Challenger Tractor
Encyclopedia
The Challenger Tractor was the world's first rubber tracked agriculture
tractor, created by Caterpillar Inc.
in 1987. The original model was a Challenger 65 featuring the Mobile-Trac System (MTS) consisting of rubber tracks and a suspension system. The MTS combined the flotation and traction of steel tracks with the versatility of rubber tires. The use of tracks gives the machines increased tractive performance compared to traditional four wheel drive tractors. The Challenger 65 began as a 270GHP machine used primarily for heavy tillage.
In 1995 Caterpillar introduced the first "row crop" tracked machines with the Challenger 35, 45 and 55. These machines ranged in power from 175 hp pto to 225 hp and were designed to be used for a variety of tasks the larger machines could not.
The Caterpillar Challenger MT875B is the largest production tractor available, with an astounding 570 gross engine horsepower
. The MT875B broke the world record for most land till
ed in 24 hours with a custom-made, 46 feet (14 m) disc harrow
. It tilled 1590 acres (6.4 km²). The tractor consumed 180 L/km2 of diesel fuel.
The MT700/MT800 series are the small/large rubber track models while the MT900 series use tires (710/70R42 Duals as standard on the MT900C series).
At the time Agco purchased the Challenger brand from Caterpillar, 2002, most Challenger dealers were Caterpillar construction equipment dealers. Agco added rubber tired tractor models and other equipment to the Challenger brand that was also sold under other Agco brands. Since late 2009, as Agco started to phase out the Agco brand of agricultural equipmnet, some Agco dealers are being offered the Challenger product line.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
tractor, created by Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar Inc. , also known as "CAT", designs, manufactures, markets and sells machinery and engines and sells financial products and insurance to customers via a worldwide dealer network. Caterpillar is the world's largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas...
in 1987. The original model was a Challenger 65 featuring the Mobile-Trac System (MTS) consisting of rubber tracks and a suspension system. The MTS combined the flotation and traction of steel tracks with the versatility of rubber tires. The use of tracks gives the machines increased tractive performance compared to traditional four wheel drive tractors. The Challenger 65 began as a 270GHP machine used primarily for heavy tillage.
In 1995 Caterpillar introduced the first "row crop" tracked machines with the Challenger 35, 45 and 55. These machines ranged in power from 175 hp pto to 225 hp and were designed to be used for a variety of tasks the larger machines could not.
The Caterpillar Challenger MT875B is the largest production tractor available, with an astounding 570 gross engine horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
. The MT875B broke the world record for most land till
Tillage
Tillage is the agricultural preparation of the soil by mechanical agitation of various types, such as digging, stirring, and overturning. Examples of human-powered tilling methods using hand tools include shovelling, picking, mattock work, hoeing, and raking...
ed in 24 hours with a custom-made, 46 feet (14 m) disc harrow
Disc harrow
A disc harrow is a farm implement that is used to cultivate the soil where crops are to be planted. It is also used to chop up unwanted weeds or crop remainders. It consists of many iron or steel discs which have slight concavity and are arranged into two or four sections...
. It tilled 1590 acres (6.4 km²). The tractor consumed 180 L/km2 of diesel fuel.
The MT700/MT800 series are the small/large rubber track models while the MT900 series use tires (710/70R42 Duals as standard on the MT900C series).
At the time Agco purchased the Challenger brand from Caterpillar, 2002, most Challenger dealers were Caterpillar construction equipment dealers. Agco added rubber tired tractor models and other equipment to the Challenger brand that was also sold under other Agco brands. Since late 2009, as Agco started to phase out the Agco brand of agricultural equipmnet, some Agco dealers are being offered the Challenger product line.
External links
- Challenger models by year (on Tractordata)