Caterpillar

In the fall of 2017, Challenger introduced the MT700 series, designed together with Fendt. Fendt brought a corresponding tracked tractor to the European market as the 900 Vario MT series. The engine was a 7-cylinder, 9.8-liter Agco Power unit. It featured two turbos and utilized all known technology for exhaust gas purification. The engine’s nominal speed was only 1700 rpm, with maximum torque achieved in the range of 1200–1600 rpm. The cooling fan had a Voith hydrostatically driven system.

The transmission was Fendt’s ML400, known as Accu-VT in Challenger terminology. The drivetrain included two hydrostats, one of which was disengaged at speeds over 20 km/h. The top speed of 40 km/h was reached at 1550 rpm. The lifting capacity was smaller on the Challenger compared to the corresponding Fendt model. For hydraulics, two 220 l/min variable displacement pumps were optionally available if needed.

Compared to previous Challengers, the suspension of the track system was improved: there were coil springs between the track system and the tractor, and additionally the carrier rollers within the track system were suspended. As an extra option, the cab was also coil-sprung. The cab was mostly the same as Fendt’s 1000 series Vario, and the display was a 10.4″ AccuTerminal. The wheelbase was 13 cm longer than in the earlier Challenger model.

Sales of Challenger tractors ended in 2023, and Agco focused on the Fendt brand also in North America.

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Tractors

Challenger MT738-MT743

At the end of 2020, Challenger announced new MT800 series tractors, which had hardly anything in common with their predecessors. Instead, they were almost identical to Fendt's earlier introduced 1100 Vario MT series. Challenger had, of course, had a significant role in developing both model lines. The engines were MAN's 15.2- and 16.2-liter models, which had considerably higher maximum torque than previous Agco Powers, but the torque increase remained between 10 and 16%. The maximum power was achieved already at 400 rpm. The Tier 4F emission standard engines featured a hydraulically driven cooling fan, variable geometry turbocharger, urea injection, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, oxidation catalyst, and particulate filter.

Fendt's stepless TA400T transmission had two hydraulic pumps, one of which could be disengaged to save fuel when the load was sufficiently low. The hydraulic variable displacement pump output was either 220 or, with two pumps, 439 liters per minute. The center rollers in the tracked chassis were hydraulically suspended. The hitch hook turned 28 degrees to each side during turns, and the lift arms moved 12 degrees. The cab was the same Fendt cab as in the MT700, but the controls had minor differences from Fendt. The AccuTerminal size was 10.4 inches.

In Europe, the focus was on selling the same tractors under the Fendt name, and the same conclusion was reached in the USA in 2023. This marked the end of the Challenger brand.

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Challenger MT851-MT867

The articulated MT900E, like the MT800E crawler tractor, was equipped with Agco Power's V12 engines. It had slightly more power and torque than the previous Caterpillar engines. Tier 4 emissions were achieved through urea injection, twin twin-turbos, an oxidation catalyst, and exhaust gas recirculation. The CAT transmission featured new programs that promised smoother shifting. A hydraulically engageable lock for the front axle was also available as an option. With two pumps, an optional hydraulic output of 322 l/min could be achieved. The Auto Guide 3000 automatic steering system, as well as the standard TMC display, remained unchanged. The MT900E marked the end of Challenger's attempt to penetrate the articulated tractor market.

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Challenger MT955E-MT975E

In the MT800 series, the jump was made from the MT800C to the MT800E in the autumn of 2013. The engine made its debut as the Agco Power 16.8-liter V12, which combined two 8.4-liter engines. The number of cylinders in the engine was not specified in technical tables or presentation texts. The engines met the U.S. emission standard Tier 4 Final and Europe's Stage IV. There were a total of four turbochargers arranged in two series. All emission control technologies were used except for a particulate filter. The torque increase percentage was the same 42% as in previous CAT engines. Hydraulic output was now standard at 224 l/min and optionally 321 l/min.

Everything else remained unchanged from generation to generation. Caterpillar’s 16+4 full powershift was introduced in the 2001 models. The gear ratios remained original. The maximum gear driving speed at nominal revs was 36.2 km/h, and at full revs, it reached 40 km/h. The cab was the old Pinnacle View, but the noise level was now listed as 74 dB instead of 73 dB. Steering was accomplished by adjusting the relative speed difference of the crawler tracks using a planetary gearbox driven by a hydraulic motor in the differential.

