- Challenger

The magazine for professional farming from Challenger
August 2008
Terra Gators have been an essential part of a French machinery co-operative’s fleet for a decade.
Challenger’s Bernard Gibrais reports from southwest France.
SPREADING SLURRY
in the land of foie gras
CUMA (Co-operative d’Utilisation de Machines
Agricoles) are very common in France especially in
the livestock and mixed farming areas. These highly
successful machinery-sharing groups started after
the Second World War when French agriculture
had scarce resources and there was a great need
for food.
The CUMA des Landes in the region of Aquitaine
was set up some 30 years ago as a result of the
need for drainage works. For many years, this was
the main activity and it is very well equipped with
machinery like excavators and bulldozers.
Known for growing maize, vegetables and kiwi
fruits, this is also the number one area for the
production of the famous foie gras – the rich paté
made from goose and duck liver. Indeed, the growth
of foie gras production and the resulting increase
in poultry litter helped drive the decision to start
spreading slurry and make better use of its organic
and nitrogen-rich properties. According to Michel
Bouet, Director CUMA des Landes, the first step
was to set up a reliable system that worked well and
met environmental needs.
“We chose Terra Gator application equipment to take
the programme forward and convince farmers of the
benefits and obligations of using slurry as fertiliser,”
he explains. “In 1998, we bought our first model –
a 13m3 capacity 2204 with Kongskilde arable
injector. Ten years on, the effects of the regime
are clearly visible.”
▼ MT900B – more
than 200 have been
sold since the launch
and the first retail
units for Europe are
now starting to be
delivered.
Some 200 MT900B tractors have been sold
worldwide since their launch in mid-2007.
The first retail units for Europe were
delivered to customers earlier this year
including three units to Tselinoye Farm
in Northern Kazakhstan.
“Market response to our giant new
articulated model has been amazing,” explains
Richard Miller, Challenger Marketing Manager. “The
machines have been well received in all areas of the
world as word has spread about their exceptional
performance and high output.”
North America has seen the highest demand to date.
The first MT900B to be sold there went to Garry
Motes in Florida who purchased an MT945B model
for use in agricultural land levelling. “The operators
just love the MT945B,” Gary says. “It’s weighted
really well for its horsepower.” He also praises
the accessibility built into the tractor, including
easy access to the fuel tank, transmission, fluid
reservoirs and hydraulic pump.
s Michel Bouet – Director CUMA des Landes.
“We chose Terra Gator application
equipment to take the programme
forward and convince farmers
of the benefits and obligations
of using slurry as fertiliser.”
The co-operative’s Terra Gator fleet now includes
three machines (a 13m3 capacity 2104, 15m3
3104 and 15m3 2244) together with a 22m3 TriAxer tanker. The Terra Gators are used with four
Kongskilde arable injectors, a Veenhuis grassland
injector and three large disc injectors. After seven
years’ sterling service, the 3104 is shortly to be
replaced by a new TG2244.
“Dosage of poultry litter is 24-40 t/ha in the autumn
and 40-50 t/ha in winter, while bio-slurry are
applied at 25-30 t/ha,” adds Michel Bouet.
“For the future, we’ll be looking to increase our
productivity and capacity. The weather at the end of
winter/early spring makes this the best time to carry
out spreading work which gives a short window
before the maize is planted.”
“What we like about the Terra Gators are their speed
and durability. They have reliable engines and good
operator comfort. The fact that they inject the slurry
helps the environment and their light footprint
means the soil structure isn’t damaged. They are
well suited to sloping ground and are able to access
areas of soft land where a tractor and towed tank
would not be able to go,” he says.
“The training days held by Challenger for operators
are much appreciated and are crucial for us to make
the best use of the machines. I would also like to
highlight the service support which is prompt and
efficient. One afternoon recently we urgently needed
a spare part. It was delivered via the Parts Express
service and the next morning the machine was up
and running again.”
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.challenger-ag.com
MODEL RANGE
Model
Rated hp/kW
MT945B
430/320
MT955B
460/343
MT965B
510/381
MT975B
570/425
More news on MT900B tractors in action next issue.
A real showstopper!
As the biggest wheeled tractor ever to appear
on exhibit in Central Europe, the Challenger
MT900B wowed the crowds at the recent Techagro
Show in Brno, Czech Republic.
“Showgoers were literally queuing up to see the
tractor,” explains Michal Krutis, Challenger Sales
Support Specialist, Czech and Slovakia.
Techagro is the largest agricultural show in Central
Europe attracting over 90 000 visitors.
Distributor Phoenix Zeppelin did a great job on the
Challenger stand. In all, there were 14 machines
on display including tracked and wheeled tractors,
combines, balers and application equipment.
Technology was also to the fore in the shape of
Auto-Guide, GTA software and Raven spraying
systems. The new multi-purpose 83-115hp MT400B
wheeled tractor range was also a key attraction.
“It was a very successful exhibition and the ideal
opportunity to showcase Challenger’s wide range of
products to Central European customers,”
says Michal.
Challenger’s team in Czech
Republic lines up in front of the
crowd-pulling MT900B.
The show stand.
s
The Editor, Serious Machinery
AGCO Limited, Abbey Park Stoneleigh, Kenilworth CV8 2TQ England
The MT900B features CAT ACERT Tier III engines
from 430-570hp, CAT 16 x 4-speed Powershift
transmission, Tractor Management Centre, Load
Independent Flow Division Hydraulics and up to
six spool valves.
The high horsepower machine uses the articulated
equal-wheel design to deliver maximum power
to the ground. This also offers the advantage of
optimum weight distribution to maximise traction,
together with a long wheelbase and a high degree of
manoeuvrability. This is a machine that will excel at
high speed primary and secondary cultivation and
planting operations.
s
Once a group of farmers has agreed on the need to
share a piece of equipment, the group calculates
individual contributions to the capital cost of the
machine based on their likely usage. Members pay
a fee for using the machine at an agreed rate which
covers all costs.
MT900B starts to
make its mark
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2
3
A Challenger MT865B equipped with Reynolds scraper boxes is
delivering quick cycle times and fuel-efficient operation on a major
highway construction project in Ireland.
NEW INDUSTRIAL
APPLICATIONS
SPECIALIST
MT865B hits the
dirtshifting trail
With some 60 km of the new M3 motorway
from Dublin northwest to Navan currently under
construction, W H Earthworks run by Greg Weir
and Vincent Horton have taken on the contract
to build up the base of the M3 spur road on the
outskirts of Navan.
mixed in before being compacted. Greg Weir
reckons it would cost Euros 2/m3 to shift the
soil using ADTs. On top of that, there would be
spreading costs to reduce the heaps to layers thin
enough for the lime to be applied, plus the cost of
eliminating ruts.
