Press

RoGator 600 self-propelled sprayer set to steal limelight at Sprays & Sprayers

21/05/2010

The much anticipated Challenger RoGator 600 self-propelled sprayer range makes its UK debut at the Cereals Event. The completely new machines have unique features in every area and set the new standard for the sector.

The much anticipated Challenger RoGator 600 self-propelled sprayer range makes its UK debut at the Cereals Event. The completely new machines have unique features in every area and set the new standard for the sector.

The RoGator 600 sprayers are packed with new innovations, developed specifically to meet the high performance and accuracy requirements of professional operators. The uncompromising ‘clean sheet’ design, engineering quality and new technology combine to provide ultimate output, exceptional application accuracy and the highest levels of operator comfort and control.

There are three models, all powered by the latest generation AGCO SISU Power engine. The 49 CWA, four-cylinder, 4.9 litre capacity provides a maximum power of 175hp in the 635 model, while the two larger models are equipped with the 7.4 litre capacity 74 CTA, six-cylinder generating maximum powers of 210hp in the 645 and 236hp in the 655. Engines are side-mounted, between the two axles, which keeps the centre of gravity low and enhances weight distribution.

All machines feature the highest specifications and are built on a unique single beam chassis. This is equipped with a novel hydraulic working height adjustment, allowing operators to raise the sprayer 45cm from the standard 75cm working height to provide 1.2m of clearance. The track width can also be adjusted from between 1.8m to 2.25m, hydraulically or manually.

Independent suspension on all four wheels offers superb stability and comfort, and comes with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for maximum safety at transport speeds. Four-wheel steer is also standard and works in three modes: 2WS, 4WS and Crab, providing a turning radius of just 4.73m (to the outside) from its 35° steering angle – even with 2m high, 800mm wide tyres.

A load sensing, hydrostatic pump is attached directly to the engine. This offers CVT-like operation providing speeds from 0-40km/hr without the need to change ranges. Completely new wheel motors, exclusive to the RoGators, incorporate a planetary reduction unit and in-board brakes and are fitted within the wheel centres to reduce crop damage.

These are linked through an Active Slip Regulation system, which maintains traction in all conditions by regulating each wheel independently.

The RoGator 635 comes with a 3,500 litre capacity tank, while the mid-range 645 has the choice of 3,500 litres, 4,800 litres. The largest 655 has a further 6,000 litre option. The specially sculpted tank design provides a low centre of gravity and provides optimum balance and weight distribution of 50:50 on the front and rear axles with the boom unfolded.

Another unique feature is Challenger’s use of a novel, robust boom mounting arm, which is attached to the single beam chassis in front of the rear axle. This is the best position to maintain stability and provides a significant improvement compared with the conventional position way behind the rear wheels.

UK specification RoGator 600s will be equipped with a steel boom, manufactured by Chafer. This is specifically designed for the new sprayers and is mounted to the special suspension system to become an integral part of the machine.

The Chafer boom comes in widths from 24m to 40m, with twin and triple folding arrangements, providing the facility to spray at various widths. This is particularly useful for contractors working at 12m, 24m and 36m, for example. It can also be equipped with twin, stainless steel spraylines for high volume applications of liquid fertiliser.

All machines have a Hypro 800 litre/min centrifugal pump, with a self-priming option. This fills at its full capacity and can apply rates of up to 784 litres/min at 2 bar, ideal for suspension liquid fertiliser.

The spray pump connects into a unique plumbing module, which is another exclusive new Challenger design that uses industry-leading 45mm diameter, polythene pipework with all connections made by ‘Banjo’ joints throughout the entire system.

This means there are far fewer bends in pipes than in a conventional system. This presents a completely smooth internal pipe surface, uses fixed pipework and no flexible hoses, which greatly improve durability and safety by significantly reducing the risk of leaks. Filling is through a huge, 60 litre capacity chemical induction hopper, which folds out with the help of gas struts. This fills at a rate of 200 litres/min and can handle up to 30kg/min of soluble products.

The RoGator 600 self-propelled sprayers cosset the operator in the largest cab on the market, which is the same unit as that fitted to the Challenger MT700C and MT800C tracked tractors. This huge cab comes with an enormous glass area (6.2m²) for superb all-round visibility from the large windscreen and full glass doors. Climate control air-conditioning is standard, which pressurises the inside through standard two-stage carbon filters.

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