In Challenger wheel tractors, the 400D/500D/600D series corresponded to MF models 6600/7600/8600, and the 400E/500E/600E corresponded to the 6700/7700/8700 series. The MF-based models were part of Challenger’s lineup until 2020.

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Challenger MT845E-MT875E

In the Challenger MT700E series introduced in the autumn of 2013, the engines were 7-cylinder, Stage IV–compliant AGCO Powers. The 9.8-liter engines offered more power and especially more torque than their predecessors. They featured urea injection (SCR), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), an oxidation catalyst and two turbochargers, and fuel consumption was promised to be 5 % lower than in the previous models. 

The transmission remained Caterpillar’s 16 + 4 full powershift, and the rear axle was also made by Caterpillar. Hydraulic flow was now a standard 224 l/min, with an optional 321 l/min upgrade. The fuel tank was now a standard 659 liters. The engine hood was given a new shape. Three different track undercarriage strengths were offered, with the maximum track width increased to 864 mm. 

The cab was largely unchanged, but it was now called Pinnacle View. AGCO’s 7.4-inch color display remained the same as before, and the automatic steering system included an additional 12-inch screen.

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Challenger MT755E-MT775E

In the MT745D models sold in 2012 and 2013, the new feature was an 8.4-liter AGCO Power engine. The power and torque were roughly the same as in the previous Caterpillar engines. The emission class was 3A. The engines had urea injection and four-valve technology. The maximum speed of the 16+4 Powershift transmission was reported, as before, to be 39.7 km/h, which was achieved at engine speeds higher than the nominal power rating. The category 4 lift had a lifting capacity of 11,790 kg. The hydraulics featured four standard electrical control valves, with six available as an option. The optional AGCO Auto-Guidance system included a new 12.5″ monitor. The cab was slightly updated. The steps rose electrically when the drive gear was engaged.

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Challenger MT745D-MT765D

Caterpillar sold the tracked tractors to Agco in 2002, and the brand changed to Challenger. Production was moved to Agco’s factory in Minnesota. The MT700 series had already been developed before Agco’s ownership. It was clearly more robust than the previous models 35-55, which partly used New Holland technology. The weight was now 14 tons instead of the predecessor’s 9 tons. A common feature of the model range was a continuously adjustable track gauge. Steering in the Challengers was not done by braking the tracks but by adjusting their relative speed difference using a planetary gearbox driven by a hydraulic motor located in the differential.

The engines were now Caterpillar’s 8.8-liter units instead of the previous 6.6 liters and equipped with four-valve technology. The emission level was EPA Tier II. Road speed had increased to 40 km/h in versions brought to Europe. The 16+4-speed Powershift transmission and the rear axle were also manufactured by Caterpillar. The weight distribution was 40/60, aimed at balance for pulling tasks. The tracks were hydraulically suspended. Standard features included 4 electrically controlled hydraulic remotes and power beyond. The lifting capacity was 11.7 tons. The cab was clearly larger than before. The electrical system was based on a CAN bus. Headland automation was standard.

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Challenger MT735-MT765

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Challenger

In 1987, Caterpillar introduced its first tractor equipped with rubber tracks, the Challenger 65, primarily to compete against mainly articulated large tractors. The tracks, 24.5 inches wide and 270 cm long, were reinforced with steel cables. The traction was promised to be over 50% greater in the field and 20% greater on hard surfaces compared to a wheeled tractor, and the ground pressure was low due to the double contact surface compared to a wheeled tractor.

The engine was a turbocharged and intercooled 10.5-liter with a power output of 270 hp. A 30% increase in torque was reported. The transmission was a 10+2 full powershift, allowing the selection of any gear directly when starting to move. The cab noise level was 77.5 decibels. Optional equipment included radar-based slip control, a 3-point hitch, and a power take-off (1000 rpm).

For 1991, the power was increased to 285 horsepower and the model designation changed to 65B. At the same time, a 325-horsepower Challenger 75 equipped with the new shorter-stroke C-10 series engine was introduced. Its tracks were increased to 27.5 inches wide. Narrower and wider track options were also available for both models.