Here the ground, while not exactly bog, is very
wet and soft and, in its natural state, incapable of
carrying heavy loads particularly those associated
with earthmoving and road construction machinery.
Road engineers are using soil stabilisation
techniques to build up the roadbed using soil
excavated from an industrial site under development
at the Navan end of the spur. Excavated soil is
loaded into Articulated Dump Trucks (ADTs) and
moved a few hundred metres to a site adjacent
to the proposed motorway where it is levelled.
From this point it becomes the responsibility
of W H Earthworks – a total dirt shift of
around 150 000 m3.
“Using trailed dumper boxes we are looking at a
cost of around Euros 1.50/m3 and ground damage
is virtually zero so productivity is high,” says Greg.
With its 18.1 litre CAT C18
engine, max power of 534hp
and a torque rise of 42%, site
records show that the MT865B
is using just 58 litres fuel
an hour.
Due to the ground’s lack of carrying ability, W H
Earthworks has invested in rubber-tracked crawlers
including a Challenger MT865B which hauls a pair
of 17m3 Reynolds scraper boxes. This rig is capable
of moving around 34m3 a trip. Ground pressures
are relatively low and ground damage minimal –
especially when compared to the wheelings left by
the ADTs which occasionally visit the site.
So why use a tracked tractor/scraper combination?
First there are the requirements of the site engineers
who demand the application of even, thin layers
of soil that can be spread with lime, which is then
4
Added to that is the versatility of the tracked
tractor. The number of boxes being pulled can be
reduced or increased to one or three depending on
conditions, or other equipment can used behind the
tractor. “There is a lot of potential to keep the tractor
working and earning,” adds Greg.
With its 18.1 litre CAT C18 engine, max power of
534hp and a torque rise of 42%, site records show
that the MT865B is using just 58 litres fuel an hour.
This compares to 62 litres/hr being consumed by
other tracked machines with smaller engines doing
exactly the same job on the site. Multiply this by a
ten-hour day, day-in day-out and the difference in
fuel consumption soon adds up.
Mike Carney is the regular Challenger MT865B
operator for W H Earthworks. He reports that the
Challenger is a comfortable machine to operate with
controls coming easily to hand. “The long single
tracks even out ruts and other undulations on a road
or industrial site,” he says. “And the idlers allow the
flexible track belt to follow minor undulations and
ruts to maintain traction.”
Deep ruts, Mike believes, should be the subject of
a little housekeeping. “Letting the operating areas
get too rough is counter productive and a little time
spent smoothing things over is time well spent. In
rough operating conditions, cycle time are reduced,
drivers are uncomfortable so get tired easily and
machine wear and tear is increased.”
The Earthworks outfit runs Reynolds 17E10.5 boxes
which have a capacity of 17m3 from a cut
width of 3.2m. When empty, each scraper weighs
in at 10 727 kg. Add to that 12.9m3 of material and
the overall payload is upwards of 27 tonnes.
This weight is supported on four 20.5R25 tyres
spaced across the rear, with about one third of
the weight transferred to the tractor or scraper
in front. “I’ve been a fan of these boxes for some
time,” remarks Greg Weir. “They’re simple to
operate and pretty well impossible to wear out
if properly maintained.”
Adapted from an article in Earthmovers magazine.
Greg Weir reckons that it costs Euros 1.50/m3
using pull scrapers compared with Euros 2/m3
for ADTs to simply dump the load. ▲
W H Earthworks’ MT865B hauls a pair of 17m3
Reynolds scraper boxes consuming just
58 litres of fuel an hour. ▼
Jason Webb has recently been appointed
to the Challenger team as Product Support
Manager for Industrial Applications.
“There is huge potential for Challenger
equipment in the non-agricultural sector,”
he explains. “There are a myriad possible
applications ranging from road and airport
construction, forestry and rural road
maintenance, property development, mining
and landfill operations to dam construction
and municipal amenities.”
Prior to his new appointment, Jason worked
for AGCO’s European Product Reliability
group as Regional Service Manager for
Northern Europe responsible for Challenger
and Massey Ferguson equipment. He has also
held positions with JCB, Deutz Fahr and Case,
working in the UK, New Zealand and
CIS region.
In another new appointment, Thom Sanders
has been named Challenger Product Support
Manager, Application Machinery. Thom comes
from a farming family based near Meijel in
South Netherlands. With strong practical skills,
he has widespread experience in agricultural
machinery and for several years ran his own
contracting business. He will provide product
information and training to the Challenger
sales teams.
5
Demo promotes
▼ The Challenger MT765 is indispensable
and has clocked up 6000 hours since it
was bought in 2004.
energy farming
A biogas plant was the venue for a
demonstration day in Formigara, Italy which
promoted energy farming and the inputs and
machinery needed to support it.
Under the banner “Energy farming – closing the
energy and nutrient circle”, 400 visitors gathered
together for the one-day event which included the
presentation and demonstration of a Challenger
Terra Gator 2244 applicator and MT700 Series
tracked tractor. Other suppliers included Pioneer
(seeds), Kverneland (drills) Krone (forage
harvesters), Apiesse (silage tubes) and UTS Italia
(biomass plant and equipment).
“Terra Gators are ideal for applying the residue left
over after the biogas has been produced,” explains
Walter Remondini from Challenger Italy. “The
resulting digested liquid manure contains 4.5 kg/
m3 nitrogen (N) and other important soil nutrients
including phosphorus and potassium.”
Application of the material gives the following
agronomical benefits:
• High levels of organic N mean that a slow release
will occur over a number of years
• Within the analysis of N in the material, 50% is
available N and 50% is organic N
• High levels of organic matter in the material
improves soil structure and replenishes the
humus content
• The use of liquid manure reduces man-made
fertiliser costs and is more ecologically-friendly
At the demo, the TG2244 was used to apply rates
from 10m3/ha to 100m3/ha. 38m3/ha was the
required dosage according to European nitrate
policy and to ensure optimum profitability on the
host’s land. Attendees were able to see at first
hand the advantages of the machine’s NMS
(Nutrient Management System) which controls
application rates.
“A liquid NMS system is the perfect complement
to a biogas installation ensuring maximum
profitability and environmental benefits,” adds
Walter Remondini.
Hot topic
“The biogas plant provided an excellent backdrop to
the event and more than 400 visitors attended,” says
Challenger’s Cinzia Peghin. “Biomass is a hot topic
and many farmers and contractors are keen to find
out more about the production process.
The day ended with a tour of the installation.”
