful management of soil compaction. The uniform 18.4x38 tire size enhances load distribution and traction, but operators should ensure compatibility with various implements for optimal performance.

Wheelbase 128inches / 325cm
Weight 25600 to 30500 pounds
Front tire 18.4x38
Rear tire 18.4x38

COUGAR III ST-280 SERIAL NUMBERS

1981 111-00001
1982 111-01501
1983 111-02501

ELECTRICAL

Ground negative
Charging system alternator
Charging amps 90
Battery volts 12


Last Updated 2025-01-01
Stephen is a passionate tractor hobbyist with a deep-seated love for all things mechanized and agricultural. Growing up in a rural setting, he developed a fascination with these mighty machines that have played a crucial role in shaping the farming industry.

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