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Caterpillar Challenger 65-75

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For the year 1993, the Challengers were updated and the model designation was appended with a C. The hydraulic and steering system was renewed: steering was now done using a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motors instead of a mechanical implementation. The brakes were now oil-bath type. The exhaust pipe and air intake were moved closer to the right pillar of the cab, and the fuel tank was slightly enlarged. To facilitate access to the cab, proper steps were added and the grab handles were renewed. The instrument panel was also completely new, and the trip computer was placed in a visible location at the top part of the dashboard.

The engines remained unchanged: the 65 C had an output of 285 hp and the 75 C had 325 hp. Ground pressure was specified as 0.39 bar, and for the 75 C equipped with wider tracks, 0.35 bar. In 1994, the Challenger 70 C was introduced, which had the engine of the 65 C and the transmission and undercarriage of the 75 C. Correspondingly, the 75 C was given a parallel model of the same power called the 85 C. The transmissions of the 75 C and 85 C were optimized for low speeds. In the later D series, the 85 C was replaced by the 370-horsepower 85 D, and similarly the 75 C was replaced by the 75 D. These versions were not brought to Europe, where the sales models remained the 65 C and 75 C until 1998.

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Caterpillar Challenger 65 C – 85 D

In 1994, Caterpillar introduced the smaller Challenger models 35 (210 hp) and 45 (240 hp). The track width of these models was adjustable, designed with row crop farming in mind. Considerably more emphasis was placed on design compared to the large, angular Challengers. These models were manufactured by New Holland in Winnipeg, and the cab, powertrain, and hydraulics came from NH's Genesis series.

The engines were Caterpillar's 6.6-liter turbocharged and intercooled units. The full powershift transmission had 16+9 gears. The gearbox featured various programmable automatic shifting and preselection functions. In 1997, the lineup was complemented by the 270-horsepower Challenger 55, which had a 7.2-liter engine.

In 1997, Claas and Caterpillar entered a cooperation agreement whereby Cat began selling Lexions in North America and Claas sold Challengers in Europe. The smaller series of green Challengers were launched in the fall of 1997. On Claas models, the track width of the tracks was standard at 63.5 cm.

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Caterpillar/Claas Challenger 35-55

In spring 1998, the new E-series models of the large Challengers were introduced. The styling was now streamlined to match the smaller model range. Under the Claas–Caterpillar cooperation agreement, the Challengers were now marketed in Europe in Claas livery. The engines were still Caterpillar products. On the 65 E and 75 E, power was increased by 15 hp. The 65’s engine was also from the newer series. Above these were the 12-liter 85 E and 95 E (381 and 417 hp). All the engines featured electronic control and a 30% torque rise.

The rubber-track width was now standard at 699 mm. The transmission remained the same 10+2 unit as before. Hydraulic output was raised to 151 liters per minute. Fuel tank capacity was increased to 1,060 liters.

The new-generation Challenger MT700-series models were introduced in 2001, and at the same time Caterpillar sold Challenger production to Agco. The brand became Agco Challenger, and Claas had to give up the Challenger name. Caterpillar continued to supply engines and transmissions to Agco.

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Caterpillar/Claas Challenger 65 E – 95 E

The new generation Challenger MT700 series models were introduced in 2001, and at the same time, Caterpillar sold the Challenger production to Agco. Caterpillar continued to supply, among other things, engines and powertrains to Agco. The new MT800 series models, which were developed already during Caterpillar’s time, featured four-valve engines with significantly more power than their predecessors. The engine displacements were 12.0, 14.6, and 15.8 liters. Pump injectors were used in the fuel injection system. The emission standard was EPA Tier II.

The Powershift transmission was new, with 16+4 speeds, and the road speed increased to 40 km/h. The wheelbase grew from 229 cm to 300 cm, and these models also now had steplessly adjustable track width. The tracks featured a new Opti-Ride suspension. Track widths were available from 457 to 914 mm. The hydraulic pump output was 233 l/min, and there were 4 to 6 electrohydraulic valves. A TMC display (Tractor Management Center) was installed in the cab for control of functions and the onboard computer. The cab was the same as in the smaller MT700 series.

At the same time, Agco introduced smaller models made by Iseki and Massey Ferguson to the Challenger range. The MT400 series corresponded to the MF 4200 series, and the MT500 and MT600 series equivalents were found in the 6200 and 8200 series.

