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15-Feb-2006
 

"A Must See!"
Challenger To Premiere Three New Ag Products At The National Farm Machinery Show

 

DULUTH, GA - February 15, 2006 -Challenger continues to expand its line-up with three
new groundbreaking products, further positioning the company as a rapidly growing, formidable player in the agriculture equipment market.  When the National Farm Machinery Show opens on February 15 in Louisville, Ky., Challenger will unveil the industry's largest production 4-wheel-drive articulated tractor, a line of 45- to 75-horsepower light utility tractors and the new, impressive Class VIII combine.

"Last year, when Challenger introduced the MT875B track tractor at 570 horsepower, it set the benchmark for power in an agricultural setting," says Doug Griffin, director of Challenger sales and marketing for North America. "This year, we're excited about matching that similar horsepower in a 4-wheel-drive tractor with the MT900B."

The new line of tough, 4-wheel-drive, articulated tractors, the MT900B Series will include
four models from 430 to 570 engine horsepower. Common features on all four units include a rugged Caterpillar ACERT(tm) technology engine, a Cat® engineered and tested 16FX4R
powershift transmission and the exclusive Challenger Tractor Management Center that gives the operator unparalleled control of the machine and its operation.

For those who need a middleweight champ with a winning combination of power and
maneuverability, Challenger introduces its new MT300B Series. This four-tractor series, with a range of 45 to 75 PTO horsepower, is ideal for operators desiring a light, all-purpose tractor that is equally adept at pulling a baler or handling a loader.

"The Challenger MT300B tractor provides one of the most complete tractor packages
available anywhere," adds Griffin. "Models are available with a choice of two-wheel-drive or
four-wheel-drive. Plus, customers have the option of a fully air-conditioned cab or an open
platform, and the choice of a power shuttle or a manual shuttle transmission."

Last, but certainly not least, in the new Challenger lineup is a new Model 680B Class VIII
combine. "Customers will find a number of industry-leading features on this innovative
machine," Griffin continues. "Among them is the 'largest rotor in the industry.' Measuring 31.5 inches in diameter and 140 inches in length, it allows the 680B to operate at higher ground speeds for maximum productivity in a wide variety of crops."

When you take a closer look at the combine during the Louisville show, you'll also discover a massive 350-bushel grain tank, a 425-horsepower Caterpillar engine and a generous 230-gallon fuel tank. What you won't be able to see is the combine unload at an industry leading 4.0 bushels per second! That's fast enough to shave up to 45 minutes off the daily unloading time compared to similar-sized competitive models - it's one more example of the productivity designed into every Challenger machine.

"Challenger is committed to the ag industry.  Cat dealers are committed to the ag
industry," states Griffin.  "These new products are just a glimpse of great things to come.  We are committed to staying on top of the latest advancements in ag equipment and the technologies needed to further improve productivity, operator efficiency and, ultimately, the bottom line."

To learn more about these exciting new introductions, stop by the Challenger display in
South Wing C, Booth E. Or keep an eye on the Challenger website at www.challengerag.com for more information as products become available on the market.

About AGCO
AGCO Corporation, headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, is a global manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and related replacement parts. AGCO products are distributed in more than 140 countries. AGCO offers a full product line including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage, tillage equipment and implements through more than 3,900 independent dealers and distributors around the world.  AGCO products are distributed under the various well-known brand names AGCO®, Challenger®, Fendt®, Gleaner®, Hesston®,  Massey Ferguson®, New Idea®, RoGator®, Spra-Coupe®,
Sunflower®, TerraGator®, Valtra®, and White(tm) Planters.  AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance in North America and through Agricredit in Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, and Brazil. In 2004, AGCO had net sales of $5.3 billion.