Challenger MT500d Operator's Manual

150-255 hp

MT500D

Smart Machines. Serious Results.

YOUR VERSATILE

SKILLED WORKHORSE

Five new models in the Challenger MT500D Series with power
ranging from 150-255hp deliver users optimum performance
and efficiency with straight-forward automation.

Combined with their light, but immensely strong
design, the MT500D Series tractors are built to provide
exceptional productivity and economy in a wide range
of tasks from heavy draft applications through to delicate
top work.

All are powered by the very latest, most advanced six
cylinder AGCO POWER™ engines. Developed specifically
for agriculture and to run on high sulphur diesel, they
are proven to deliver outstanding power and torque at
low engine speeds for industry-leading fuel efficiency.
The engines also generate up to 25hp extra power with
Engine Power Management (EPM).

The robust AutoPower VI™ transmission provides
superior, clutch-free changing of 24 speeds in both
directions. A wide range of automatic modes, with lever
and pedal operation, enhance efficiency and the driving
experience. For specialist work there are creep and
super-creep options providing speeds down to 1km/hr.

A completely new cab structure offers high levels
of space, comfort and visibility. Inside operators will find
the new Tractor Management Center™ offers superb,
straight-forward and easy to use controls.

Two levels of specifications allow customers to tailor
their MT500D tractor to match their budget and
requirements. For those looking for cost effective power
and performance there are the Essential models,
while Efficient versions provide higher levels of comfort,
control and extra features.

2 2

Models MT525D MT545D MT565D MT585D MT595D

Engine Performance

Rated ISO engine Hp @ 2 100rpm (kW) 140 (103) 165 (121) 185 (136) 220 (162) 240 (177)

Maximum ISO engine Hp @ 1 950rpm (kW) 150 (110) 175 (129) 200 (147) 235 (173) 255 (187)

Maximum engine Hp with EPM Boost (kW) 175 (129) 200 (147) 220 (162) 260 (191) 280 (206)

Maximum ISO engine torque (Nm) @1 500 engine rpm 660 740 880 1,030 1,049

Maximum engine torque with EPM Boost (Nm) 745 840 980 1,120 1,145

3

4

The MT500D Series are equipped with high displacement, 6.6 litre
and 7.4 litre capacity engines that develop exceptional levels of power
and torque across a wide speed range for optimum economy.

AGCO POWER™ is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers
that is respected throughout the world, building an
enviable reputation for its robust construction, durable,
reliable engines.

The engines are designed and built exclusively to
provide the uncompromising performance that precisely
matches the fluctuating loads and exacting demands in
agricultural work. They deliver superb power, strong torque
and exceptional economy – in tests producing a specific
fuel consumption figure as low as 192g/kWh.

Maximum power (ISO) is delivered at a low 1,950rpm,
while the maximum torque is generated at an economical
1,500rpm. Low operating speeds reduce fuel consumption,
cut wear levels, reduce noise and extend working time
between services.

Durability is built in. Thick engine block side walls along
with cylinder mid-supports significantly reduce vibration,
wear and noise. Wet cylinder liners improve cooling and
extend engine service life.

Superb access for maintenance is provided by the one­piece lifting bonnet. The air filter is easily reached from
the ground, with auto air cleaning provided by a vortex
system, with a wide 150mm gap between radiators for
great access for cleaning.

Outstanding fuel economy, torque and power

1200

1100

1000

900

Torque (Nm)

800

700

600

500

1000 1200

This curve clearly shows how maximum torque
is maintained between 1200 and 1500 rpm,
with steep torque rise as engine rpm falls between
2100 and 1500 rpm for greater torque ability
and constant PTO speed.

1600

1300 1500

1400

1100

18001700 1900

2100

2000

230

Optimum fuel economyTorque reserve

220

210

Specific fuel consumption (sfc)

200

190

180

1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200

Engine rpm Engine rpmEngine rpm
Challenger’s electronic engine management system
broadens the operating range within which the
tractor is operating at optimum fuel efficiency.

Power (PS)

1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200

This curve clearly shows high power, with
‘constant power’ maintained down to 1570 rpm.

Constant Power

55

Models MT525D MT545D MT565D MT585D MT595D

Max HP 150 175 200 235 255

Max HP with EPM 175 200 220 260 280

6

ECONOMY

AND CONTROL

Developed specially for operation with high sulphur diesel,
the AGCO POWER™ engine’s superior design makes the
best use of every drop of fuel.

Ultimate efficiency starts with Challenger’s Electronic
Engine Management (EEM) system, which controls the
high pressure, common rail fuel injection system and
delivers a precise and immediate response to match
varying load demands.

Four valves/cylinder improve gas exchange with the
crossflow cylinder head ensuring optimum combustion.
A viscous fan drive responds quickly to changing engine
temperatures, providing effective cooling with minimum
power loss.

As well as outstanding control and economy,
the Engine Power Management (EPM) provides
an automatic power boost of up to 25hp (depending
on model). Available at working speeds above 6km/hr
this delivers the extra power and torque you need
to keep going in the field and on the road.

Power boost is also available automatically
whenever the PTO is engaged, providing the power
when it’s needed most to further boost efficiency.

Operators can pre-set, store and activate two
different engine speeds at the touch of a button.
These can also be set and operated manually
or stored and replayed automatically by the
One-Touch™ headland management system.

Engine power boost comparison MT500D engine power

7

EFFORTLESS

TRANSMISSION CONTROL

The Challenger AutoPower VI™ robotised, semi-powershift transmission provides
industry-leading, clutchless operation and control for all MT500D Series tractors.

With AutoPower VI™ there’s no need to use the clutch
to change speeds or direction. Six speeds in four gears
can be changed, under load, at the flick of a lever.

There are ten speeds in the main working range, and top
speeds* of 40km/hr and 40km/hr ECO and 50km/hr (option)
are achieved at low engine speeds (1,600rpm), for optimum
economy for haulage duties and transport. (*Top speed
depends on markets and legislation).

Renowned for its superb reliability, the AGCO-built transmission
employs a straight-forward design for ease of operation with
top economy. It uses just three clutch packs to change all the
speeds and ranges, which significantly reduces power losses
compared with other, more complex, transmissions.

AutoPower VI™ blends sophisticated features with
simple and straight-forward control. The power direction
lever, mounted conveniently to the left of the steering wheel,
combines three functions allowing operators to use it to
declutch, switch direction and change speeds.

It’s even possible to set how the shuttle responds via the
TMC dash display, with separate settings for how smoothly
the tractor pulls away in both forwards and reverse.

Speed matching automatically selects the best powershift
speed when changing ranges to suit the actual speed
and load.

4Field work range

3

Range

2

1

05 15 40

AutoPower VI speed chart.

1400 2100

Speed in Km/h

8

Speedmatching

9