The world's most powerful production tractor currently available – the Challenger MT975B – has made its Australian debut.
Privileged Challenger dealers from all states, plus New Zealand, attended the two-day launch and drive sessions at the University of Adelaide's Roseworthy Campus where the monster-sized machine's vital statistics quickly became the talking point.
The top-rated model delivers more than 600hp of heavy-duty grunt, weighs in at over 27 tonnes, comes with a fuel tank approaching 1500L and can be supplied with a choice of tyres ranging from single to duals, even triples to suit any farm situation.
AGCO product manager for Challenger tractors, Anthony Ryan, said the new MT900B range of tractors were not simply track tractors put onto wheels.
"The heavy-duty frame and articulation joint on the tractors have been purposely designed, built and tested, both overseas and here in Australia, to handle even the most rigorous conditions," he said
"The 145mm diameter bar axles, for example, are the largest axles in the industry."
With the launch of its MT900B series range of equal four wheel drive articulated Challenger tractors, AGCO has once again claimed leadership in the high-horsepower tractor market stakes.
To be sold here in Australia in time for the 2009 cropping season, only limited numbers will be made available.
There will be plenty of interest, too in its yet-to-be-revealed price tag.
The top of the four model range, the MT975B boasts a massive 585hp (430kW) power output that increases to 632hp (474kW) via an eight percent power growth rate (bulge) from its Caterpillar C18 ACERT Tier 3 engine.
Other models in the range include the MT945B at 430hp gross horsepower (320kW), MT955B 460hp (343kW) and the model MT965B at 510hp (381kW).
The new higher horsepower models share a number of components with the proven MT800 series track tractors that include the rugged Caterpillar ACERT technology engine; the proven 16F X 4R powershift transmission; Challenger's state-of-the-art cab and hydraulics and the exclusive Tractor Management Centre.
Meanwhile, big tractor operators will be impressed with the 42 degree articulation angle on all models, while oscillation angle is 13 degrees.
When fitted with 800/70R38 duals this geometry makes for a remarkable turning circle of just 4.8m.
Challenger points out the new range is fitted with the same 16F x 4R Caterpillar powershift transmission as in the MT800 series tractors with speed ranges between 2.7kph to 40kph and with eight gears in the popular 6.5 and 15kph working range.
In the hydraulics department the tractors have two separate systems, one for implement control and steering and the other for the transmission and axles.
The drawbar on the tractors features a forward mount hitch point close to the tractor centre for improved strength and more even weight distribution across the entire tractor frame.
Standard on all models is a 1000 rpm PTO drive shaft, while a three point linkage hitch is offered as an option on all models except the largest MT975B unit.
Interestingly, the fuel tank is interconnected with the engine management control centre to give operators' not only a reading on fuel level, but also on usage data in litres a hectare and litres an hour being used.
Important from a maintenance point of view Mr Ryan emphasised the tractor's reduced wiring and armrest control system which was now all inter-connected with Challengers' electronic IBOBUS system.
Speaking at the launch, AGCO executive chairman and managing director East Asia Pacific operations, Warwick McCormick said: "We saw the need to complement our line of track tractors with a four-wheel-drive articulated version and provide customers with even more choice in our high horsepower product offering.
"I believe we have today delivered on that decision."
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