Challenger releases new ‘C’ series

AGCO Australia has announced the introduction of its new range of track and articulated tractors for 2009. They will be designated the ‘C’ series, following on from the highly successful ‘B’ series and the first units will arrive in Australia in March 2009.

AGCO’s engineers have focused on simplifying operator functions and improving performance and economy of the MT700C, MT800C and MT900C series track and articulated tractors while refining the tried and tested components used in the engine, transmission and track system. The cab has been redesigned with an all new Tractor Management Centre (TMC) and armrest console. There has also been some changes to horsepower, with the MT875C and MT975C coming in at an amazing 585 rated horsepower, peaking at 632 horsepower.

According to Anthony Ryan, Product Manager for Challenger, one of the most exciting new developments in the ‘C’ series is the integrated ISOBUS control system.

“All Challenger MT700C, MT800C and MT900C series tractors are fully ISOBUS compliant. With our new colour Virtual Terminal, the ‘C’ series has the ability to control ISOBUS implements, such as a variable rate seeder, through the one screen. ISOBUS is the Agricultural standard for on board computer communications and is being adopted by more and more implement and machinery manufacturers. By having it standard now, we are future proofing this range of tractors”.

By integrating ISOBUS technology, Challenger engineers have simplified wiring designs and electronic signals, making the tractor simpler to run and more reliable. The Virtual Terminal can control all functions of the tractor and can also control ISOBUS implements and guidance systems. It has the added benefit of being able to record data from the tractor and implements such as fuel burn or seeding rates to a USB or SD card for easy transfer to the farm office. This simplification of data transfer will allow operators to better monitor their machinery cost per hectare.

Along with the electronics upgrade is an improved One-Touch headland management system. Headland operations have been simplified and can be pre-programmed and modified on screen without having to re-record the entire sequence. The sequence is activated, paused or re-started at the touch of a button.

Also on the ‘C’ series tractors is the new and improved ‘Power Management’ feature. It allows the tractor to automatically coordinate engine speed and transmission gear. This allows the tractor to operate as efficiently as possible by maintaining the most productive engine speed and gear. Challenger has also introduced two preset engine speeds.

“Using memory settings, operators can maintain consistent engine speeds in PTO operations or for different settings during headland turns” said Anthony Ryan.

And lastly, the Challenger ‘C’ series features and all new hydraulic system with five standard fingertip controls. An all new valve stack at the back of the tractor provides more versatility with finer adjustable flow rates and the ability to set one valve with priority, which can be utilised to ensure air seeder fans do not loose speed when the bar is lifted out at the headland. There will also be upgrades to lighting and product styling.

All these features combined give a very exciting and productive series of tractors developed with future farming practices in mind and aimed at improving farm profitability through lowering input costs per hectare.

For more information visit www.seriousmachinery.com