New AGCO Challenger 1000 Series High Horsepower Tractors Debut at Farm Progress Show
By Joe Dales, Farms.com
AGCO unveiled, the new Challenger 1000 Series of high horsepower tractors, at the 2016 Farm Progress Show near Boone, Iowa.
The Challenger 1000 Series tractors realize the power of a small-frame, articulated 4-wheel drive with the flexibility and speed of a lighter-weight, fixed-frame row crop machine. This Challenger series are offered in four models ranging from 396 to 517 engine horsepower with a weight range of 31,204 lbs. (14,153 kg) to 50,706 lbs. (23,000 kg).
“Agriculture in North America is undergoing yet another evolution as operations become even larger and require more efficiency and productivity from their overhead investments,” says Josh Keeney, tactical marketing manager at AGCO. “The Challenger 1000 Series tractors are a solution to this challenge, allowing producers to invest in a machine that can serve multiple needs in their operation, helping them be more profitable. We believe this approach just makes sense – we call it intelligent farming.”
Some of the new features of the Challenger 1000 Series include:
Innovative AccuDrive™ powertrain.
The Challenger 1000 Series tractors are powered with high-capacity six-cylinder, 12.4-liter, MAN engines with VTG turbochargers which adjust to optimize airflow for optimum power boost over a wider rpm range. The result delivers an impressive 1,770 ft. lbs. of torque at a lower engine speed of 1,100 rpm. This ‘high torque, low speed’ approach allows the Challenger 1000 Series tractors to run in the maximum torque range while delivering low fuel consumption, making them ideal for heavy draft work.
The AGCO engineers created the AccuDrive powertrain which combines the Challenger Accu-VT™ continuously variable transmission with variable four-wheel drive.
“The key to this solution is a drivetrain that drives both axles independently. Unlike today’s conventional four-wheel drive tractors that use a fixed torque ratio between the front and rear axle, AccuDrive employs variable four-wheel drive that distributes the torque independently over two transmission outputs on each axle. An intelligently controlled, four-wheel clutch manages the torque, so it can be shifted between the axles according to need.
The Challenger 1000 Series have a light base weight and convenient ballasting system to make them easy to adapt and ideal for row crop and road work. Maximum road speed of 31 mph is reached at a fuel-saving 1,200 rpm.
Flexible and convenient front ballasting options ensure the tractors are versatile enough for use from the beginning to the end of each crop year. The simple front ballasting system has five interchangeable weight options ranging from 1,978 lbs. to 7,275 lbs. Easy ballast pickup and self-leveling front axle suspension allow the weights to be changed in minutes.
Latest guidance innovations available
The new Challengers can be equipped with AGCO’s next generation of Auto-Guide™ automated steering system or selection from two additional navigation providers: NovAtel and Trimble. A number of correction signals are supported, depending on the receiver, for example, EGNOS/WAAS or also RangePoint® RTX, CenterPoint® RTX, NTRIP. Existing Trimble RTK infrastructures, such as NTRIP can continue to be used. Even without a correction signal, Auto-Guide works reliably for up to 20 minutes with RTK accuracy via Trimble xFill® technology. All are enabled by AGCO’s Fuse® Technologies.
The AGCO engineers have set up the Challenger 1000 series tractors with very spacious and comfortable cabs that offer a variety of amenities from air-ride suspension to the dual-motion leather seat.
The Challenger 1000 Series’ AccuTerminal fully integrates with AGCO’s entire suite of Fuse Technologies and Fuse Connected Services.
The Challenger 1000 will be on display at fall farm shows
The Challenger 1000 Series tractors will make their public debut at several additional farm shows this fall, including Big Iron in West Fargo, N.D. and Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, Neb. For more information about these new tractors or to find a dealer near you and arrange a demonstration, visit http://www.challenger-ag.us/