Owned by the Rinaldi family, who have more than
7500 pigs and 250 cows, the biogas plant was
built in 2004. Every day, they feed the installation
with 65m3 of pig and cattle slurry together with
50 tonnes of biomass including triticale and
maize. The plant delivers 25.7 megawatts in
24 hours and 9375 megawatts over a 12-month
period – enough to supply electricity to 2500
private houses.
TG2244 – TOP FEATURES
AND BENEFITS
• Automatically adjusting cutter – for
uniform product and even distribution
• Reduced soil compaction – thanks to
features such as dogwalk steering and
wide flotation tyres
• Minimal damage to growing crop –
with the use of the specialist
disc injector
• Fitting of an arable land injector means
emissions of NH4 (ammonia) can be
reduced to virtually zero
• Reduced costs - through the
combination of material application
and tillage in one operation
• Full traceability - can be achieved
with as applied application maps
and reports taken from the Falcon VT
control unit
• Reduced cycling times – as a result
of the system’s high capacity features
such as SuperLoad which is capable of
filling the tank at 10-13m3 per minute
MT765 boosts Dutch land
drainage operation
Track technology is indispensable for the
drainage work carried out by contractor
Klaas Fekkes in Friesland, north
Netherlands.
“We work at depths of up to 1.5m and the only
way to operate the drainage equipment without
causing soil damage is to use a tracked tractor,”
Klaas explains. The tracked tractor in this case is
a Challenger MT765 equipped with Auto-Guide
automatic steering.
Klaas established his contracting business in 1990,
specialising in soil improvement, drainage and land
levelling. His team of four full-time staff also get
involved in arable work including cultivation and
seeding plus grass mowing.
“We carry out the land levelling and drainage on
around 1000 ha a year and lay some 250 km of
pipework with the help of the Challenger MT765.
The arable work accounts for around 1200 ha a
year,” Klaas comments. “We are also looking at
cable laying as an area for expansion.”
“Our work is spread throughout the year. Weather
conditions during land levelling periods are very
important – too much rain means that the structure
of the soil suffers. With the MT765, we have the
advantage of its enormous traction coupled with low
ground pressure which minimises soil damage and
enables us to make optimum use of available time.”
▲ The Terra Gator 2244 demonstrated application of biomass sludge.
6
▲ 400 visitors attended the Energy Farming field day at the Rinaldi family’s
biogas plant in Formigara.
Klaas and his team tested a number of different
makes of tracked tractor and eventually decided on
the MT765 which went into service in 2004 and has
since clocked up over 6000 hours. Equipped with
creeper gearbox, wide midwheels, wide drivers,
762 mm belts and front linkage, the tractor is a
key part of the Fekkes machinery fleet.
Vital in drainage work is the laying of pipework in
straight lines at accurate depths. The specialised
drainage machines are laser guided and are
connected directly to the MT765’s hydraulic system
to control lifting and lowering of the implement and
ensure consistent depth is maintained.
“We use Auto-Guide for the drainage work, land
levelling, seedbed preparation and ploughing and
I’m very satisfied with its accuracy and reliability,”
adds Klaas. “I’ve also used it in conjunction with a
‘Companion’ iPaq Pocket PC for the last two and a
half years.” This combination enables pipes to be
laid precisely and allows the production of maps to
show locations of the pipework. The latest system
available from Challenger for this type of work
involves the integration of Auto-Guide with the suite
of GTA software for machine management, record
keeping and mapping.
One of the latest pieces of kit to join the Fekkes fleet
is a 6-furrow Kvernland plough. Its combination
with the MT765 has generated a great deal of work.
“The arable farmers in the area are impressed with
the tractor’s performance,” says Klaas. “As we
plough ‘on land’ without driving a wheel through
the furrow, it means we don’t create a layer of soil
compaction at 30 cm depth.”
The smooth ride afforded by the MT765 is another
feature to come in for praise. “The ride is so good
that we can drive to the job by road – sometimes
as far as 30 or 40 km at speeds of 40 km/h and
without unacceptable wear and tear of the tracks,”
Klaas reports. “The cab is superb in terms of space,
visibility and operation. In the field, work can be
carried out in comfort while a further advantage is
that, as result of its stability, the tractor ensures that
the levelling machines can do their job properly.
A stable tractor equals a stable implement.”
“We invest heavily in technology but are still able to
achieve a high turnover per member of staff and per
€1000 of invested capital,” says Klaas. “For us, the
price of a job is not the first thing that we discuss
with customers. High productivity, careful work,
professionalism and modern equipment are what
we are hired for.”
▲ Klaas Fekkes specialises in soil improvement,
drainage and land levelling. Once the drainage
machine (pictured on the back of the tractor) has
done its job and the pipework is laid, the Challenger
is reversed back along the same track with a roller
attached to the double acting front linkage to pack
the soil and eliminate any ridges.
7
With mineral fertiliser prices on the
increase, livestock waste can cover up to 30%
of farm demand for soil nutrients and, at the
same time, help alleviate the increasing problem
of slurry disposal.
These were just two of the key messages for
delegates who attended a special Challenger
seminar held in association with JSC Plodorodie in
Belgorod, Russia on the latest techniques for liquid
waste disposal on pig farms.
JSC Plodorodie, a company set up to provide
services to the pig breeding industry, pioneered
the use of Challenger Terra Gator 9205 machines
for slurry application in the Commonwealth
of Independent States and hosted more than
50 delegates from farms, colleges and research
organisations at the event in February this year.
Dogwalk steering is the business
In Denmark, the use of nitrogen is limited by law
and, therefore farmers need to achieve the highest
possible utilisation to achieve good crops.
“When we inject the liquid manure, our customers
are keen for us to use the Terra Gators because of
the ‘dog-walk’ steering mode,” explains Torben
Kamp, Skamstrup’s owner. His large-scale
operation employs 26 people in the field and a
further two in their own workshop to provide service
and maintenance.
The big advantage of the ‘dog-walk’ steering is that
it employs an artic-steer chassis plus steering rear
axle that allows the two rear wheels to run between
the tracks of the front two. No wheels run in the
same track, and the weight is spread over a wide
area. This protects the pastures and secures better
growth, essential to dairy farmers. As a result, they
get better yields and can optimise results.
Skamstrup Maskinstation’s Terra Gator 3244s are
equipped with 27.5 m³ NMS trailers. The first was
bought in spring of 2007 and the second in April
this year. “It is easy to use the Nutrient Management
System and the Falcon VT touch screen controller
to pre-set the application rates automatically,”
explains Torben. “And in regular, square fields they
are able to hit application rates within the kilo.”
