A mighty Challenger for the top-end tractor market

The new Challenger four-wheel-drive articulated tractors made their European debut at this year’s Sima show in Paris in March. The four tractors in the MT900B series range from 320kW to 425kW (459kW with power reserve) and are currently leaders in the power competition at the top end of the agricultural tractor market.
Issue Date 16 March 2007

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All new machines are designed and built using the same expertise that has been tried and tested in the Challenger MT800B tracked tractors. Many of the components are similar to those used in the rubber-tracked units. “Challenger is synonymous with the world’s most productive, high horsepower tractors and will shake up the tractor market again with these new articulated four-wheel-drive models,” says Richard Miller, marketing manager for Challenger Tracked and Articulated tractors.
 

Most large-scale, intensive commercial farmers will still regard the high-powered tracked units as first choice for ultimate productivity, but for a growing number of customers, particularly in central and eastern Europe, there is a significant demand for a high-powered, traditional articulated wheeled unit. The MT900B will be introduced here first.
 

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Why choose Challenger?
Prospective users have specific motives for continuing to use wheeled tractors but they also want to take advantage of the other Challenger benefits such as exceptional engine power and torque, superb transmission and unrivalled control and comfort. The MT945B (320kW) and MT955B (343kW) models use Caterpillar C15 ACERT 15.2litre engines and the MT965B (381kW) and MT975B (425kW) units have the 18.1 litre version. These are six-cylinder, turbocharged and air-to-air, after-cooled engines which, with a 42% torque rise and 8% extra power, can respond to changing conditions with plenty of power in reserve.
 

The Caterpillar Powershift transmission gives push-button control of 16 forward and four reverse speeds, with automatic modes. Top speed is 40km/h. All MT900B series tractors are equipped with purpose-built, extremely heavy-duty axles, with a 145mm diameter bar – the largest in the business. These axles, designed and manufactured in France by Gima, AGCO’s transmission and final drive specialists, ensure the efficient transfer of power to the ground when working with wide implements and heavy loads. closed-centre, pressure-flow compensated hydraulic system, with a maximum pressure of 200 bar, provides a standard flow rate of 166 litres/min, with the option of 223 litres/min. F our remote spool valves are fitted as standard with an optional two more available. three-point linkage option has a lift capacity of 10 000kg and the PTO has torque-sensed modulated engagement, and braking and drives through a 20-spline, 1¾-inch diameter shaft.
 

The spacious Challenger cab sets new standards of operator comfort and ease of control with all round vision. Climate-controlled air-conditioning with ”Surround-Flow” ventilation, ensures a comfortable working environment. – Joe Spencer Contact Richard Miller on (0044) 2476 852241, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.challenger-ag.com. |fw