Taking every harvest in their stride

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2 Taking every harvest in their stride Challenger 644,645,646 combine harvesters are designed and built using the very latest technology to provide the ultimate in reliability, efficiency and output. Challenger s reputation has been earned through painstaking attention to detail to produce a range of tractors and machines of the highest quality, with its roots in the legendary Caterpillar brand. This combine series is no exception. Incorporating the best of proven systems and components, fine-tuned by innovation and modern thinking, these combines represent the new age of crop harvesting. The Challenger For The Dream Harvest Every year, you dream of a problem-free harvest, with no break-downs, minimal maintenance and negligible crop loss or damage. Now, thanks to Challenger s range of exceptional combines, that dream can become a reality. All three models are capable of harvesting numerous crops from cereals to grass seeds, from maize to sunflowers even in the most testing conditions. Challenger - Unbeatable Quality And Reliability The 644,645,646 combine harvesters are subjected to the most stringent quality checks throughout the build process. And, because they have the Challenger name on the side, you can have total confidence in their ability to get the job done on time. An immensely strong, rigid chassis carries components designed and manufactured for unfailing reliability, rugged durability and long working life. Long experience shows that parts coming into direct contact with the crop need to be especially hardwearing, so extra thickness and hardening materials have been specified without compromise. In fact, more than 80% of the crop contact parts are hot dip galvanised - and all are painted prior to being assembled. This further extends the life of the machine and significantly enhances residual value when you eventually decide to invest in a new Challenger combine. Model Power No. of Grain Tank hp/kw (ISO) Straw Walkers (litres) / / /

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4 Smooth and ev All three of the Challenger combines are capable of harvesting a wide range of crops thanks to the versatile design of the cutting table. Built around a strong welded frame, a series of panels are simply bolted on for ease of replacement especially useful in the case of the table bottom plate, which bears the initial contact with the crop. Cutting is performed by a top specification Schumacher knife and gearbox. The crop is then fed into the large diameter table auger. The table auger has feathering fingers along its entire length to make sure the crop is evenly distributed as it enters the main crop elevator. 4

5 en first contact All reel adjustments are made from the cab, with the simple-to-use hydro lever, while automatic cutting height control is a standard feature on all Challenger combines to ensure optimum performance on all types of terrain. Operation on particularly steep ground can be enhanced by the option of an Auto Level table, which follows changes of up to 8% in the contours. TERRA-CONTROL has two measurement ranges, depending on the type of crop. From 5 to 18 cm for low crops such as peas and cereals and from 10 to 50 cm for tall crops such as rape or sunflowers. The optional Quick Coupler speeds table hook-up and gets you working... fast! Just one simple hydraulic connection, plug in the table electrics and away you go. 5

6 Rock-solid performance Increase Crop Throughput At the heart of these Challenger combines, a robustly constructed cylinder with eight rasp bars and a heavy-duty concave ensure a highly effective and easy threshing process for a variety of crops. The wire spacing on the concave differentiates between front and rear to provide the optimum balance of high threshing ability and fast but smooth grain flow. An innovative feature of Challenger combines is the way the front and rear of the concave can be adjusted independently of each other from the cab, allowing the operator to select the optimum settings for higher output without increasing the risk of crop damage. When conditions permit, therefore, it s possible to work with the concave in a parallel position to boost output while preserving straw quality. ABC - Active Beater Concave The Active Beater Concave fits underneath the rear beater and underlines the progress that s been made in combine technology. It has large section fingers and boosts the concave wrap by an extra 14, so increasing threshing capacity. In addition, it regulates the flow of straw from the rear beater onto the walkers, which in turn ensures better separation. It s also possible to adjust the angle to take account of straw length and moisture levels again, helping to optimise separation on the walkers. Five Straw Walkers On The 644 & Six On The 646 For efficient separation down to the very last grain, the long straw walkers are designed in four steps and feature active walls. The upright faces of the walker steps are 210 mm high and, like the horizontals, are punched grids. This provides a bigger open surface area for the grain to flow through after separation, increasing output. Thicker gauge metal has been specified on the front steps in order to handle the higher straw flow generated by the Active Beater Concave. The solidly welded walkers have been designed with a closed bottom and are finished in a hot-dip galvanising compound, to ensure long-term durability. 6

7 Straw residue process perfect for following min-till In the design and operation of the straw chopper, Challenger has recognised the trend towards minimum tillage, so these combines chop and spread the residue in a form and consistency that s perfect for subsequent reduced cultivation. Highly efficient rotating knives have serrated blades to provide a good, clean cut and so reduce power consumption. The stationary knives are also serrated, while the straw chopper hood is fully adjustable to allow total quality control over the chopped straw. The mechanism features an adjustable dimpled deflector plate that returns the chopped straw back up into the rotating knives for an even finer cut before discharge. A chaff spreader is an option on all three models. As soon as the deflector plate and the chopper hood are in the correct position, the straw chopper engages automatically. Further simple adjustments and changing the speed of the rotating knives enables a quick conversion for harvesting maize. 7

8 Simply the best Some of the most effective designs are the simplest the 644,645,646 shaker shoe is a good example, and shows that simplicity need not compromise capacity. Just prior to the sieving process, the crop reaches the grain pan, where high internal dividers reduce the movement of grain across the pan on sloping ground. This means the grain and chaff are perfectly distributed when they pass over the sieves and allows optimum capacity to be maintained over undulating terrain. Any returns are fed into the main threshing cylinder for re-threshing. A large diameter, multi-blade fan produces a constant air flow through the reciprocating sieves. Fan speed is controlled electrically from the cab. Central to the performance of the shaker shoe is the sieve profile. These highly efficient sieves incorporate special vertical tags, designed to improve the sample and allow the sieves to be opened wider for higher throughput. And just one person can easily remove the sieves for cleaning before moving on to the next crop. 8

