Challenger (Cat) tractors?

[Jay4200]

Thinking of looking at a used 45HP Challenger tractor in the 600-1000 hour range - I know nothing about them. Any good? Who actually manufactures them? Any other relevant information appreciated.

thanks - JayC

 

[keyser soze]

Well.. the compact series... 200 A series and B series, are identical to the Massey Ferguson and AGCO compacts. The Challenger ones have now been discontinued (I believe).

They were made by Iseki, a very reputable mfg. from Japan. When you get higher than that, 300B, 400C, etc. are basically identical to the Massey Ferguson tractor, just with different sheet metal and options sometimes. They are products from the AGCO Corporation.

 

[Jay4200]

Well.. the compact series... 200 A series and B series, are identical to the Massey Ferguson and AGCO compacts. The Challenger ones have now been discontinued (I believe).

They were made by Iseki, a very reputable mfg. from Japan. When you get higher than that, 300B, 400C, etc. are basically identical to the Massey Ferguson tractor, just with different sheet metal and options sometimes. They are products from the AGCO Corporation.

Thanks - these are large 200-series, which are probably re-branded Massy 1500 series somethings. They do appear discontinued.

JayC

 

[HSSC]

I own a Challenger 285B and it is the same tractor as the MF 1547. Very capable tractor. Just search the MF 1547 to learn more. My only concern would be breaking a headlight lens as those parts could be hard to find in the furture. If the price is right and it has been well cared for, don't think it would hurt you.
Mine had 173 hours and I paid hafe the new price.

 

[Tony H]

Well.. the compact series... 200 A series and B series, are identical to the Massey Ferguson and AGCO compacts. The Challenger ones have now been discontinued (I believe).

They were made by Iseki, a very reputable mfg. from Japan. When you get higher than that, 300B, 400C, etc. are basically identical to the Massey Ferguson tractor, just with different sheet metal and options sometimes. They are products from the AGCO Corporation.

Bumped into a 285B the other day, with full Cab. The Cab interior plastic looks Identical to the Kubota 3200 series.
The reason I'm here , now is 'cause I was wondering if the Challenger was a relabeled 'Bota

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Bumped into a 285B the other day, with full Cab. The Cab interior plastic looks Identical to the Kubota 3200 series.
The reason I'm here , now is 'cause I was wondering if the Challenger was a relabeled 'Bota

That would be a NO...

SR

 

[Btown]

Bumped into a 285B the other day, with full Cab. The Cab interior plastic looks Identical to the Kubota 3200 series.
The reason I'm here , now is 'cause I was wondering if the Challenger was a relabeled 'Bota

It's an Iseki built tractor, not a kubota.

 

[daugen]

I'd buy an Iseki any day, they are one of the oldest players and made some wonderful equipment for Bolens way back when and then on their own. One of our British members has a new Iseki and loves it. Some would say the Japanese tractors have a tiny advantage when it comes to sophistication and fit/finish. But the South Koreans sure aren't far behind. Of course all they did was copy the Japanese. Copying seems to be a national pastime in that part of the world...with the Chinese copying everyone.

I don't believe Kubota has ever sold their equipment (other than engines) under another brand name. Who knows?

Cat extended their tractor lines apparently down into areas they could not compete well in or bottom line make any money.
Besides, I think it would be really jarring to the brand to see Caterpillar on the side of a lawn mower.
And under 50 to 60hp (100?) don't think any standard tractors are even made in the US any more. So a Challenger being something "else" is pretty normal.

 

[daugen]

The nice part about buying an Agco product, like my Massey, is it's backed by what I think is the largest ag equipment conglomerate in the world. And Agco owns Fendt, which is the German Mercedes of tractors. The German JD... Plus AGCO has an excellent online parts website with exploded diagrams.

The next size up Agco, the 2600 series, like mine (49hp), is built in India to an ancient Perkins design. Ancient but pretty indestructible.

Big Cat dealer outside of our town, I see the big Challenger equipment, but nothing small. Not sure they ever got into it, they may only be big Ag.

this is all context info, hope it helps the OP.