Case IH is showcasing its latest Axial-Flow combines, Puma tractors and Optum technology in Italy, with much of the equipment already available in the U.S. market.

Case IH is bringing several major equipment developments to EIMA International 2026, held November 10–14 in Bologna, Italy. Among the highlights are updated Axial-Flow 160 series combines, Puma tractors with ActiveDrive 8 transmissions, and the Optum 440 featuring an award-winning suspension system.

While EIMA is a European machinery exhibition, these aren’t simply overseas introductions. All three equipment families are already listed on Case IH’s U.S. website, giving American farmers a reason to pay attention to what’s being showcased in Italy.

Axial-Flow 160 Combines Get Smarter

The updated Axial-Flow 160 series brings more advanced harvesting technology to Case IH’s Class 6 and Class 7 combines. The machines feature dual Pro 1200 displays, expanded Harvest Command automation, and improved connectivity designed to help operators manage harvesting conditions more efficiently.

Harvest Command can automatically adjust combine settings based on priorities such as grain quality, grain savings and throughput. Additional features include automated headland turning and machine-to-machine data sharing, allowing operators to coordinate equipment and reduce repetitive adjustments during harvest.

Mechanical improvements include an electrically controlled cross-auger clutch that allows the unloading tube to empty completely and an optional two-speed feeder drive for adapting to different crop conditions.

The U.S. Axial-Flow 160 lineup includes the 6160 and 7160 models, rated at approximately 348 to 375 horsepower, with grain tank capacities ranging from 300 to 350 bushels. For farmers who don’t need a flagship combine, the series offers access to increasingly sophisticated harvesting technology in a smaller machine.

Puma Tractors Add Dual-Clutch Transmission Technology

Case IH is also highlighting its updated Puma 155–185 tractors, including the Puma 185 equipped with the ActiveDrive 8 transmission. The dual-clutch design provides smooth gear changes during fieldwork and transport, offering an alternative to the company’s continuously variable CVXDrive transmission.

The updated tractors feature revised cab controls, improved maneuverability, and new suspension options intended to improve operator comfort. These changes are particularly relevant to mixed farming operations where tractors regularly switch between loader work, hay production, hauling and fieldwork.

The Puma 185 with ActiveDrive 8 is also a finalist in the 2026 Tractor of the Year competition, with winners scheduled to be announced November 10.

American buyers can already find the new Puma series on Case IH’s U.S. website, including both ActiveDrive 8 and CVXDrive transmission options. Specific configurations and delivery schedules should be confirmed with local dealers.

Optum 440 Earns Recognition for Intelligent Suspension

One of Case IH’s most interesting developments is the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360, 390 and 440 tractors. The technology received an EIMA Technical Evolution award for its approach to improving vehicle stability and operator comfort.

The system uses sensors to continuously monitor tractor movement and automatically adjust suspension damping. It combines independent double-wishbone front axle suspension with improved lateral cab control, adapting its response to changing speeds and operating conditions.

For farmers who spend long hours moving between demanding fieldwork and road transport, the potential benefits include reduced vibration, improved handling and less operator fatigue.

The Optum 440 is already listed in the United States, featuring an 8.7-liter FPT Cursor 9 engine producing up to 435 horsepower, a CVXDrive transmission and available hydraulic flow of up to 95 gallons per minute. An integrated central tire inflation system further expands its ability to adapt between field and road conditions.

Connectivity Ties Everything Together

Beyond the machinery itself, Case IH is demonstrating how its FieldOps platform connects tractors, combines and other equipment through a common digital interface. Farmers can monitor machine locations, review operating information and coordinate field activities from a centralized system.

The company is also emphasizing its Connectivity Included offering, which eliminates recurring connectivity subscription fees on qualifying machines. While some advanced services may still involve additional costs, the approach reflects a broader industry shift toward making connected equipment easier to manage.

What It Means for American Farmers

The technology being showcased at EIMA illustrates where agricultural machinery is heading. Automation is reaching smaller combines, tractors are gaining more sophisticated transmission and suspension systems, and connected equipment is becoming increasingly common across product lines.

For American farmers, the encouraging news is that much of this technology is already represented in the domestic Case IH lineup. The larger question is how these advancements perform in everyday operation, particularly when weighed against purchase prices, maintenance requirements and long-term reliability.

Case IH’s EIMA presentation reinforces a trend that extends well beyond one manufacturer: the next generation of farm machinery is increasingly focused on helping operators work more efficiently, comfortably and consistently, rather than simply delivering more horsepower.