Challenger is introducing two all-new Terra-Gators at the SIMA, Paris Show. New features, including latest generation engines, CAN-Bus electronic control and industry-leading cab comfort, combine to further boost the productivity of these market-leading machines.
Designed and built in Challenger’s facility in The Netherlands, the new Terra-Gators benefit from significant research and development investment by AGCO.
“These huge advances have been made possible because Ag-Chem engineers in The Netherlands now use the same software as their colleagues in Challenger’s R&D department in Jackson, USA,” says Dorus Van Esch, Sales Director Ag-Chem.
“By working together and with access to designs and components from the entire Challenger line-up, we have been able to make a giant leap forward in technological developments. As part of AGCO we can provide customers with very high specifications – from engines through to controls – more cost effectively than would normally be possible on such specialist equipment.”
The two new models – the 364hp, 3244 and 300hp, 2244 – are the first new four-wheel Terra-Gators to join the Challenger range, featuring the family’s cab and bonnet styling first seen on the 9205, launched last year.
Both machines feature:
• Latest generation Caterpillar (3244) and SisuDiesel (2244) engines
• New Caterpillar Delta Powershift transmission (3244)
• New Challenger suspended cab design with armrest-mounted multi-function control
• CAN-Bus electronic control of engine, transmission and other functions
• New Falcon VT ISO-compatible multi-function controller
• Nutrient Management System
• Auto-Guide, fully automatic steering option
• ‘Dog Walk’ chassis option to cut compaction
• SuperLoad filling system option
Terra-Gator 3244: Power and precision
The new Terra-Gator 3244 combines the performance of a new Caterpillar engine and transmission with Ag-Chem’s renowned precise application efficiency. The new machine replaces the 3104 and offers much higher productivity from the new 364hp engine that combines with a new chassis design to enable it to now carry an 18m³ liquid tank or 18t capacity dry body.
The latest generation Cat C11, 11.3 litre, turbo-charged and intercooled engine produces 364hp at 2,100rpm rising to a massive peak of 395hp as revs fall to 1,900rpm. Combined with a peak torque of 1,752Nm at a remarkable 1,400rpm, the engine responds effortlessly to peak demands.
The power unit works in perfect harmony with the well-proven Caterpillar Delta-Shift transmission, thanks to a new electronic CAN-Bus system. Based on the same unit used in the Challenger MT 765 tracked tractor, the transmission provides 16 forward and three reverse gears. Gears are changed without the clutch simply using a thumb up or down button on the new armrest-mounted joystick control.
An AutoShift facility enables operators to set the maximum gear, with the system then changing automatically within this range to suit the engine load and speed working speed.
A new chassis design, built to support the 3244’s extra capacity, features new AxleTech axles, with the extra strength allowing the machines to work with dual wheels in row-crops.
Braking performance is enhanced with new internal, oil-cooled multi-plate units, for assured stopping power. The dual circuit system is activated hydraulically.
Terra-Gator 2244: Efficiency and economy
Developed to deliver optimum application productivity and cost effective operation, the new Terra-Gator 2244 is equipped with a new SisuDiesel engine designed exclusively to match the attributes of the well-proven TerraShift transmission.
The new 2244 supersedes the best-selling 2104 and employs existing AGCO expertise to provide a giant leap forward not only in technology, but also comfort and ease of operation. This machine is likely to be as popular as its predecessor, with its versatility appealing to contractors requiring the versatile and economical operation.
Power and torque from the latest generation 8.4-litre SisuDiesel engine are developed specifically to achieve the highest performance when combined with the well-proven TerraShift transmission. The engine generates its rated 300hp at 2,200rpm. But to match peak demands output rises to 330hp (5hp more than before) when engine speeds fall to 2,000rpm and torque increases to a peak of 1,317Nm at 1,450rpm.
The well proven TerraShift transmission offers 11 forward and 3 reverse speeds, all selected with simple thumb buttons, with shift on-the-go ease from the new armrest-mounted joystick control.
The chassis is equipped with TeamMate II Series axles with double reduction and inboard planetary final reduction units. Dual circuit internal wet brakes are applied by an active hydraulic system. The compaction reducing Dog Walk chassis is an option (see below).
Ultimate outputs with a soft touch
Both new Terra-Gators are fitted with Michelin 1050/50R32 tyres. These are the largest available, providing maximum soil protection and allowing the machines to keep working even when conditions deteriorate.
Four-wheel- or two-wheel drive can be engaged on-the-move on both machines.
Industry-leading cab comfort and control
Both the Terra-Gator 2244 and 3244 provide operators with unsurpassed comfort and control, with the highest levels of specification found on any application vehicle.
