The last time we looked at the Challenger MT700 line was as the subject of a used machinery guide in the September 2008 issue, where we focused on A- and B-series tractors. No surprises, then, that now it’s the turn of the ‘C’. Mervyn Bailey finds out how a 3,631-hour Challenger MT765C is faring on a large vegetable farm
IStaggering, isn’t it, that almost a decade has passed since the Challenger MT700 and MT800 track layers were introduced to Europe? And while the larger MT800 tractors sell in significant numbers, it’s actually the MT765 that’s proven to be the most popular model here in the UK.
The MT700C line-up spans 201kW/269hp to 239kW/320hp (ECE R24) across three models, all with more power on offer as their engine revs start to fade. The buyer reality, however, is that if you are set on a true track machine in this output category, then there’s actually very little to choose from, with Deere’s 8RT family being the only other option; note that the Case IH tracked range only kicks in with the 457hp Quadtrac 450. C-series MT700 units began to arrive in Europe in early 2009 and differ only in minor detail from their B-series predecessors. Main changes include a new colour screen for the Tractor Management Centre terminal, which is also ISObus-compatible. In addition, there are one-touch headland management sequence programming, upgraded hydraulics and the option to select one of two preset engine speed settings.
Test machine
Responsible for a large vegetable and farming operation, the owner of our featured long-term MT765C tractor runs a number of MT700s, so he’s pretty well qualified to report on what these MT machines are like to live with. Delivered on to farm in March 2010, the test tractor has already managed to rack up nearly 4,000 hours since replacing an earlier B-series machine that had arrived at its 8,000-hour trade-in time in just over four years. Clearly those are serious hours by any standards. So, what’s this MT tractor been up to? Our particular test example occupies itself for six months on ploughing, preparing potato ground with a three-bed Baselier and then hitching up to a 6m Kuhn 6004 power harrow. Other jobs include towing a press – either an 8m Phillip Watkins or a 7m Knight Triple-Press — and then there’s subsoiling with a 4.2m wide Simba Flatliner fitted with seven Tilso legs.
Despite these hours and workload, the MT is largely a one-operator machine. Although the tractor is purchased, it’s looked after under a service contract agreement, and the tractor’s operator points out that the local dealer is quick to respond to any issues
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