Challenger® Expands Offering of Agile, Fuel-Efficient MT500D Series Tractors
DULUTH, Ga. (Oct. 10, 2012) Challenger® (http://www.challenger-ag.com), a global brand of AGCO (NYSE:AGCO), is adding four new models to the MT500D Series of wheeled tractors for professional agricultural producers across North America. The new, fully redesigned tractors, with 110 to 125 PTO horsepower, complement the Challenger lineup of tractors designed to meet the intense demands and challenging environments of today’s farming operations.
“The new Challenger MT500D Series tractors expand the Challenger line by offering even more choices in power, comfort and innovation,” says Conor Bergin, AGCO senior product specialist for high-horsepower tractors. “These tractors are more powerful than the previous Series and also are 6 to 8 percent more fuel-efficient, for a great blend of power and fuel economy. This makes them ideal for tough chores in the field and around the farmyard, whether chopping stalks, loading hay, mowing ditches, blading dirt or moving snow.”
In addition to a more powerful, more fuel-efficient engine, the tractors feature a redesigned, more ergonomic cab for improved comfort, with fingertip controls embedded in the armrest for easier operation. The cab features OptiRide™ hydraulic cab suspension, which automatically adjusts for changing field conditions. Combined with a new, quieter engine, the more comfortable cab helps reduce operator fatigue from long days in the field.
The new models join four other tractors in the MT500D Series, with horsepower ranging from 140 to 180 PTO horsepower, introduced in 2011.
Industry-Leading Emissions Compliance, Efficiency
All four new models, including the MT515D, MT525D, MT535D and MT545D, feature Tier 4i emissions-compliant AGCO POWER™ 6.6-liter engines. The engines use AGCO-exclusive selective catalytic reduction (SCR) clean-air technology. The system monitors exhaust and adjusts diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) treatment in real time for improved emissions, minimal maintenance, reduced fuel consumption and industry-leading DEF use efficiency. Increased horsepower is courtesy of a larger AGCO POWER engine, plus a boost in common rail (CR) injection system pressure from an AGCO-exclusive Bosch pump.
“Higher injection pressure ultimately provides better response in terms of horsepower recovery as you lug down,” explains Bergin. “The torque response is far greater, so the tractor doesn’t slow down under tough conditions, plus you get improved fuel economy.”
Depending on the model, tractors are available with a choice of Techstar™ CVT (continuously variable), AutoPower™ 6 (24-speed, partial-powershift) or AutoPower 4 (16-speed, partial-powershift) transmissions for efficient power transfer under any field condition. The AGCO-exclusive Techstar CVT delivers true clutch-less, step-less operation for no shifting between ranges, the convenience of a 1200-hour service interval and limited moving parts for long life. The Autopower 6 and Autopower 4 semi-powershift transmissions also are unique in the industry, with no need to engage the clutch when shifting between ranges.
Greater Comfort and Improved Control
As with other MT500D Series tractors, the cab on the new tractors features an OptiRide Plus cab suspension system. This unique hydraulic suspension system relays information through an electronic control unit to automatically adjust to control bounce, rolling and pitching for a comfortable ride in the field or down the road.
Inside the redesigned cab, a right-hand control armrest, multipad control and new multi-function joystick provide easy-to-reach, fingertip control and ergonomic design that are comfortable for the operator. A Datatronic™ CCD display offers greater performance and functionality and is easier to read, so producers can accurately monitor and adjust tractor and implement settings.
For more information about the new small-frame tractors, plus other tractors in the Challenger MT500D Series, contact your local Challenger dealer or visit http://www.challenger-ag.com.
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CONTACT:
Lindsey Pettyjohn, AGCO | 770-232-8434 | Lindsey.Pettyjohn@AGCOcorp.com
Dee Weeda, Broadhead | 641-344-0757 | dweeda@broadheadco.com
AGCO POWER, AutoPower, Datatronic and TechStar are trademarks of AGCO. OptiRide Suspension is a trademark and Challenger is a registered trademark of Caterpillar Inc., used under license by AGCO.
About AGCO:
AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE:AGCO), is a global leader focused on the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery. AGCO supports more productive farming through a full line of tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage equipment, tillage implements, grain storage and protein production systems, as well as related replacement parts. AGCO products are sold through four core machinery brands, Challenger®, Fendt®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra®, and are distributed globally through 3,100 independent dealers and distributors in more than 140 countries worldwide. Retail financing is available through AGCO Finance for qualified purchasers. Founded in 1990, AGCO is headquartered in Duluth, Ga., USA. In 2011, AGCO had net sales of $8.8 billion. http://www.AGCOcorp.com
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements which are not historical facts, including expectations regarding the manufacture of equipment, are forward-looking and subject to risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the statements. These risks include possible declines in demand for products as a result of weather, demand and other conditions that impact farm income, actions by producers of competitive products, and the general risks attendant to acquisitions. Further information concerning these and other factors is included in AGCO’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. AGCO disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.
AGCO
4205 River Green Parkway, Duluth, GA 30096-2563 USA
Telephone: 770-813-9200 http://www.AGCOcorp.com