He is extremely impressed by the NMS and says
that he doesn’t know of any other system that is
as precise.
The liquid manure is always injected into the soil
whether working in pasture or with or without
pre-ploughing. “In pasture, we use a V-cutter with
a working width of 8.8 meters and the manure is
placed in a depth of 4-6 cm,” he adds.
With every other type of soil and conditions,
a tine injector with a working width of 8.0m is
employed. In this case the manure is placed in
a depth of 5-10cm. Even with these big working
widths, the Terra Gator’s CAT engine pulls the
full load with ease.
Comfortable cab
With long hours in the driving seat, a comfortable
cab is vital for the employees who operate the two
Terra Gator 3244s. “The operation of the Terra Gator
is second to none especially as a result of the new
joystick control,” says Torben.
The joystick allows the operator to control machine
functions such as hitch up and down, gear
selection, loading arm and implement hydraulics.
The joystick can also record a series of sequential
functions so that all the operator has to do is push
a single button to set the sequence in motion.
Forward speeds and reverse are also selected at the
touch of a button, while the shuttle shifting facility
enables quick changes of direction without the need
to use the inching pedal.
Conventional methods of disposal in Russia which
employ 10-20 m3 towed tanks are inadequate
because of their low levels of efficiency, while extralarge 30-50 m3 tanks are limited by their speed
ranges and road surface load capacity.
“A Terra Gator 9205 working with a pumping unit
(to pump slurry from a lagoon) and three tanker
vehicles are capable of applying and working-in
1000m3 of manure in two shifts,” explained Dorus
van Esch. “Superior efficiency is achieved as a
result of the 9205’s high operational speed (1220 km/h), high pump displacement (approximately
9 m3/min) and its high capacity 20m3 tank.”
Arnost Franke’s presentation covered ‘Precision
farming in fertiliser application and yield planning’
and looked at the advantages of the Terra Gator’s
Falcon VT terminal and control systems in
maintaining accuracy and managing varying
application rates.
SEMINAR SHOWS THE
WAY AHEAD FOR SLURRY
DISPOSAL IN RUSSIA
Both their reports were strongly supported by
Nataly S Propenko, General Director of JSC
Plodorodie who outlined the strategy for agricultural
development in the Belgorod region which targets
both efficient crop and livestock production.
Challenger has all the
expertise and specialist
knowledge to assist
As the number of farms and animals rises, so the
amount of waste increases which can be harmful
to the environment she explained. For example,
one operation – the Agro-Belogorye group of
companies – is forecast to be producing over
1.1million m3 of slurry annually by 2010.
She went on to describe how, with the help of new
techniques and equipment like the Terra Gators,
Plodorodie was applying 143 000 m3 of pig slurry
in less than a two month period. Starting this year,
their annual application was expected to reach
829 440 m3 at a rate of 40m3/ha. Their investment
is expected to pay back in five years.
“These slurry disposal techniques are still in
their infancy in Russia, and farmers and operators
are eager for information,” adds Frank Rombouts,
Challenger Application Equipment Product
Manager for Russia. “Challenger has all the
expertise and specialist knowledge to assist
and we are planning to focus on the topic
again during our Field Days here.”
Dorus van
Esch spoke about
Challenger’s leading
edge technology for
slurry application.
s
Skamstrup Maskinstation is one of the
biggest agricultural contractors in Denmark.
Located in the south west part of the country, they
have for years handled large amounts of slurry.
Alone, the company’s two Terra Gator 3244 machines
inject nearly 200 000 m³ of liquid manure annually.
Representing Challenger Application Equipment
were Dorus van Esch, Sales Director and Arnost
Franke, Software and Service Manager. They
described in detail the features and benefits of using
Challenger equipment to meet the ever-increasing
production of organic waste from livestock
operations.
▲ The Terra Gator 9205 has helped transform
the disposal of pig slurry in the Belgorod region.
s
Torben Kamp
and family.
s
On a cold day
in February,
Russian delegates
at the Challenger
seminar view the
Terra Gator 9205.
8
9
Masterclass 2: Technical know-how from Challenger experts
s
Top tips for recordbreaking output
The digital
readout on fuel
consumption
showed how hard
the MT875B was
working.
Challenger tracked tractors are designed and built for optimum outputs.
Here David Truelove, Technical Service Manager, explains how to set the
machine for ultimate performance.
The record-breaking tractor was completely unmodified
and, apart from ‘pit stop’ style refuelling, was operated
just like any other production machine.
As Challenger’s Technical Service Manager, Dave
Truelove’s role was to ensure the machine was working
at peak efficiency, while also gathering operating data
during the trials. For this he simply plugged a laptop
computer into the tractor’s electronics system.
“We can do this on all Challenger tractors and, using
the same software, dealer service personnel are able to
diagnose faults, install upgrades as well as interrogate
the Electronic Control Modules. The field trials in
Romania gave us an opportunity to really
look closely at how the tractor operates at peak loads,”
he explains.
10
“In these circumstances that would be the first and
most obvious choice. But it’s important to note that
Maximum Output works best when the tractor is
really working hard with the engine fully loaded,”
adds Dave.
While pulling 14m discs at high speed in heavy land
is fairly obviously a gruelling task, data from Dave’s
laptop confirmed that the engine loads were high.
“The turbo boost pressure reading of 1.8 bar indicated
the tractor was working at its maximum for most of
the time. Combined with a forward speed of nearly
20 km/h and fuel consumption figure of 120 to
125 litres/hr at times, it shows the tractor was,
indeed, working hard,” he explains.
The system automatically controls the transmission
changes and the engine speed (rpm) to ensure the
tractor works at optimum efficiency at all times.
It provides a choice of three operating modes:
While Challenger users may not be familiar with
checking the turbo boost pressure, they are able to see
a constant read-out of the fuel consumption. This, says
Dave, should be used to check performance. “We do
still often find operators not using Power Management
or others who just select one mode at the start of the
work and never change or check that this is the most
appropriate setting for the conditions. In some cases
they could be sacrificing fuel and output by neglecting
to check this.”
• Constant ground speed
• Maximum output
• Constant engine speed
“For example we come across tractors being worked
in manual mode, with the operator selecting the
engine speed and gear. In many cases they will have
Dave also used his technical expertise to assess
the best, most efficient settings to use on the tractor
to attain peak performance. Selecting the most
appropriate Power Management mode allows operators
to improve outputs and reduce fuel consumption.
▲ Challenger’s Dave Truelove (foreground) and
Jamie Rixton set up the MT875B for its recordbreaking run.
