Driving impression: Challenger MT 975B tractor … is the footwear question now being posed by those boys at Challenger, a brand that has built its high-hp tractor reputation on offering tracks – and nothing else. This approach changes in 2007 when the yellow 900B artics go on sale in Eastern Europe following the completion of a full test programme in the US over the past 12 months. We drive one of the first prototypes

Heritage of Challenger’s MT 900B is ‘in your face’ obvious. For not only does the front-end profile of this monster highhorse artic pretty much mirror that of its rubber-tracked 800B sib (profi int 01/05), but the two units also share around 70% of their main components. No question. These are two big peas from the same US manufacturing pod.

Of these items, it is perhaps the engine, transmission, cabin and operator control experience that have most in common. OK, so the nearside cab door may hinge at the front rather than at the rear. But that really is about it. Once the driver has taken his seat in the 900B, the tracked 800B man should feel instantly at home. From the dash pod to the switch-laden right-hand armrest, control familiarity is in full evidence.

On closer investigation of this common track/tyre design ground, it will come as no surprise to learn that both the 900’s engine and powershift box are sourced from Caterpillar, the US corporate giant that originally developed the tracked MT version in the 1990s before selling the line-up on to current owner AGCO. Indeed the 16F/4R full powershift transmission is based on the unit incorporated within the tracked machines.

Yet the Americans cannot claim 100% of the credit for this yellow artic configuration. There’s a bit of France in there too, namely in that the AGCO/Claas-owned GIMA factory in Beauvais, which builds semi-powershift gearboxes for MF and Claas, supplies 900B’s 145mm diameter axles. Also of note is the colossal 1,500-litre fuel tank, around 250 litres larger than that on the tracked 800, integrated within the wheeled 900’s rear end. Into the MT cabin, where the operator sits in style on an optional leather-clad, VRS Deluxe seat.

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