All-new Challenger MT500 series tractors

Just a glance at the all-new Challenger MT500 Series tractors will immediately give operators a feel for their elegant strength and productivity. Every component has been carefully engineered to give the performance and reliability operators demand.

The MT500 Series tractors come in three models ranging from 100 horsepower to 140 horsepower.

• MT535 – 100 PTO horsepower (70.8 kW)
• MT545 – 120 PTO horsepower (85.7 kW)
• MT565 – 145 PTO horsepower (108.1 kW)

Powerful Engines
The MT535 and MT545 models use rugged six-cylinder Caterpillar designed and manufactured engines, built to the most demanding standards and quality control in the industry. The MT535 and MT545 model tractors have a 365-cubic inch (6.0 L) turbocharged diesel engine to achieve 100 PTO horsepower and 120 PTO horsepower respectively. This engine has rugged, long-lasting cast iron cylinder blocks and features dry cylinder sleeves design.

Extra power is always in reserve, thanks to the steep torque rise as engine rpms fall under load. This increased pulling power reduces stress on the tractor, implements and the operator. All engines meet EPA emissions standards.

The MT565 model uses a 403-cubic inch (6.6L) SISU turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel engine to deliver power and quiet operation while exceeding all required emission standards. The engine features a unique Dynatorque power curve to ensure that power and torque are perfectly matched to the farming application.

Innovative Transmissions The Challenger MT535 and MT545 models feature the 32-speed Auto Power IV transmission. With eight gears and four ranges, it provides an extremely efficient 32 forward and 32 reverse speeds with 15 speeds in the critical field working range.

An exclusive AutoDrive automatically changes gears to match engine load and speed, keeping the operator in the right gear, no matter the situation. The Challenger QuadraShift® automatically maintains the correct ratio of speed and gear selection to keep the operator in the optimum power range. The speed ratio change is 17 percent, compared to the 20 percent and 21 percent of some competitors.

The Challenger MT565 Series tractor comes standard with an electroniccontrolled 18F/6R Powershift transmission. With 18 speeds forward and 6 in reverse, these machines have 20 percent more working and transport speeds than competitors.

The Challenger Powershift transmission is a unique Dual Control system. The level in the right armrest controls pulse speed changes and park. The lever to the left of the steering wheel changes speed by sequential shifting and controls the forward/reverse shuttle. Speed changes are made on-the-go without clutching or stopping, The MT565 is also available with the Auto Power IV with Power Control as an option.

Big Tractor Productivity
The Challenger MT500 Series tractors are equipped with the Autotronic™ electronic monitoring and control system. This system uses operator input and on-thego monitoring to help regulate the transmission, PTO, 4WD differential lock and hydraulics.

A Closed Center pressure and flow-compensated hydraulic system delivers up to 2,900 psi at 29 gallons/minute of total on-demand flow for steering, remote valves and the 3-point hitch. An optional 39 gallon/minute high-flow system is available on the MT565 model.

The Touchmaster Hydraulic Control System uses a joystick in the armrest to control two spool valves and can be combined with manual hydraulic levers to create a 4-valve system. Using this system with the Power Performance Display System, allows Challenger MT500 Press Release January 7, 2003 Page 3 two flow settings per valve, and up to 60 seconds timing per valve. Other tractors in the industry allow only up to 19 seconds per valve.

The MT535 and MT545 models are equipped with an Economy PTO that can maintain a standard 1,000 rpm PTO speed at only 1550 engine rpm when full power isn’t required. The MT565 model is equipped with a PTO that operates at both 540 rpm and 1,000 rpm.

The MT500 Series tractors come with an electronic-controlled, Category II, III or IIIN 3-point hitch. These 3-point hitches have up to 22 percent more lift capacity than any other machine in its class. Each tractor comes standard with a heavy-duty drawbar for drawn implements, trailers or other wheeled equipment.

The ProMax Implement Response Control System, a digital electronic operating system that works with the Electronic Linkage Control (ELC), controls discs, cultivators and other mounted implements. The ELC operating system automatically adjusts the working depth of mounted implements for full draft control. When the ELC signals to lift or lower the rear linkage, the ProMax system generates signals to control implement depth.

The Challenger MT500 Series tractors come standard with premium Michelin Agribib™ tires with super-flex sidewalls for better ground contact and unique R1W parallel-side lugs that help maintain excellent traction even when the tread is 70 percent worn.

Absolute Operator Comfort
The MT500 Series tractor cab provides total control, accessibility and visibility in a comfortable, controlled environment. The 61-square feet of tinted glass, narrow cab posts, two extendable outside mirrors and the side-mounted exhaust stack, give the operator unobstructed visibility.

The cab is easily accessible through wide doors on both the right and left sides of the tractor. The ergonomically designed operator’s seat has a multitude of adjustments for height, reach and comfort. And there is a fold-out instructional seat complete with a seat belt, footrest and backrest.

The gearshift, hand throttle, electronic linkage, PTO, hydraulics and other controls are grouped in the right armrest and console. The tilt and telescoping steering console allows the operator to adjust to their comfort level.

Fieldstar Precision The Fieldstar Precision Agriculture System takes precision farming to a whole new level and each Challenger MT400 Series tractor can be equipped with the Fieldstar system.

This system provides comprehensive implement operations, and complete tractor monitoring and controls. It automatically monitors attached implements and provides information to the operator.

Only Fieldstar features the exclusive DataTOUCH® Command Center terminal, the most advanced, state-of-the-art monitoring terminal on the market today. With this compact, easy-to-read touch-screen display, the operator can control all the functions of the in-cab system. The touch-sensitive screen lets the operator program functions, set up GPS systems, collect field data and much more, by simply touching the liquid crystal display. No matter what the application, no additional monitors are needed.

The Fieldstar system does it all…collects data, identifies field variations, analyzes variable situations and implements decisions. With the Fieldstar Office Package Software, it can process raw data into maps and reports, then export that information to other precision farming computer programs. The system is fully programmable, so new implements can be added with the comfort of knowing that the system will stay up-todate.

Unsurpassed Service and Support The MT500 Series tractors are sold, serviced and supported by Caterpillar dealers. The Caterpillar dealer network is world-renowned as the best-trained, most responsive dealer in the business. They are second to none in on-location service. Each dealer is linked to a 24-hour-a-day parts network to minimize downtime and maximize productivity. Their mobile service trucks carry more tools and diagnostic equipment than most repair shops.