In the Romanian field trials the Challenger MT875B
was working with a 14m wide set of Gregoire Besson
discs, set to work at least 12cm deep in heavy clay
soils. With the aim of cultivating the most land ever
in 24hrs the tractor would also be working at fairly
high speeds. In this situation it’s safe to assume that
‘Maximum Output’ would provide the best results.
set the engine speed at 2100rpm (too high) and
changing gears manually to achieve a target forward
speed of, say, 10km/h,” says Dave.
checked on the TMC display. If the slip is at 7% it needs
more ballast to improve traction but if the slip is too low,
ballast can be removed to reduce compaction.
In this example the user could maintain the same
output but save up to 10 litres/hr in fuel consumption
by setting 10km/hr in Constant Ground Speed mode.
The electronics are programmed to make the gear
changes, to account for varying conditions, at the
optimum time.
The ballast also needs to be distributed on the tractor
so that when it is unladen, 60% rests on the front axle
and 40% on the rear. In work, with a trailed implement
the forces will redistribute the weight to 50:50,
ensuring the weight is spread evenly across the
whole length of the tracks. This will provide optimum
power transfer and traction with minimum risk of
causing compaction.
Maximum Output works
best when the tractor is
really working hard with
the engine fully loaded
“This is illustrated clearly to operators when they first
switch over to this mode. Some drivers are concerned
that the engine revs drop too much, but this proves
the system is making best use of the engine’s power
and torque characteristics, changing gear at precisely
the right time to maintain the best fuel consumption
and maintaining forward speed. In manual mode it is
tempting to change gear too early and run at excessive
engine speeds,” he adds.
Another important point when looking for peak efficiency
is to ensure the tractor is ballasted correctly. The tractor
should operate with about 3% track slip, which can be
“As well as being a less effective method of
keeping the track flat in work, too much weight
on the nose will also needlessly compress the
rubber suspension blocks between the chassis
and the track frame. This means the blocks are
always compressed, which reduces the suspension
travel,” Jamie adds.
▼ On the MT875B used in the record
more weights were fitted to the insides
and outside of the front idlers.
Dave, along with Jamie Rixton, Challenger
Product Support Manager, set up the Challenger in
Romania. On the MT875B used in the record, Jamie
recommended removing some of the nose weights
and fitting more weights to the insides and outside
of the front idlers. They also added 16 weights to
each of the track frames.
“When we visit customers’ machines we usually find
it’s working with a full set of nose weights – often
unnecessarily,” comments Jamie. “By taking the weight
off the nose and transferring it to the idlers
we ensured the tracks (not the tractor body) were
kept level and this compensated for the effect of the
forces from the drawbar that will transfer weight to
the front idler.”
Working at peak
efficiency, the MT875B
disced 644ha in 24hrs.
s
With the correct setting, ballasting and
operation it’s possible for Challenger users to
benefit from the same outstanding outputs as
the Challenger MT875B tracked tractor which
set a new world record by discing an enormous
644ha in 24hrs in Romania in 2007.
11
With the delivery of a new MT755B, a British contractor became the owner of the 1000th
Challenger-branded tractor to be sold in Europe, Africa and Middle East. Mick Roberts reports on
how the business has developed with the help of Challenger power.
with Challenger
England’s Tony Goodsell started Scribeland
Contracting 25 years ago with a sprayer and
hedgecutter. Now, along with son, Bruce, he runs
a 580 ha tenanted farm and contract farms a further
803 ha, from their base at West End Farm, Upper
Frole, near Alton in Hampshire.
The all-arable operation runs a rotation of wheat,
rape, oats and beans, while the contracting side also
carries out forestry, tree care and estate maintenance
work to keep the seven full-time staff occupied
during the winter. On top of the planned contract
farming operation, the company also carries out
individual contract work, which last year included
another 400 ha of drilling.
They were able to fulfil that contract mainly thanks
to the recent purchase of a new 301hp Challenger
MT755B, explains Bruce Goodsell. “Basically when
this arrived it took over the drilling work previously
being carried out by two tractors. While we did not
actually reduce the tractor fleet, it did free up another
wheeled tractor and its operator allowing us to take
on this significant amount of extra work,” he adds.
The new Challenger’s role is to first start cultivating
stubble with a 4m wide Knöckerling cultivator, 6.6m
wide Simba Xpress or a Quivogne Tinemaster,
depending upon conditions. In this work it is able
to pull the Tinemaster, with its legs set deep, at a
rate of about 4ha/hr at a fuel consumption of about
13-16 litres/ha. “And in that work it is working very
hard,” remarks Bruce.
In late August or early September the Challenger
stops cultivating and Bruce, who is its main
operator, switches over to drilling oilseed rape.
“We aim to operate a two-pass establishment
12
“The MT755B on its own
has the capacity to not
only get the job done in
a shorter time, but also
means that the other
tractor can be employed
elsewhere.”
system wherever possible. That means first creating
a stale seedbed and then sowing straight into that
with a Horsch CO6 drill. I limit drilling speed to
11-12 km/h, which is comfortable for the tractor
and drill. This means I can cover roughly 40ha/day
and get two day’s work out of one tank of diesel,”
he says.
After the rape Bruce returns to cultivating and
then continues drilling the rest of the crops with
the MT775B.
“Previously this would have been done by two older
Challengers – a 45 and a 55 with Simba Freeflow
drills. Now it’s all done by one man with one tractor.
The MT755B on its own has the capacity to not only
get the job done in a shorter time, but also means
that the other tractor can be employed elsewhere,”
says Bruce.
The improved timeliness has brought big benefits
because, explains Bruce, the previous system
was much slower and could mean that drilling
continued into October in some years. This meant
they had to revert to ploughing and power harrow/
drill combinations, which was slow and costly. “So,
instead of a possible three pass system, we can now
do it all with two passes and we have the capacity to
work more land in less time,” he says.
Bruce used to drive the Challenger 55, which the
new machine replaced, and he says you just can’t
compare the two – the differences are so great.
“At the Cereals Event a few years ago a Challenger
salesman invited me to have a go on the new
models when they first came out. But I declined.
Not that I wasn’t interested, but because I knew that
once I had been in it I wouldn’t want to go back to
the old 55!”
So does the tractor live up to his expectations?
“Yes, absolutely,” says Bruce. “The most noticeable
difference is in the tracks. The new Mobiltrac system’s suspension and ability to move
independently not only improves the ride comfort,
but also traction.
“I think the MT755B, at 301hp, is capable of more
output than an 85 we used to own (which was
375hp). That was so heavy it probably used power
just to move itself around! But the new Mobil-trac
system gives the tractor better balance. Using the
drill on the 55 I used to notice the nose coming up,
which doesn’t happen on the new one,” he remarks.