9 Big grain tank means fewer unloads A high output combine needs plenty of grain tank capacity, so the Challenger 644 and 645 can accommodate a full 7000 litres, while the 646 carries an impressive 7500 litres. An unloading speed of 85 l/sec means more harvesting and less waiting around. The unloading auger will reach any trailer, regardless of table width, while the operator is kept informed on progress by the grain level alarm. Grain elevator augers and caps are covered with Hardox to ensure a long working life. The same principle is applied wherever there are directional changes in the grain handling areas, only here the thickness of the auger flighting is doubled. End caps are bolted into position to allow easy and economical replacement. Latest Generation Engines and Transmissions As you would expect from combine harvesters from Challenger, they are powered by the very latest, state-ofthe-art, Tier III engines, built by Iveco. Controlled electronically and incorporating common rail injection, they generate more than enough horsepower to keep you harvesting day-in, day-out, year after year even in the most testing conditions. Optimum cooling for engine, hydraulics and air-conditioning is provided by the centralised radiator bank, which features a flip-up rotary screen for easy cleaning and a dust extractor to ensure you re not cleaning out too often. Inspection is safely carried out via the access walkway. A three-speed hydrostatic transmission maintains the Series at precisely the right speed, with unfailing traction in all conditions. Ease of operation is assured by the convenient positioning of the gear lever to the right of the console. 9

10 Total control in total comfort All the comfort you demand comes as standard in the Challenger XL cab. Highly efficient air-conditioning and heating, deluxe suspended seat, passenger seat and adjustable steering column all help to ensure that long working days flash past, boosting operator productivity. Every inch of the cutting table is clearly visible, courtesy of the clever positioning of monitors and controls, while a superb view of the unloader and beyond is afforded by the electrically controlled mirrors. Comprehensive information is displayed on the Agritronicplus monitor and right-hand console. Clearly identified controls clustered on the hydro lever make adjustments to the cutting table simple and straightforward. Harvesting with Challenger couldn t be easier. Minimal Maintenance Careful thought in the design process has reduced significantly the range and number of maintenance tasks needed on the Challenger 644,645 and 646 combines, maximising the time they are engaged in what they were built for. Highly convenient locations for various fluid reservoirs make checking levels and topping up quick and easy. Even the engine air filter can be changed in very little time. Challenger combines require no daily maintenance beyond checking fluid levels and a few greasing points. Access to machine components couldn t be easier, with large, hinged panels opening up for routine maintenance and checks. The principal drive engagements for the threshing unit, table, unloader and straw chopper are merely over-centre belt systems, where tension is held by spring pressure needing just a springlength check for adjustment. A detachable aluminium ladder allows access to the engine bay and can be moved around the combine to reach other components. 10

11 Specifications Table and main crop elevator Cutting widths 4.20 m (14 ft) m (20 ft) 4.80 m (16 ft) m (20 ft) 4.80 m (16 ft) m (22 ft) Reel drive Mechanical Variator Mechanical Variator Mechanical Variator Table and elevator reverser Mechanical Mechanical Mechanical Table features Automatic cutting height control, auto level table available as a dealer fit option Hi-Inertia cylinder and concave Cylinder - diameter/width 0.60/1.34 m 0.60/1.34 m 0.60/1.60 m Cylinder speed range rpm rpm rpm Concave - no. of bars/area 12/0.83 m 2 12/0.83 m 2 12/0.99 m 2 Active beater concave Standard Standard Standard Concave wrap angle - main/active beater 106/14 degrees 106/14 degrees 106/14 degrees Straw walkers No./effective separation area 5/6.72 m 2 5/6.72 m 2 6/8.30 m 2 Cleaning 2 adj sieves + top sieve extn, total area 4.67 m m m 2 Variable speed fan Standard Standard Standard Returns to cylinder Standard Standard Standard Grain tank Capacity 7000 litres 7000 litres 7500 litres Discharge rate/height 85 l/sec. /4.21 m 85 l/sec. /4.21 m 85 l/sec. /4.21 m Residue handling Straw chopper Standard Standard Standard Residue handling options Straw chopper with electrical deflectors, chaff spreader Engine Make/capacity Iveco NEF/5.8 litres Iveco NEF/5.8 litres Iveco NEF/5.8 litres Power 225 hp/165 kw 245 hp/180 kw 245 hp/180 kw Transmission Type/No. Gears Hydrostatic/3 Hydrostatic/3 Hydrostatic/3 Weights and dimensions Overall Length without table - std 8.37 m 8.37 m 8.91 m Width, less table, 650/75R32 tyres - std 3.28 m 3.28 m 3.56 m Weight, less table - std kg kg kg Optional equipment* *Please consult your Dealer for a complete list. Maize kit, pea & bean kit, front & rear tyres, 4wd rear axle. 11

12 Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is as accurate and current as possible. However, inaccuracies, errors or omissions may occur and details of the specifications may be changed at any time without notice. Therefore, all specifications should be confirmed with your Challenger Dealer or Distributor prior to any purchase. Visit the Challenger Site: or for Challenger Merchandise: Cat, Caterpillar and Challenger are registered trademarks of Caterpillar Inc. and are used under licence by AGCO Corporation. AGCO Limited English 14150/0507/5m