Challenger MT285 Tractor

Manufacturer Challenger
Price -
Model MT285
Equipment Type Compact Utility Tractors
Factory Matsuyama, Japan

CHALLENGER MT285 POWER

Engine (gross) 40.1hp / 29.9kW
Gear PTO (claimed) 32.4hp / 24.2kW
Hydro PTO (claimed) 31.7hp / 23.6kW

ENGINE DETAIL

The Challenger MT285 is powered by a turbocharged Iseki diesel engine with a compact 1.5L displacement, delivering a gross power of 40.1 hp at 2600 RPM. This 3-cylinder engine is liquid-cooled, which enhances thermal efficiency and longevity, though potential challenges include maintenance complexity and system weight. Ideal for small to medium farming operations, its maneuverability and power output make it suitable for diverse tasks, albeit with limitations in heavy-duty applications due to its lower horsepower.

Description Iseki turbocharged diesel 3-cylinder liquid-cooled
Displacement 91.4ci / 1.5L
Bore/Stroke 3.43x3.30inches / 87x 84 mm
Power (gross) 40.1hp / 29.9kW
Rated RPM 2600
Starter electric
Starter volts 12

CHALLENGER MT285 ENGINE

The Challenger MT285, equipped with a compact Iseki 1.5L 3-cylinder diesel engine, offers efficient fuel consumption, making it suitable for small-to-medium agricultural operations. With a fuel tank capacity of 7.9 gallons (29.9 liters), it enables extended operation times between refueling, which can enhance productivity on the field. However, the smaller engine may limit power output in demanding tasks, necessitating careful consideration of operational requirements.

Description Iseki 1.5L 3-cyl diesel
Fuel tank 7.9gal / 29.9L

TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW

The Challenger MT285 features a 16-speed power shuttle hydrostatic transmission, offering seamless direction changes and enhanced control during field operations. This transmission type provides precise speed adjustments, ideal for tasks requiring varied power outputs such as tillage and planting. However, hydrostatic systems may demand more maintenance and can lead to higher fuel consumption compared to traditional gear systems, necessitating careful operational considerations based on the farming scenario.

Description 16-speed power shuttle hydrostatic

TRANSMISSION 1

The Challenger MT285 features a power shuttle transmission with 16 forward and reverse gears, enhancing operational flexibility for various tasks. The four synchronized gears across four ranges allow for optimal power management and smooth transitions, making it effective for fieldwork and transport. However, operators must be adept at gear selection to maximize efficiency, especially in challenging terrain.

Type power shuttle
Gears 16 forward and reverse
Description Four synchronized gears (1-4) in four ranges with power shuttle.

TRANSMISSION 2

The Challenger MT285 tractor features a hydrostatic transmission, allowing for smooth and precise speed control without manual shifting. Its infinite gears in a 3-range system enable seamless operation for various field conditions, enhancing efficiency and productivity. This setup is particularly advantageous in applications requiring consistent performance across diverse terrains, but may pose challenges in heavy-duty towing scenarios where gear selection might limit optimal power transfer.

Type hydrostatic
Gears infinite (3-range) forward and reverse

MECHANICAL

The Challenger MT285 features a robust 4x4 MFWD system providing superior traction for diverse terrains. Its mechanical rear differential lock enhances traction during challenging conditions, while the wet disc brakes offer controlled stopping power even under heavy loads. The 16-speed power shuttle/hydrostatic transmission allows for versatile speed adjustments and seamless operation, making it suitable for both intensive agricultural tasks and transport scenarios.

Chassis 4x4 MFWD 4WD
Differential lock mechanical rear
Steering power
Brakes wet disc
Cab Two-post folding ROPS
Transmissions 16-speed power shuttle/hydrostatic

HYDRAULICS

Type open center
Pressure 2130psi / 146.9bar
Pump flow 7.7gpm / 29.1lpm
Total flow 12.2gpm / 46.2lpm (gear)/9.6gpm / 36.3lpm (hydro)
Steering flow 4.5gpm / 17.0lpm

TRACTOR HITCH

Rear Type I
Control position control/draft control
Rear lift (at ends) 2,755lbs / 1249kg (gear)/2,866lbs / 1300kg (hydro)
Rear lift (at 24 2,100lbs / 952kg (gear)/1,940lbs / 879kg (hydro)

POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)

Rear PTO independent
Clutch wet disc
Rear RPM 540 (1.375)
Mid PTO independent
Mid RPM 2000

CHALLENGER MT285 TIRES

The Challenger MT285 tractor is versatile with three tire configurations: standard agricultural, turf, and industrial, allowing adaptability for various applications. The standard tires provide efficient field operation and stability with a front size of 8-16 and a rear size of 13.6-24, ideal for cultivating and towing. However, switching to turf tires (front: 305R343, rear: 610R470) is beneficial for maintaining landscaped areas, while industrial tires (front: 10-16.5, rear: 14.9-24) enhance traction on hard surfaces, potentially sacrificing some agricultural efficiency.

Standard tires (ag) Front: 8-16. Rear: 13.6-24
Lawn/turf front 305R343
Lawn/turf rear 610R470
Industrial front 10-16.5
Industrial rear 14.9-24

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 68.5inches / 173cm
Length 121.5inches / 308cm
Width 60.6inches / 153cm
Height (ROPS) 93.2inches / 236cm
Weight 3,174lbs / 1439kg
Front tread 44inches / 111cm
Rear tread 45 to 56.8inches / 114to 144 cm

DIMENSIONS & TIRES

The Challenger MT285 features a 68.5-inch wheelbase, providing stability during operation on uneven terrain, which is advantageous for tilled fields and hilly landscapes. Weighing in at 3,174 lbs, this tractor offers a good balance of power-to-weight ratio suitable for light to medium-duty tasks. However, the front tire size of 8-16 and rear tire size of 13.6-24 may limit its performance in heavy towing scenarios; optimal for maneuverability in tighter spaces rather than heavy-duty fieldwork.

Wheelbase 68.5inches / 173cm
Weight 3,174lbs / 1439kg
Front tire 8-16
Rear tire 13.6-24

ATTACHMENT OVERVIEW

Description 72

72

Type mid-mount Challenger MG716/3-blade
Cutting width 72inches / 182cm

BLADE

Type front-mount Challenger MDZ66
Width 66inches / 167cm

63

Type front-mount Challenger MSB63
Clearing width 63inches / 160cm

CHALLENGER ML30 LOADER

Height (to pin) 98inches / 248cm
Clearance, dumped bucket 80inches / 203cm
Dump reach 22.5inches / 57cm
Dump angle 30°
Rollback angle 16°
Lift to full height (at 500mm) 1050lbs / 476kg

CHALLENGER MH20 BACKHOE

Backhoe type Challenger MH20 Backhoe
Transport height 72.8inches / 184cm
Bucket width 10inches / 25cm/12inches / 30cm/16inches / 40cm/24inches / 60cm/37inches / 93cm
2-Foot flat digging depth 96inches / 243cm
Reach from pivot 112.2inches / 284cm
Bucket Rotation 165
Swing Arc 180

ELECTRICAL

Ground negative
Charging system alternator
Battery volts 12


Last Updated 2025-01-01
Stephen is a passionate tractor hobbyist with a deep-seated love for all things mechanized and agricultural. Growing up in a rural setting, he developed a fascination with these mighty machines that have played a crucial role in shaping the farming industry.

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