Heavy Artillery

Kursk branch of AgroCentreLiski has had a series of demo shows on the premises of KshenAgro, a subsidiary of RusAgro Agroholding (Kshenskiy, Sovetskiy district, Kursk oblast).

There is a demand for trailed tillage equipment and machinery fleet expansion in the company. The Challenger MT865E tracked tractor in combination with the Challenger CH2530-23 chisel plough was tested on the farm twice. A field with abundant residue was picked as the testing ground. The plot was pre-tilled to the depth of 10 cm with a Russian disc header.

The Challenger tracked tractor with the capacity of 519 hp driven by a 12-cylinder AGCO Power engine is suitable for all kinds of farming operations, yet tillage and sowing are the priority ones. Its undeniable strength is minimal soil pressure: which enables the tractor to come into the fields earlier in spring.

‘The tractor was conceptually developed as a tracked one and was subsequently upgraded with the best suspension available’, says Aleksandr Logvinov, Director of Kursk branch of AgroCentreLiski. ‘It follows ground contours closely, thus demonstrating better grip as compared to counterparts.’

The output of the machines during the demo show amounted to 7 and 15 ha/h at 25 cm (20 cm between the chisels) and 15 cm operating depth, respectively. The fuel consumption was 11-13 l/ha.

The same Challenger chisel plow underwent another testing coupled to the Fendt 1050 wheeled tractor. The 517 hp machine is designed as a versatile compact tractor. The independent front axle suspension and air cab suspension guarantee operator comfort.

‘Tractors of this class usually feature an articulated frame’, says Aleksandr Logvinov. ‘Models of the class are typically less versatile when it comes to field works besides their large dimensions cause inconveniences during transportation. The Fendt tractor is more manoeuvrable due to the independent front axle and the new Vario Drive transmission ensuring maximum grip.’

At a working depth of 25 cm, the tractor output reached 7 ha/h at 13 l/ha fuel consumption.