Challenger mt765 B,C, or D?

Bill Turtle

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Essex
I am considering purchasing a used challenger MT765. One of the above models; and would like to know from experienced owners/operators whether any of the above models are particularly worth seeking out or avoiding, and if so why. We have experience of older steel tracked crawlers, but nothing with rubber tracks. All advice gratefully received. TIA.
 

Steiger325

Member
A and B models are quieter in the cab, build quality is better as they were built in CAT factory. When C series came in they were built in different factory. Main thing is don't touch the SISU engined later models, they are a lot of trouble.
 

Bill Turtle

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Essex
I have heard of early issues with the sisu engined models, but wondered whether these had been resolved so that they are now a reliable purchase?
 

Norfolk Olly

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
norfolk
We run a 765C with 2900hrs and a 875E with 1800hrs, the E is on it's second engine (n)
Had a B for a few years and it was fairly bullet proof tbh though it was not the most refined cab, front idler seals can give grief.
The C is the last of the cat powered machines and pulls really well, but on long days sub soiling it struggles on fuel capacity. it's got the later display like the D's and E's.
The draft control is useless as it's based on engine/transmission load,
The Sisu powered D's have not got a great reputation for reliability, mainly adblue issues.
If you can find a B it would be a a good buy if your not putting many hours on it, especially if it's been on a service package. Also depends what it's been doing as 300hrs a year on a drill is different to on a subsoiler or bed tiller, these aren't usually bought for light duties
 

Bill Turtle

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Essex
Thanks for the feedback. Are you saying above that the later series are less noisy in the cab?
With the sisu engine have they got the installation right? Is the engine cooling package adequate. If the issue is mainly adblue, is it possible to do an adblue delete?
I seem to remember Speedstar having expensive problems with the adblue system on a Massey Ferguson tractor.
I agree with the comments that I need to know what work it has been on.
Finally what guidance system works well on these tractors?
 

Norfolk Olly

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
norfolk
We run Trimble rtk with Fmx screens and it's excellent. All fields are mapped and I've put Ab lines in for drill tracks and cultivation and headlands which makes life a lot easier and makes ins and outs spot on!
The 875e is definately a lot quieter than my C which I think is quieter than my old B, I'm sure the later C had a thicker windscreen to help with noise and some of the early ones had this retro fitted. Not sure about deleting the adblue but this would surely negate any extended warranty which I would of thought is essential on kit like this as your not long racking up repair bills.
 

Bill Turtle

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Essex
Thanks for your insights. I agree with all you are saying re warranties, I am just struggling to find out much about how reliable or otherwise the sisu engined tractors are.
 

Steiger325

Member
Thanks for your insights. I agree with all you are saying re warranties, I am just struggling to find out much about how reliable or otherwise the sisu engined tractors are.
I would not touch a Sisu engined Kitty out of warranty , they have just not proved to be reliable . My guess is , if you are considering a B C or D then that is because there are some cheap Ds about looking for a home. Ask yourself why they are cheap in comparison. Unreliability is a pain when under warranty , out of warranty it is also very expensive,.
 

Trigger Happy

Member
Location
East Midlands
D here, bought it with 500hrs now 2300. Much quieter and generally better to drive than the C it replaced. Rear axle area beefed up which I know gave us some problems with the C. Better on fuel , we rarely have to run it over 15/16 hundred rpm. Only a few minor niggles, really pleased ........ so far.
 

Tipperted

Member
Our agco technician always says A for awesome, B for brilliant, C for crap!

They are nothing like a steel track for traction in my experience, I was amazed how much ours struggles for grip on stubble
 

AFM

Member
We run a A which has been great but does do a massive amount of work. Also run a C and two Ds the Ds have actually been less hassle (no hassle) than the C, it has had some annoying issues like trying to take the cab apart to find where all the dust comes from! The Oldest D has done 3500 hours and no trouble (the adblue was removed as it is in a country that it doesn't have to have it!)
With everyone saying that the Sisu engine is rubbish ect, they are wrong they have had trouble with one engine in the 8E series and one engine in the 7E series both have now been replaced and modified.
 

Robt

Member
Location
Suffolk
A and B models are quieter in the cab, build quality is better as they were built in CAT factory. When C series came in they were built in different factory. Main thing is don't touch the SISU engined later models, they are a lot of trouble.

Are you sure, I thought all a, b, c, d and e series were built in Jacksonville factory?

Ref guidence, very easy to install Topcon, cab is pre wired for it.

I'd call both Dave Lovell at TNS and also Wes Crawford at RW Crawford. They are some of the biggest challenger dealers in Uk
 

SFI - What % were you taking out of production?

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Red Tractor drops launch of green farming scheme amid anger from farmers

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As reported in Independent


quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

read the TFF thread here: https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/gfc-was-to-go-ahead-now-not-going-ahead.405234/
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