The awesome Challenger MT900B tractors are making their eagerly anticipated European debut at this years SIMA Show in Paris. Destined to become the benchmark four-wheel drive articulated tractors, these machines set new standards in productivity, comfort and control.

The four tractors in the MT900B Series range, with powers of 430hp to 570hp, come with an unrivalled pedigree. All the new machines are designed and built using the same expertise and a number of components similar to those used in the Challenger MT800B tracked tractors.

“Challenger, the name synonymous with the World’s most productive, high horsepower tractors is set to shake up the tractor market yet again with these new four-wheel drive articulated models,” says Richard Miller, Marketing Manager for Challenger Tracked and Articulated tractors.

Challenger’s high power tracked tractors will remain the first choice for the majority of large-scale, intensive professional farms requiring the utmost productivity from their machinery. But for certain customers, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe - where the MT900s will be first introduced - there remains a significant demand for the traditional articulated, wheeled machine.

“With the MT900B Series we are responding to demands from these customers who are looking for the same quality, exceptional performance and control as the tracked machines, but from a high-hp wheeled Challenger.

“These businesses have specific motives for continuing to use wheels. But these users also want to gain from other Challenger benefits such as the exceptional engine power and torque, superb transmission and control as well as the unrivalled comfort the wheeled machines inherit from the tracked Challengers,” he explains.

This extra choice will grow Challenger’s market share in the region, with every business now able to choose the most appropriate machine to suit its particular needs.

Challenger MT 900B Series tractors

All MT 900 tractors feature:

• Latest technology Caterpillar C15, 15.2-litre and C18, 18.1-litre capacity, six-cylinder, turbo-charged and air-to-air after-cooled engines

• Caterpillar Powershift transmission, push-button control of 16 forward and four reverse speeds, with automatic modes. Top speed of 40km/hr

• Purpose-built 145mm diameter bar-axles with dual in-board planetary final drives.

• Power Management control for optimum performance for all tasks and in all conditions

• Tractor Management Centre combines fingertip control with comprehensive monitoring system

• Unique Load Independent Flow Division (LIFD) hydraulic system which evenly divides oil flow in proportion to specific demands. 200 bar pressure and a flowrate up to 223 litres/min

Caterpillar engines for unrivalled power, torque and productivity

The high capacity Cat C18 ACERT unit generates 570hp (gross) in the MT975B and 510hp in the MT965B, while the 15.2-litre capacity, C15 powers the MT945B (430hp) and MT955B (460hp). With a 42% torque rise and 8% extra power, the engines respond to changing conditions with plenty in reserve to pull through without the need to change gear.

These latest generation, Tier 3 compliant Caterpillar engines use ACERT technology to not only control emissions but also to do this without sacrificing power, performance or reliability. On the contrary, ACERT technology provides a power boost on all models.

Intelligent transmission for ultimate shifting performance

All of the new MT900B tractors feature 16/4 Caterpillar Powershift transmissions. A range of automatic gear shifting methods allow operators to select the correct mode to maintain peak tractor performance.

There are eight gears in the important 6-15km/hr field working range, with an industry-leading 40km/hr top speed. The transmission is linked to the engine by the tractor’s ‘Intellitronics’ CAN-Bus system, which provides unrivalled automation of shifting in relation to operating conditions. As well as manually changing gears, operators can select from six different modes to suit the work and circumstances.

Power Management for optimum productivity and economy

Power Management is a sophisticated, yet simple to set, control system that improves output and reduces fuel consumption. It does this by varying the engine, transmission and hitch settings to enhance tractor performance in various applications. There are three working modes:

Maximum output: Optimum output is achieved by monitoring engine load and speed. The system will change gears and throttle settings automatically to maintain maximum possible ground speed.

Constant engine speed: For use in PTO applications. Constant engine speed is provided without changing gears and maximises fuel efficiency.

Constant ground speed: For use with lighter to medium load applications, the system alters engine rpm and changes gears to match any variations in load.

Industry-leading 145mm diameter bar axles

All MT900B Series tractors are equipped with new, purpose-built axles designed to efficiently transfer the power to the ground, when working with wide implements and heavy loads. The extremely heavy-duty units feature an industry-leading 145mm diameter bar and are designed and built in France by GIMA,  AGCO’s transmission and final drive specialist.

These are equipped with dual, inboard planetary final drive units. The axles are fitted with 710-/70R42 tyres, have dual wheels as standard and feature infinitely variable width adjustment.

The articulated steering system provides a +/- 42º angle to the left and right, with the joint also offering +/- 13º of oscillation.

Superior hydraulic power and control

Complete control of even the most complex implements is assured with the MT900B’s closed-centre, pressure-flow compensated hydraulic system. With a maximum pressure of 200 bar, this provides a standard flowrate of 166 litres/min or the option of 223 litres/min. Four remote ‘spool’ valves are standard with the option of up to six.

MT900B tractors are equipped with a unique ‘Load Independent Flow Division’ (LIFD) hydraulic system, which evenly divides the flow to the services in proportion to their specific demands. This allows all spool valves to operate when there is a high flow demand on the system, rather than the highest requirement taking priority.

The three-point linkage option provides a lift capacity of 10,000kg on all models. The PTO has torque-sensed, modulated engagement and braking and connects via a 20-spline, 1¾” diameter shaft.

Unparalleled comfort and control

Spacious Challenger cabs set new standards of operator comfort and control. An enormous glass area offers superb all-round vision, while climate-controlled air-conditioning and ‘Surround-Flow’ ventilation ensure operators have complete control of the temperature and airflow.

The air-suspended seat or optional VRS Deluxe seat can swivel through 25º and has 20 different adjustments for optimum comfort during long working days. All controls are immediately to hand on the ergonomically-designed console/armrest, which is mounted on the right-hand side and moves with the seat.

This incorporates the Tractor Management Centre (TMC) and monitor screen for operating and controlling all the main transmission, hydraulic, linkage and PTO controls. A rotary dial allows operators to select and control up to 16 different tractor functions. These include setting the Power Management system, timing and flow from individual electronically-controlled spool valves, as well as monitoring fuel consumption and productivity with the performance monitor.

To further ease operation and release the driver from repetitive tasks is the ‘One-Touch’ headland management system, which is set-up through the TMC. This records all the actions of the turning sequence while the operator is actually operating each function. Pressing the switch at the end of the bout once will start the raise sequence, and pressing it to its other position will automatically return the implement to work.

ENDS
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About AGCO
Founded in 1990, AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AG) (www.agcocorp.com) is a global manufacturer of agricultural equipment and related replacement parts. AGCO offers a full product line including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage, tillage equipment and implements, which are distributed through more than 3,200 independent dealers and distributors in more than 140 countries worldwide. AGCO products include the following well-known brands: AGCO®, Challenger®, Fendt®, Gleaner®, Hesston®, Massey Ferguson®, New Idea®, RoGator®, Spra-Coupe®, Sunflower®, Terra-Gator®, Valtra®, and White™ Planters.  AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance. The company is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, and in 2006 had net sales of $5.4 billion.

CONTACT: 
Paul Lay, Manager, Public Relations & Communications
+ 44 (0)2476 851209

Richard Miller. Manager Marketing Services, Challenger
+44 (0) 2476 852241