Cat cash back!

[Builder]

I have a buddy that bought one last year, he seems to like it just fine. Apparently they are priced to sell.

They are. A guy in my area just bough 3 100HP cab Challengers for a field cutting business.

 

[aesanders]

I can't say I've seen much of the Challenger tractors, but we've had two used ones though in the last 6 months, both recent lower hour models. I was not real impressed, they offered a few nice features but overall it was very old technology. One even had a pump bolted off the front of the machine to run the loader, that kinda went away a good 30 years ago.

As always, just my biased opinion.

Do you remember what model #'s these were. Most companies have new and older simpler models including Kubota and Deere.

 

[MikePA]

Most companies have new and older simpler models including Kubota and Deere.

There's a difference between basic, no frills models like the NH TC30 and old technology.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Shows me how little I know. I had no idea they had a line of compact equipment. Look like really nice tractors.

Do you know who maufactures them? I imagine that Cat had these built/customized to the specs they wanted - or do they build then on their own?

Cat Challenger's are built by AGCO. They are in essence, Massey Ferguson tractors built to Cat specs. The AGCO/MF-Cat connection is an after effect of CAT buying Perkins diesel from AGCO/MF.

I have an appointment with our local CAT dealer on Dec, 5th. I'm in the market for 1, and MAYBE a pair of 75(+)hp MFWD, cabbed tractors for my mowing business. After the 5th, I'll hopefully know more about the newest Challenger line-up. I know of several large mowing contractors who do interstate highway right-of-way mowing that use Challenger tractors exclusively and do nothing but praise them. As was mentioned, CAT service is second to none. While service is important to everyone, it's critical when you're talking about a commercial/industrial user.

 

[putt_putt_green]

So what is the difference between a MF compact and a Challenger compact in the 25 to 40 horsepower range?

 

[aesanders]

So what is the difference between a MF compact and a Challenger compact in the 25 to 40 horsepower range?

Nothing but paint color. Same with the AGCO brand...

 

[aesanders]

There's a difference between basic, no frills models like the NH TC30 and old technology.

Not really. The TC30 or Deere 790/990 are sturdy well built machines that could have been made that way 30 years ago...

 

[MikePA]

Not really. The TC30 or Deere 790/990 are sturdy well built machines that could have been made that way 30 years ago...

I don't look at a TC30 as having 1970s technology.

 

[Builder]

So what is the difference between a MF compact and a Challenger compact in the 25 to 40 horsepower range?

I think it's a way that the "mother company" (AGCO) can sell what appear to be different tractors all over the USA & the world without creating direct competition between the same brands. If 2 dealers sell MF and they're 20 miles apart, their customers will beat these 2 dealers down on price to the point that the 2 dealers will make little money on sales and have a lot of animosity between each other.

However, if one sells a Challenger and one sells a MF, then the subtle styling and color changes will make the 2 tractors seem different and help dealers keep a more unique status when they're close together. The dealers would also benefit because they can stock & share many common parts except maybe sheet metal & cab parts.