The family firm has long experience with Challenger
tractors starting their relationship in 1995 with two
Cat Challenger 35s. Since then they have owned two
45s and one 55. They then replaced one of the 45s
with a larger 75, which in turn was traded for the 85.
In the meantime they sold the 85 and replaced this
with a 330hp wheeled tractor. “The 45 and 55 were
on contract hire for five years, but we extended that
for another three years, which brings us up to last
year when the new MT755B replaced both of them.
s
By carrying all the drilling and some cultivations
Scribeland’s new Challenger MT755B has increased
capacity, freeing up a tractor and a man.
s
Contractor grows
Bruce Goodsell describes the MT755B as the perfect
drilling tractor.
Tony Goodsell (left) and son, Bruce have owned
a long line of Challengers, Bruce says the new
MT755B, is a perfect example of good product
development. ▼
“In an ideal world we would like to use just two
Challengers for all the establishment, but we still
need big wheeled tractors for baling, haulage and
other duties,” he explains.
During their 12 years of Challenger experience, the
Goodsells have been impressed with the machine’s
solid build and reliability. Even on their stony land,
which contains a high level of flints, tracks will last up
to 3000hr or more. “I think the new track system will
mean they will last even longer on the new machine,”
he says. Indeed, covering 2000ha of drilling and
cultivation work this past season the tractor clocked
up only 500 hours, which means that even at the past
rate the tracks will last for six years.
Moreover, says Bruce, tracks are ideal for drilling.
“You can’t beat tracks on the drill. They hardly leave
a mark, which means unlike wheels, you don’t have
to work so deep to simply remove the wheelmark.
The steering also makes the combination much
more manoeuvrable. For example, when you steer
around an obstacle it pulls the drill across and
tightly back in, without having to swing out and wait
for the implement to follow the tractor,” he adds.
Pleased
up. “I accept that all machines will break down at
some stage. What is important is how quickly and
efficiently they can get us going again. We have
taken out the AGCO ‘manager’ extended service
and maintenance agreement. This is for eight
years, which we decided to do purely on our prior
experience. The only thing we have not included is
the tracks, because they last well.”
In the past season the new MT755B has clocked
up 500 hours working for Scribeland contractors.
In that time it cultivated and drilled more than
2000ha – which is an average workrate of
4ha/hr for all the work. It is doing the work of
two tractors and has created extra capacity for
work elsewhere.
“We are really pleased with the new tractor. The
new AGCO Challenger is completely unrecognisable
compared with the early ones we used to own. It is
a great example of product development that has
progressed in exactly the right way,” he says.
Tony Goodsell has been surprised at
how well both the tracks and idlers have
stood up to punishment from Hampshire
diamonds (flints). The idlers are hardly
showing a mark after 500 hours’ use.
Bruce is also pleased with his new working
environment, which is large, airy and equipped
with climate control air-conditioning. He also likes
its higher mounting position, compared with the
previous models, which he says really improves
visibility – particularly when drilling.
The tractor was supplied through Challenger dealer,
Lister Wilder at Wallingford, Oxfordshire and Bruce
reports he has received good service and back13
HARVESTING
Unrivalled performance
from large square balers
▼ Challenger LB balers – a big step
forward in productivity.
New combine shows its credentials
After a highly successful demonstration
tour last year, 2008 sees Challenger’s big
new 680B rotary combine harvester make
its debut in the Central and Eastern
European harvest.
“With a roadshow that toured Slovakia, Czech
Republic, Poland and Romania and working
in barley, wheat and maize we recorded some
impressive output figures for the new machine,”
reports Torben Larsen, Harvesting Development
Manager, Challenger. “Our dealers in these countries
did a fantastic job in organising the demo tour and
we were delighted to see so many customers
coming to see the machine’s outstanding
performance at first hand.”
“These figures show that
the rotary is capable of
massive output but with
very economical fuel
consumption.”
In Romania, where the 680B was equipped with a
DBF 9m-wide 12-row maize header, the machine
recorded an output of 130 tonnes/hr in a maize
crop yielding approximately 12 tonnes/ha. Fuel
consumption averaged just 83.3 litres/hr or 9 litres/
ha. In a wheat crop in Poland, the 680B, fitted
with a 9m PowerFlow table and a straw chopper,
consistently achieved over 40 tonnes/hour in dry
conditions with a medium volume of straw. Fuel
usage in this case averaged 18 litres/ha.
“These figures show that the rotary is capable
of massive output but with very economical
fuel consumption,” says Torben.
“It is vital to take on board that the key to
maximising the benefits of this exceptional
output is to ensure that all the logistics
supporting the machine are also up the mark.
At these harvesting rates, you are looking at a
full grain tank approximately every five minutes
which means you need an average-sized
grain trailer to be in place every ten minutes.
To maintain full capacity, it is important that
New Challenger LB34B and LB44B large
square balers are delivering contracting
professionals and large-scale arable enterprises a
big step forward in productivity, bale weight and
density but without excessive power demands.
▲ Equipped with a DBF 9m-wide 12-row
maize header, the 680B recorded an output
of 130 tonnes/hr in a maize.
machines are kept running and not kept waiting
due to lack of logistical back-up.”
The rotary concept offers growers alternative
harvesting technology to conventional
machines providing a gentle threshing action
over an extremely large area to preserve grain
quality particularly in maize and large seed
applications such as peas, beans and soya.
The Challenger 680B offers the highest levels
of both output and operator comfort plus a long
list of advanced features including the largest
rotor in the industry.
680B – TOP FEATURES
• Massive rotor - 0.8m diameter x
3.55m long
• High capacity PowerFlow tables in 9.0m and
7.7m widths
• High unloading rate – 158 litres/sec
• Full-width 1.4m wide helically-vaned feeder
• 459hp with power bulge from latest
12.5-litre Caterpillar engine
• Class-leading cab comfort and low
noise levels
• GTA Console II monitor
s
The brand-new Challenger rotary is now
available for Central and Eastern European markets.
14
The new machines produce the industry-leading
bale dimensions of 1.2m x 1.28m on the larger
LB44B and 1.2m x 0.88m on the LB34B model.
This size, combined with the bale’s outstanding
weight and density, has made these machines
the choice of not only contractors, but also
their customers. Both machines will bale straw
and hay, while the LB34B will also make light
work of silage.
“This new generation baler is already proving to
be a worthy successor to the previous Challenger
LB models which set the benchmark for not
only big square baler performance but also rock
solid reliability,” says Torben Larsen, Harvesting
Development Manager, Challenger.
