Productivity and performance built into new Challenger MT800 series tractors

Unmatched horsepower and the most versatile design in the industry headline the all-new Challenger MT800 Series tractors. Four models, ranging from 340 to 500 gross engine horsepower, stretch the limits on productivity and performance in the high-horsepower tractor category. Designed and powered by Caterpillar, these new machines build on legendary track technology with advancements in comfort, power and speed.

“The Challenger MT800 Series tractors will allow the customer to experience operating efficiencies that were never obtainable while still experiencing reduced operator fatigue,” says Doug Daws, general marketing manager, Challenger track tractors. “The end result will be more income in the customer's pocket."

Leading the Class with 500 Horsepower
The Challenger MT800 Series tractors are powered by Caterpillar engines, and use Cat’s proven mechanically actuated, electronically controlled unit injectors and air-to-air aftercooling (ATAAC). Challenger MT835 and MT845 tractors use the Cat C12 engine to achieve 340 (254 kW) and 380 (283 kW) horsepower, respectively. The MT855, rated at 450 horsepower (336 kW), is powered by the Cat C15 engine. The largest tractor in the series, the Challenger MT865, offers the highest horsepower of any production tractor – track or wheel. Powered by a 964-cubic-inch (15.8L) Cat C16 engine, the MT865 is rated at 500 gross engine horsepower. Matched with a track tractor’s ability to put a higher percentage of the engine’s power to the ground, this tractor will offer farmers unprecedented drawbar pull and ability to get work done.

Performance for the Business of Farming
The Challenger MT800 Series tractors’ powertrain integrates many proven components into the new design. The 16F/4R Caterpillar designed transmission offers nine gears in the critical 3.4 to 9.3 mph (5.8 to 14.9 km/h) working range. The broad operational range allows the tractor to adapt to changing conditions without sacrificing performance. When it comes to the demands on hydraulics, the Challenger MT800 Series tractors answer with standard 43.5 gpm (166 LPM) flow, and four standard remote circuits. An optional 59 gpm (223 LPM) pump is available, as well as two additional remote hydraulic valves for a total of six. The exclusive Load-Independent Flow Division (LIFD) ensures proportional oil flow to all circuits when the system is operating at maximum capacity, resulting in smooth, coordinated operation of every function.

Three hitch options are available for MT800 tractors. This includes a first-of-itskind optional controlled drawbar, which uses hydraulic cylinders to control its position or dampen the drawbar when unpinned. The standard tractor is equipped with a wideswinging roller drawbar, with plus or minus 32 degrees of swing.

The optional 3-point hitch for the MT800 tractors is an exclusive steerable design with 19,500 lb. (8845 kg) of lift capacity. The steerable hitch improves tractor steering control and row corrections, especially advantageous in narrower gauge applications. Tractors equipped with an optional steerable 3-point hitch come with a free-swinging drawbar that offers plus or minus 28 degrees of swing from the centerline.

To keep farmers in the field longer, the MT800 Series tractors offer a standard 305-gallon (1155 L) fuel tank. By adding an optional center tank, fuel capacity can be increased to 330 gallons (1249 L). The MT865 comes standard with a 330-gallon (1249 L) fuel tank.

Adjustable Track Gauge Offers Unmatched Versatility
The Challenger MT800 Series is the first in its size class to offer adjustable track gauge. The Mobil-trac system undercarriage design allows the distance between the tracks to be infinitely adjusted between 90-inches and 128-inches (2286-3251 mm) to optimize the tractor for a wide variety of tillage and row-crop applications. The new in-line reaction arm allows for quick, easy gauge changes that can be made without spacers and without detensioning the belt.

The MT800 Series also offers the longest wheelbase of any two-track design in the industry, for maximum balance, flotation and tractive efficiency. New suspended midwheels improve traction and ride in uneven field and road conditions. A larger rear drivewheel allows for excellent crop clearance. A 25,000 pounds of belt tension provides superior belt-to-driver grip.

The wide variety of undercarriage options adds to the overall versatility of the MT800s. Belts are available in four widths, from 18-inches to 36-inches (457 - 914 mm), and in two types. Idler, midwheel and driver widths are offered in two sizes to improve belt life, allow for use of narrow belts in row crops, and improve belt-to-driver performance.

The new Opti-Ride suspension provides a smooth, vibration-free ride on the road or in the field while at industry leading transport speeds of 24.6 mph (39.6 km/hr). The chassis is isolated by two large rubber/ fabric springs. Additional rubber cushioning material added to the driver, midwheels and idler further enhances the ride.

Comfort and Control
The Challenger MT800 Series cab offers excellent space, visibility and comfort. The spacious cab boasts 108 cubic feet (3.06 m3) of cab volume surrounded by 67.5 square feet (6.2 m2) of glass. A Surround-Flow ventilation system directs air through 12 strategically placed vents and ducts for maximum airflow and consistent cab temperature. Optional climate control helps maintain a comfortable interior temperature, regardless of changing conditions outside.

The optional Nightbreaker HID lighting system improves visibility at night, and under adverse weather conditions. A walk-around platform provides easy access all around the outside of the cab for fueling, adjusting lights for varying implements or cleaning the windows.

The Tractor Management Center (TMC) includes the TMC display and controls for the transmission, hydraulics, throttle, 3-point hitch (optional), PTO (optional), and a roading lockout switch, as well as an integrated armrest. The TMC rotates with the operator seat for easy access and maximum visibility. The TMC display provides the operator with basic tractor performance data and diagnostic information from the Intellitronics system.

Cutting-Edge Technology Enhances Performance
Innovations and technologies that improve overall performance have been designed directly into the Challenger MT800 Series tractors. Linking the entire tractor together is an electronic management system. The Intellitronics network enables the engine to communicate with the entire powertrain for smooth shifting, optimum power management and the most efficient use of fuel. The optional ISO11783 electronics system allows tractors to recognize and communicate with implements for coordinated operation. Electronic control modules throughout the tractor share performance data via the Intellitronics network, allowing the tractor to monitor and diagnose performance, program repetitive tasks and interface with various GPS-based systems.

The One-Touch management system allows the operator to record a series of functions, and then repeat the series on command. One-Touch control can automate a sequence of events such as transmission shifting, throttle, 3-point hitch position, PTO status, implement raise and lower functions and automatic guidance.

New Auto-Guide Improves Efficiency
“The Challenger Auto-Guide satellite navigation system directly leads to improved operating efficiency by reducing implement overlap,” says Daws, “This dramatically reduces the customer's input costs.”

The optional Auto-Guide satellite guidance system uses cutting-edge GPS technology to guide the tractor through the fields. The Auto-Guide system steers the tractor to make parallel swaths for improved efficiency and reduced operator fatigue.

With Auto-Guide, growers can increase operating speeds, reduce overlap and underlap and operate in lower visibility conditions. The system is easy to learn and use, and is surprisingly affordable, with a starting price about that of a good lightbar system.

Auto-Guide provides hands-free steering systems at several levels of accuracy, depending on the operator’s needs.

• A sub-meter accuracy system is good for broad acreage work and uses the WAAS or OmniStar satellite system. It has pass-to-pass accuracy of approximately 8-inches to 10-inches.
A decimeter system uses the OmniStar satellite for situations where more accuracy is required, like seeding or post-emergent work. This system has pass-to-pass accuracy of about 3-inches to 4-inches.
• For high-value crops, accuracy less than 1-inch is provided through the OmniStar satellite in conjunction with a local, fixed base station.

Unsurpassed Service and Support
The MT800 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.