The new cab, designed and built by Challenger in the USA, now has pneumatic suspension. As well as featuring the same look and ‘family feel’ as other Challenger machines, it also offers operators the same renowned benefits of visibility, comfort and control.
Designed specifically for use on an application vehicle, the spacious Challenger cab has a much greater glass area than ever before. The superb all-round view is further enhanced by glass-to-floor panels on both sides.
Equipped with climate control, air-conditioning as standard there are eight outlets to ensure operators can maintain the optimum ventilation and temperature. The pressurised cab far exceeds all quality standards using three-stage filtration including internal and external filters and active carbon cleaning.
Up in the seat operators will not only appreciate the comfort, but also the superior control. The semi-active air-suspended seat offers three different settings – soft, medium and firm – to suit the terrain. This is now equipped with the Challenger ergonomically designed control console on the right armrest.
This floats with the seat and has all commonly used controls grouped logically to ease operation. The new easy-to-read display terminal at the front of the console shows a wide range of information from transmission and engine data, warning lights as well as transmission programming buttons.
The standard NMS Multi-function Joystick, offers the same transmission buttons as well as complete control of the applicator using two multi-button formations. The top set operates the loading arm while the bottom group run the hitch settings, with all controls neatly in one place for simple, easy operation.
All main machine controls are also fitted to the armrest including: Cruise control, hydraulics, ignition and on/off controls for the Falcon VT and Auto-Guide options.
A narrow binnacle houses the new dashboard display using modern analogue dials to clearly show speed, engine rpm, fuel, temperature, oil pressure and a Voltmeter.
Mounted on the cab ‘B’-Pillar is a new touch-pad control featuring 18 different keys. This is linked to the new CAN-Bus system and as well as now switching the lights, it offers operators the opportunity to program up to 14 buttons with various system controls.
Falcon VT – for ultimate control
Challenger is introducing the new Falcon VT terminal on the Terra-Gator 2244 and 3244 machines, which comes as standard on machines fitted with the dry or liquid Nutrient Management System (NMS). No other system in the industry offers such advanced levels of flexibility and control.
The ISO compatible Falcon VT terminal, is based around a 260mm (10.4in) wide touch-sensitive screen, which is also equipped with buttons and a rotary dial to select functions and ‘scroll’ through menus.
This is connected into the vehicle’s systems via the CAN-Bus network. The Console also has an SD-Datacard slot for transferring data, application maps etc. Basically the system monitors forward speeds and adjusts the flow of material, either liquid or solids, to automatically match the pre-set application rates. It can also be programmed to relieve operators of burden of carrying out many repetitive tasks by simply pressing a button once to engage or disengage.
Stay on track with Auto-Guide option
The new Terra-Gators can now be equipped with the Auto-Guide, fully automatic steering option, to help improve output and precision while reducing operator fatigue.
The system is now neatly integrated into Falcon VT terminal via the vehicle CAN-Bus system. This also receives the dGPS signals for the steering.
Automatic steering is proven to save fuel, reduce overlaps and boost productivity. Simply removing the stress of steering helps improve operator awareness and allows them to concentrate on other aspects and increase output.
Auto-Guide can work to various degrees of accuracy right down to within 25mm, depending on the satellite correction service being used. Moreover, it is easy to upgrade should circumstances change.
Dog-Walk chassis cuts compaction
The Dog-Walk Chassis system available as an option on both new Terra-Gators ensures that all wheels run over the ground in individual tracks. This spreads the vehicle weight more evenly over the ground and because two wheels never run in the same path, there is less risk of creating ruts, protecting the soil and the crop.
Implements are always pulled in a straight line, without the need for a steering rear linkage, due to the design of the Challenger Dog-Walk chassis. This unique development uses a special coupling to connect the rear axle to the chassis, which allows the wheels to be offset, while keeping the linkage parallel to the direction of travel.
SuperLoad saves downtime
Using the unique SuperLoad option to cut filling time can increase overall workrates by up to 20%.
Instead of waiting for a centrifugal pump to charge before filling, SuperLoad gets to work straight away, employing a separate positive displacement pump to charge the system in less than 10 secs. This cuts up to 2mins off the normal loading time.
Once the centrifugal pump is quickly charged it starts to fill immediately through a 250mm diameter suction port, loading at a rate of 10-12m³/min, depending on the material. This means a 15m³ tanker is loaded in just 1.5min.
Simply reducing loading times means the vehicle spends more time actively spreading with less downtime for filling. Reducing cycle times by 2mins can increase the spreading capacity from a typical 75m³/hr up to 90m³/hr, which results in a fifth more productive work every hour.
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:
Roel Franssen, Marketing Manager
+31 (0)77-3278400
Paul Lay, Manager, Public Relations & Communications
+ 44 (0)2476 851209