“Challenger balers are designed and built in our
factory in Hesston in the USA, which pioneered
the big square bale concept. They set the standard
in 1978 and have led from the front ever since.”
The new LB34-44B balers extend that lead by
further reducing operating cost/tonne across the
board and improving customers’ efficiency, which
will create more opportunities for their businesses.
“It really is a win-win situation,” adds Torben.
“The key aim when making straw bales is to
produce the highest density bales/hr. Baling
productivity rises and fewer, heavier bales are
cleared from the field faster which is good for
the farm business. Fewer, denser bales reduce
handling time and transport costs because they
make more effective use of lorry space.
“These are vital considerations that not only improve
the efficiency of hay and silage making, but also help
encourage more industrial users to look seriously at
Challenger LB Balers
Model
Bale size
number – W x H (cm)
Previous
models
LB34B
LB44B
LB34
LB44
120 x 88
120 x 128
using straw for all kinds of uses such as bio-energy
production. By packing more into the bale the new
Challenger balers help to improve the economics of
these operations,” he explains.
Demand for straw for in dustrial uses is growing
across the world. In Denmark, for example, the
government has set a target of 600 000t/year of
biomass to be burnt in the east of the country to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions. A quarter of
this target is currently being met by Dong Energy’s
Avedøre 2 combined heat and power plant, just
outside Copenhagen.
This single industrial user consumes a total of
172,000t of straw a year, with all the material
supplied in the industry standard 1.2m x 1.28m
bales as produced by the Challenger LB44B.
Increased density delivered by the new baler
design means lorry payloads are expected to
rise by at least 20%, which further improves the
efficiency of the operation.
Out in the field the new balers are also producing
big productivity gains. Coupled to a 215hp
(230hp max) tractor, the Challenger LB44B
made bales weighing up to 620kg in spring
barley straw this past harvest. Further tests in the
winter barley straw comparing the LB44B with
the previous benchmark baler, showed the new
model produced a consistent bale weight increase
of between 10-20% at up to 20% faster forward
speeds than its predecessor. At the same time
the LB44B was able to make 55 bales/hour at a
working speed of about 19km/hr.
15
WHEELED TRACTORS
▼ Updates on the Challenger Spra-Coupe 7000
Series sprayers enhance operator comfort and
field performance.
RIGHT TECHNOLOGY IS THE
KEY TO OPEN UP PROFITS
Challenger WT590 tractors are providing the backbone of the wheeled tractor fleet at Kulan which also runs Challenger combines, windrowers and sprayers.
“Whilst taking on board the benefits of
Challenger’s high-tech solutions, Beybut
Koishebayev is approaching the mass remechanisation of his farms based on the robust and
straightforward attributes of tractors like the Challenger
WT590,” explains Konstantin Volyntsev, from Borusan
Makina, Challenger dealer in Kazakhstan.
“The tractors are simple,
foolproof and reliable.”
Beybut Koishebayev runs Kulan, a 25 000 ha
wheat-producing enterprise in Kostanay, Northern
Kazakhstan. Among his Challenger fleet are
12 x 190hp WT590 tractors. A further 15 WT590B
machines (successors to the WT590) are in his
plans for this year.
“We use the WT590 models for cultivation, seeding
and transportation,” remarks Beybut. Cultivation is
carried out with a 7m cultivator working at depths
of 12-14 cm at around 10 km/h. “The tractors are
simple, foolproof and reliable – like a Kalashnikov
gun!” he says. “It is easier to find drivers for the
WT590s. Local tractor operators are not afraid to
drive them. And the comfortable cab provides a
good working environment.”
Farming here takes place on the vast flat steppes
where a standard size field is an incredible 400 ha
(2 km x 2 km). The continental climate brings cold
winters and late vegetation. All planting is carried
out in the spring.
Equipped with a set of three locally-produced
SZS seeders (2.1m x 3 = 6.3m full width),
a WT590 covers 80-100 ha/day at Kulan. This is
the same area as was traditionally worked by a
locally-produced 300hp tractor using five seeders.
What’s more, the WT590 uses 30% less fuel.
Indeed, average consumption of the Challenger
model when seeding is 5.3 litres/ha.
There is no doubt that Beybut Koishebayev is a fan
of the Challenger product line and brand reliability.
He also operates five CH640, three CH642 and
three CH643 combines, five WT460 tractors plus
windrowers and SC4450 sprayers. For the future,
there are plans to buy Challenger tracked tractors
and rotary combines.
“I think the service provided by Borusan is the best
on the market,” explains Beybut. “I plan to keep
investing in Challenger equipment for my farms
despite the current finance crisis in Kazakhstan
and the fact that 2008 is forecast to produce only
average yields. We’ve got big plans. I am a strong
believer that farmers can make good profits,
the key is to use the right technology.”
New sprayers – more comfort,
even better performance
With their ability to cover more ground
faster, the Challenger Spra-Coupe 7000 Series
sprayers help operators make use of every vital
spraying opportunity. Now, a package of new
features and updates is set to enhance these
renowned machines’ field performance still further.
Replacing the 7450 and 7650, some of the latest
features on the new 7460 and 7660 include new
Tier 3/Stage IIIA engines, new front suspension
and a new Raven 5000 controller.
New common rail engines –
plenty of pulling power
The new 7460 and 7660 use the latest Caterpillar
C6.6 six-cylinder engines with common rail fuel
system and four valves per cylinder to comply with
Tier 3/Stage IIIA emission regulations. With 6.6 litre
capacity, the engine delivers a maximum 174hp.
The new engines also provide lower noise levels
and excellent specific fuel consumption. With their
high torque characteristics, these engines offer
all the pulling power you need to negotiate steep
slopes and soft ground with ease.
Drive in comfort
▲ Beybut Koishebayev has big plans for the
growth of his farms which includes investing in
Challenger technology.
16
▲ The 190hp WT590 is ruggedly engineered to
withstand the toughest treatment.
▲ Konstantin Volyntsev, Sales Supervisor for the
Kostanay region works closely with Kulan on its farm
re-mechanisation programme.
Even more driver comfort and machine stability
is made possible with a new front axle. An
increase in the wheelbase of 5.08 cm provides
greater stability, while improved suspension
performance is made possible with new linear
springs featuring reduced spring rate which
allows more suspension movement.
Raven 5000 controller
All new models are now fitted with the Raven 5000
spray control system for precise application rates.
The system monitors litres/ha, spray pressure,
sprayed volumes and hectares, speed and
tank volume.
