Driving impression: Challenger RoGator 655 self-propelled sprayer Challenger’s new RoGator 600 family is a complete break from tradition. A single-beam chassis and clever height-adjustable suspension number among the innovative features of this allnew self-propelled machine. Nick Fone talks to the engineering team responsible for the three-year development project
The UK’s self-propelled sprayer drivers are a very particular breed, and not without reason. Rather than put up with a cab planted in the middle of their machine – the more popular global configuration – they tend to opt for forward-control units. It’s a peculiarly British thing.
his being the case, British users should at least be happy with Challenger’s latest offering, the RoGator 600, which has its cab set right out ahead of the front axle. That’s a big step for a company that has traditionally had its roots set firmly in ‘the other camp’. Parental lineage comes from Spra-Coupe and AgChem, two outfits that made their names with mid-mount cabin set-ups.
So why the change in tack? According to engineers based at Challenger’s Grubbenworst factory in the Netherlands, up until now the chassis used on the firm’s 418 and 618 models could not offer the level of suspension sophistication necessary to allow forward control.
o address this issue, three years ago the firm set about developing a completely new machine. Customers wanted a bigger, higher capacity sprayer that would be more nimble and could accommodate taller, wider wheels and tyres. And at the same time they needed the SP sprayer
to have high underbody clearance but to also remain stable with a low centre of gravity. Quite a challenge, then.
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