Caterpillar Unveils Belted Row Crop Tractor

Caterpillar Unveils Belted Row Crop Tractor TRACTORS New Tractors 17-6-23 One of the hottest new products at the recent Farm Progress Show in Iowa was Caterpillar's prototype "row crop" rubber-tracked tractor. The Challenger 45 is one model in a line of tractors designed to compete with front wheel assist tractors and small 4-WD tractors in the 150 hp to 250 hp category. It's slated to go into production in 1995 and will be available with 16, 18, 20, 25, and 32-in. wide belts. "It has several features that make it different from our other Challenger tractors," says James Oldham, program manager. "The first thing you notice is the big drive wheel that elevates the wheel axle for crop clearance. Some people think that makes it look much more like a conventional tractor. The main frame and transmission are an integral part of the tractor, not separately mounted like they are on the other Challengers. The rigid roller frame allows the roller and belt system to bridge over rough spots and rows that have been ridged. In level terrain the ride is similar to the large Challengers. The improved ride is most noticeable when compared to a mechanical front wheel assist tractor operating on rough fall plowed ground. The wheeled tractor will follow almost every low and high spot in the plowed soil whereas the Challenger 45 will let you bridge over these spots with much less operator fatigue. "Spacing between tracks can be varied from 60 to 90 in. by changing spacers between the chassis and track rocker frames. You can also change from one belt width to another so you can use the tractor for fall tillage work, planting, cultivating, etc. "Because rubber belts offer improved traction and less slippage, the Challenger 45 provides drawbar performance equivalent to a tractor that has 12 to 14% more pto horsepower. Even with narrow 16-in. wide tracks, ground pressure is as low as 9 psi - considerably below the ground pressure exerted by conventional wheel tractors. It's only 4 to 5 psi on 32 in. wide tracks." The new tractor has a power shift transmission, 3-pt. hitch and pto, and state-of-the-art cab with many electronic controls. Oldham says it will be available in several models that will be cost competitive to front wheel assist tractors. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Cat¡erpillar Inc., Box 348, Aurora, Ill. 60507 (ph 708 859-6056).

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