TOP FEATURES – 7460 & 7660
• New C6.6 Tier 3/Stage IIIA common rail
Caterpillar engines
• Six-speed Caterpillar Powershift
transmission
• New front axle
• Working speeds up to 25 km/h
• Low volume application between
50-100 litres/ha
• All-round independent suspension
• Hydraulically-powered front-wheel
assist option
• Exceptional ground clearance – up to 1.10m
on the 7460 and up to 1.22m on the 7660
• Hydraulic track width adjustment
• Hypro 9303 centrifugal pump
(300 litres/min)
• Joystick incorporates push-button control
for Auto-Guide (when fitted)
• Joystick functions put cruise control,
throttle and boom functions at the operator’s
fingertips for added convenience
• Goodyear tyres as standard
▲ Variable rate springs have been replaced with
linear springs to give more suspension movement.
▲ The new front axle.
17
NEWS UPDATE
Anglo-French tour of
US production facility
In-depth product presentations and a
comprehensive focus on key features such as
track belts, midwheels and drivers were on
the agenda in an action-packed programme
of events for groups of Challenger British and
French customers who toured the Jackson
manufacturing facility in the United States.
Grubbenvorst hosts
biggest-ever Open House
Visitors in the driving seat
“Sales of Challenger tracked tractors have been growing
steadily in the UK and 100 units will be retailed in this
market this year,” explains Richard Miller, Challenger
Marketing Manager who organised the trips. “In France,
the use of the tracked concept is less developed but
there is huge potential for growth as the benefits
become all-the-more apparent in the changing
farming environment.”
As well as technical presentations and a factory tour,
visitors also got the chance to ride and drive a variety of
Challenger machines. Other activities included a visit to
an ethanol plant in Bingham Lake, trips to various farm
enterprises and a tour of the Caterpillar facilities
at Peoria – all rounded off with a cruise on
the Mississippi.
▲ UK delegates on the trip.
▼ The group from France.
Commenting, Steve Pemberton who farms over 400 ha
in Essex, England. “It was a very well organised trip.
It was impressive to see the clean, efficient
manufacturing facility and have the opportunity to visit
a number of American farms. Our thanks go to the
Challenger team who did a first class job.”
Training
It was Open House at Challenger’s
Grubbenvorst facility in the Netherlands
at the beginning of June.
Challenger European Operations manufactures
Terra Gator, RoGator and Spra-Coupe machines
at the Grubbenvorst plant, while it is also the
preparation centre for MT tractors in Europe,
Africa and Middle East (EAME)
More than 2500 specially-invited guests from
all over Europe were treated to demonstrations
of machinery, ride and drive sessions and a
whole spectrum of displays from third party
equipment suppliers.
The Jackson plant was originally built in 1970 and
587 000 sq ft (54 500 m2) of the facility is under cover.
It is spread over 100 acre (41 ha) site and employs
approximately 1000 people. “The quality aspects of
the production process are installed on each group
of workers,” says Richard Miller. “This means quality
control is built into every assembly operation.
Each group has a series of tests and checks prior
to the unit leaving their area.”
Out on the demonstration field was a feast of
Challenger products. Visitors were invited to
get behind the wheel of Challenger tracked
tractors equipped with the biggest of implements,
and test drive the giant new MT900 articulated
tractor. There were also Challenger Terra Gator,
RoGator and Spra-Coupe application machines
plus wheeled tractors and combines. Visitors were
also able to see the site’s production facilities
and the newly-opened Challenger Serious
Machinery Centre which was used as the
event reception area.
The brand-new Serious Machinery Centre is
the hub of Challenger’s training in EAME. The
300m2 building includes a classroom which can
accommodate 25 people, plus, on the second floor,
a Challenger merchandise shop and a big screen
for showing the latest Challenger videos. It is an
important new resource to train distributors, sales
and service staff as well as machine operators.
Marrakech express
The Challenger logo was
emblazoned on a car that took
part in ‘Les 4 Ailes’ humanitarian
rally from Paris to Marrakech.
18
Around 2000 French students
take part in the rally from over
150 colleges. Between them,
they courier over 30 tonnes of
school supplies to Marrakech.
The Challenger-sponsored
car which took part in the
humanitarian rally had a scale
model of an MT900B mounted
on the roof.
s
The car was manned by a team
of students studying agricultural
machinery at the Lycee Agricole
du Chesnay. Each car in the
rally transports around 50 kg
of educational equipment
to Morocco which is then
distributed by UNICEF to
schools and children in need.
19
Challenger celebrates
production milestone
March 2008: the 20 000th Challenger
track tractor – an MT835B – rolled off the
production line at AGCO’s manufacturing
facility in Jackson, Minnesota.
Originally introduced in 1987, AGCO acquired the
Challenger line from Caterpillar® in 2002.
“The innovative Challenger Series track tractors
were the first of their kind. Since the first track
tractor was produced Challenger has continued to
push the envelope of innovation,” says Jason Hoult,
Challenger Product Marketing Manager for track
and articulated tractors in the United States.
tractors. “We put an average of 3000-3500 hours
on each machine each year. We’ve bought and
used 60 Challenger track tractors since the rubber
tracks were introduced in 1987. We like using the
track tractors because they cover more ground than
conventional machines.”
▼ Challenger celebrates the 20,000th
Challenger track tractor rolling off the line
at AGCO’s Jackson production facility.
Representatives from D’Arrigo Bros. who
purchased the tractor from Challenger
dealer Quinn Equipment Inc. received the
keys to the tractor from members of the
Challenger production team.
Designed to improve performance by gaining a
larger footprint of traction, Caterpillar introduced the
Mobil-trac system into agriculture. “The Challenger
Series was designed for producers who want to
increase the efficiency of their cropping or tillage
work while reducing compaction,” adds Jason
“Having a larger footprint in turn leads to less slip
and gives you more power to the ground.
“The third generation of track tractors, Challenger
MT800B Series, are even bigger, stronger, faster and
smarter than ever before. New engines and a broad
range of models have raised the bar on productivity
and performance. And, as we enter into a new era
we are continuing to be the leader in taking track
tractors to the next level,” he comments.
The 20 000th track tractor went to customer,
D’Arrigo Bros., long-time Challenger customers
from Salinas, California. D’Arrigo Bros. were
pioneers of bringing broccoli to the United States
in 1934, and they continue to be industry leaders,
farming more than 12 500 ha.
Serious Machinery comes to you with the compliments of:
“Our operation needs reliable tractors that can run
round the clock. Challenger provides that quality
product,” says John D’Arrigo of his fleet of 17 track
20
Cat®, Caterpillar® and Challenger® are registered trademarks of Caterpillar Inc and are used under licence by AGCO Corporation.
www.challenger-ag.com
English