One of the star attractions at the Agritechnica show in Hannover, will be the launch of the new Challenger MT700B Series. Like their higher-powered counterparts, the new models are the most technically advanced tracked tractors in the world.

Challenger started the rubber track revolution and continues to lead from the front, and remain the only tractors designed specifically for use on rubber tracks.

Three new models make up the MT700B line-up, with engine powers from 269hp to 320hp (gross) and all offer the ultimate in comfort, power, convenience and control. All models are now fitted with the latest technology Caterpillar C9 ACERT Tier 3 engine. This six-cylinder, 8.8-litre capacity unit boosts power on every model compared with the previous MT700 Series.

 All models feature:
· Latest technology Caterpillar C9, 8.8 litre capacity, six-cylinder, turbo-charged and air-to-air aftercooled engines
· Unique transmission built solely for use on a tracked tractor, push-button control of 16 forward and four reverse speeds, with automatic modes. Top speed of 40km/hr
· Mobil-Trac combines speed, mobility and versatility of rubber tires with the advantages of traction, flotation, smooth ride and low ground pressure of tracks
· Power Management control for optimum performance for all tasks and in all conditions
· Tractor Management Centre combines finger-tip control with comprehensive monitoring system
· Unique Load Independent Flow Division (LIFD) hydraulic system evenly divides oil flow in proportion to specific demands. 165 litres/min of hydraulic flow and up to 200 bar pressure
· A wide choice of undercarriage options allow you to tailor the Challenger MT700B tractor to fit your specific operation.

Uncompromising advanced engine design
Latest technology Caterpillar C9 engines meet the strict new Tier 3 emissions regulations without sacrificing power, performance or reliability. Indeed, the 8.8-litre capacity, six-cylinder motors provide an unparalleled 52% of PTO torque rise and up to 13% power boost, which means the tractors have plenty of reserves to pull through tough spots, without changing gear or altering the implement.

Meeting the new exhaust emissions regulations is big a challenge facing all engine makers. Caterpillar has responded without using exhaust gas recirculation or optimised combustion. Instead it relies on its own ACERT technology to carefully control the combustion process and reduce emissions, while still maintaining engine performance, fuel efficiency and long-term durability.

This unique approach employs decades of Caterpillar’s experience in diesel engine design and takes advantage of a number of its existing engine features. These have been proven over millions hours of service, which means ACERT is also inherently reliable.

Precisely managing the combustion process reduces combustion temperatures that, in turn, produces fewer harmful exhaust emissions. ACERT technology, which is protected by 250 different patents, achieves this with crucial designs in three main areas:

· Air management – with crossflow, four-valve cylinder heads and wastegate turbocharger
· Precise multiple-injection fuel delivery with Cat HEUI injectors. These introduce fuel in a series of ‘micro-bursts’ provide the exact fuel requirement for any given operating condition
· ADEM (Advanced Diesel Electronic Management)  electronic control of the flow and timing of the rate precisely matches fuel delivery to match the engine’s load, speed and operating conditioning

Air management ensures the engine has plenty of cool air, without any recirculated exhaust gases, for optimum combustion. The fuel is then delivered in controlled micro-bursts to precisely regulate the combustion, which results in complete fuel burn at lower temperatures. That helps to control emissions but still provide peak performance and engine reliability and long life. ADEM 4 electronics control the entire sequence. Linked by ‘Intellitronics’ to the tractor’s CANbus network, the ADEM 4 system improves response, reduces noise levels and maintains power throughout changing operating conditions.

Purpose-built transmission
Designed by Caterpillar from the ground up, solely for use on a tracked tractor, the Challenger transmission offers push-button control of 16 forward, four reverse gears.  A top speed of 40km/hr, faster than any other tracked machine, means Challenger MF700Bs spend more time working and less on time the road.

The engine and transmission are linked electronically via the ‘Intellitronics’ system that controls the shifting in relation to operating conditions.

Power Management
Further control sophistication comes from the ‘Power Management system’ which varies the engine, transmission and hitch settings to enhance tractor performance in particular applications:

· Maximum output: For heavy draft work, this mode automatically shifts to keep the engine in the peak range for maximum power
· Constant engine speed:. Constant engine speed (for PTO applications) is maintained
· Constant ground speed: Maintains pre-set ground speed by varying the engine speed and shifting gears automatically.

Mobil-Trac for optimum performance and comfort
At 2,438mm between axles, the Mobil-Trac unit has the longest wheelbase in its class, which improves balance and traction, while reducing compaction.  The Mobil-Trac system is also fitted with the exclusive ‘Opti-Ride’ suspension system. This not only improves ride comfort, but also allows the front ‘axle’ to tilt at an angle of 8º, allowing each track unit to independently raise up to 150mm above the centre. The three mid wheels in each track also feature suspension. The front two wheels pivot around a fixed point while the third is mounted on rubber block suspension.

Adaptable Undercarriage
A wide choice of undercarriage options allows users to tailor the Challenger MT700B tractor to suit any specific operation. Six belt widths and three different belt types put more power to the ground. Tread bars, guide blocks and track carcasses are created from specialist rubber compounds that are designed specifically to suit various applications.

Ultimate cab comfort and control
Up in the cab operators will not only appreciate the engine’s extra power, but also notice that the cab is noticeably quieter. Comfort is further enhanced with the option of semi-active seat suspension. This features 170mm of vertical travel with continuous automatic damping that responds to changing terrain.

The cab is the largest in its class, boasting a volume of 3.06m3, with 6.2m² of glass providing perfect all-round visibility. Climate control and full Surround-Flow ventilation ensures operators are always comfortable.

Tractor Management Control (TCM), which monitors and controls tractor functions, is mounted into an ergonomically designed console to the right of the operator’s seat. The TCM incorporates a monitor screen along with all the transmission, hydraulic, linkage and PTO controls. The TMC unit is equipped with elbow and arm rests – making the console an extension of the right arm.

The ‘One Touch’ headland management feature allows operators to record entire headland turn cycles including functions such as changing engine rpm, gear shifting, raise/lower implement, PTO engagement, spool valve operation, etc. The switch has two positions – one for entering work (Work) and the other to the lift the implement at the other end (Raise).

Optional AutoGuide further improves productivity. This highly accurate system automatically steers the tractor in parallel tracks across the field.

Unique hydraulic operation
Challenger MT700B tractors are equipped with a unique Load Independent Flow Division (LIFD) hydraulic system, which evenly divides flow in proportion to specific demands. This means the flow is smooth and co-ordinated and, unlike other systems, the lowest pressure demand is not serviced first.

Standard hydraulic flowrate of 165 litres/min yields a quick response with plenty of power in reserve, and maximum pressure of 200 bar. Four spool valves are standard, but up to six can be fitted.

The Cat3/3N three-point linkage offers a lift capacity of 7,257kg and a wide lifting range. An option is a steerable hitch that provides nearly 9º of movement. 

ENDS
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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 AGCOÒ, ChallengerÒ, Fendt®, GleanerÒ, HesstonÒ, Massey FergusonÒ, New IdeaÒ, RoGatorÒ, Spra CoupeÒ, SunflowerÒ, Terra-GatorÒ, ValtraÒ, and White™ Planters.  AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance.  In 2004, AGCO had net sales of $5.3 billion.

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