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Challenger MT835-MT865

The Challenger MT700B models were introduced in 2005. The smallest model was dropped, and more black color was added to the hood. The 8.8-liter Cat C9 ACERT engines met EU Stage III emission standards. The power was roughly the same as before. The torque increase figures had dropped from 52% to 42%. The engines still featured unit injectors and four-valve technology. Other technical specifications remained unchanged, such as the 11.7-ton lifting capacity and 166 l/min hydraulics. The interior of the cab could use an updated photo, but the noise level had dropped to 73 decibels. The fuel tank was, as standard, smaller than before.

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Challenger MT745B-MT765B

The Challenger 800B series models were introduced in 2005. The appearance was slightly updated, and the tracks were 25 cm longer than before. At the top of the range was the MT875B, which had a maximum power of 600 hp. To protect the transmission, power was reduced at speeds under 6 km/h in this model. The power of the other models remained roughly the same. The difference between maximum power and nominal power was even smaller, meaning that almost the maximum power was available over a wider range than before. Engine capacities had increased to 14.6 liters in the three smaller models and 18.1 liters in the two largest ones. The 16+4 powershift transmission remained unchanged. Hydraulic output was 166 liters per minute, but in Europe, the 223 liters per minute version was mostly sold.

With the standard 699 mm rubber track chains, the width remained just under three meters. There were more track options than before for different purposes. The cabin noise had dropped to 73 decibels.

At the same time, in the Challenger wheeled tractor lineup, the MT400B series corresponded to the MF 5400 series, the MT500B to the 6400/7400 series, and the MT600B to the 8400 series.

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Challenger MT835B-MT875B

In the spring of 2006, Agco announced its first articulated tractor, the Challenger MT900 series. However, it did not enter production until the summer of 2007. The technology was largely consistent with the MT800B series tracked tractors. The external dimensions were generous compared to both tracked models and competitors. The MT945B had more power than the equivalent tracked tractor, and the smallest model was not introduced to the lineup. The engines were 14.6- and 18.1-liter Caterpillars, and the transmission was also Caterpillar's 16+4 powershift. The articulated frame was said to be the most robust on the market. The turning radius was reported as 8.4 meters measured from the centerline of the tires. The standard tires were 710/70R42 dual wheels. The front axle lock was not included, at least not as a standard feature. The three-point hitch was only 10 tons instead of the tracked version's 14 tons. The axles were manufactured by GIMA.

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Challenger MT945B-MT975B

In the Challenger MT700C series introduced in 2008, the appearance and the cab were updated. In the familiar 8.8-liter Tier III Caterpillars, the maximum power was about twenty horsepower more than before. The gearbox was still a 16+4-speed electronically controlled full powershift. The improved cab featured a new 7-inch TMC-ISOBUS display, which was the same as in MF tractors. The rounded-line instrument panel was also similar to that of MF. The programming of the headland automation was simplified. In the hydraulics, there was a new LIFD system. In situations where the flow demand exceeded the pump output, the system limited the output of each of the (up to) six valves by the same percentage.

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Challenger MT745C-MT765C

The design of the MT800C series introduced in 2008 had been rounded off both on the exterior and inside the cab. The cab also featured a new 7″ ISOBUS-compatible TMC display. The yellow paint was paler than before. The smallest model was dropped from the European lineup, and especially at the lower end of the range the power and torque figures were higher than previously. Emissions complied with Tier III. The transmission was still a Caterpillar-built full powershift with 16 forward and 4 reverse gears. The “one-touch” headland automation could store 35 functions for up to six different implements. You could also program different hydraulic flow rates for work speed and headland speed via the electronic control blocks. The track chains and their carriers were available in polyurethane, which was said to be more durable than either steel or rubber.

With a starting price of around €400,000, the MT800C was somewhat more expensive in Europe than competing American tracked tractors.

The Challenger MT400 and MT500 series made by MF continued as the B-range models, while the MT600C was revamped to match the MF 8600 series.

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Challenger MT845C-MT875C

The MT900B series articulated tractors were on the market for just over a year before transitioning to the newly redesigned MT900C models. These also had slightly more power and torque. The engines were still 14.6- and 18.1-liter Caterpillars, and the transmission was also manufactured by Cat. The engine displacements were larger than those of competing articulated tractors. The lifting capacity was increased to 14 tons, comparable to that of tracked tractors, but the largest model was not equipped with a lifting device at all. The hydraulics featured a new flow equalization system, and the cab included an ISOBUS-compatible 7" color display. The MT900C series was not introduced to most European countries.

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Challenger MT945C-MT975C

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