Challenger MT555B

Last Updated: July 2024

Overview

The Challenger MT555B is powered by a Perkins Diesel VK 31483 engine with a displacement of 402 cubic inches. It delivers a maximum power output of 141.2 hp at 1951 rpm and a rated power of 133.8 hp at 2196 rpm (PTO speed). The turbocharged diesel engine has a vertical inline configuration with 6 cylinders. The transmission features 12 forward gears ranging from 1.50 mph to 24.96 mph and 4 reverse gears from 1.50 mph to 12.48 mph. Independent testing revealed detailed performance metrics like maximum drawbar pull of 7530 lbs in 13th gear, fuel consumption rates, hydraulic system specifications with a maximum hydraulic power of 32.7 HP, and torque characteristics including a maximum torque of 475.5 lb-ft at 1400 rpm and a torque rise of 48.6%. The tractor is available in 2WD and 4WD variants with different tire size and pressure options. Key features include a dual paper element air cleaner, compliance with emissions standards, an oil cooler engine coolant heat exchanger, and specific lubricant requirements. The operating weight is 16835 lbs unladen and up to 17945 lbs when ballasted.

Key Specifications

Power Output: 141.2 at 1951 rpm (Maximum Power), 133.8 at 2196 rpm (Rated Engine Speed/PTO Speed - 1098 rpm)

Transmission: Selective gear fixed ratio with partial (4) range operator controlled power shift

Drive Type: 2WD: Two-Wheel Drive, 4WD: Four-Wheel Drive

Operating Weight: 16835 (Unladen), 17945 (Ballasted)

Fuel Type: Diesel No. 2 (Turbocharged)

Lift Capacity: 17400 lbs (Maximum Force Exerted on 3-Point Hitch)

Technical Specifications

Engine

Manufacturer: Perkins Diesel
Model: VK 31483
Cooling Type: Liquid-Cooled (viscous fan); Coolant heat exchanger for crankcase oil, radiator for hydraulic and transmission oil
Cylinder Orientation: Vertical Inline
Valve Configuration: -
Fuel Type: Diesel No. 2 (Turbocharged)
Induction Type: Turbocharged
Cylinders: 6
Displacement (ci): 402
Bore (in): 4.134
Stroke (in): 5
Rated RPM: 2200
Power Output (hp): 141.2 at 1951 rpm (Maximum Power), 133.8 at 2196 rpm (Rated Engine Speed/PTO Speed - 1098 rpm)

Transmission

Type: Selective gear fixed ratio with partial (4) range operator controlled power shift
Forward Gears: 12 forward gears ranging from 1.50 mph to 24.96 mph
Reverse Gears: 4 reverse gears ranging from 1.50 mph to 12.48 mph
Total Gears: -

Dimensions

Length (in): 182.3
Width (in): 81.1
Height (in): 117.1
Operating Weight (lb): 16835 (Unladen), 17945 (Ballasted)

Power Take-Off (PTO)

PTO Type: -
PTO Speed 1 (rpm): -
PTO Speed 2 (rpm): -
PTO Speed 3 (rpm): -

Miscellaneous

Chassis: 2WD and 4WD (Two models available)
Drive Type: 2WD: Two-Wheel Drive, 4WD: Four-Wheel Drive
Steering Type: -
Coolant Capacity (qts): 29.6
Front Tire Diameter (in): 16.9R30 (Front-Wheel Assist), 480/70R30 (2WD); Tire Pressures: 16.9R30 - 28 psi (190 kPa), 480/70R30 - 23 psi (160 kPa)
Front Tire Width (in): -
Rear Tire Diameter (in): 480/80R46 (Front-Wheel Assist), 610/70R42 (2WD); Tire Pressures: 480/80R46 - 23 psi (160 kPa), 610/70R42 - 23 psi (160 kPa)
Rear Tire Width (in): -
Front/Rear Rim Diameter (in): -
Tire Type: Radial
Manufacture - End Year: -
Hitch Type: -
Hitch Category: II/III
Hitch Position: Rear
Hitch Capacity (lb): 17400 lbs (Maximum Force Exerted on 3-Point Hitch)
Operator Station Type: -
Starter Type: Electric (12 volts)
Brake Type: Multiple wet disc brakes hydraulically operated by two foot pedals
Hydraulic System Type: Hydraulic control system direct engine drive

Test Results

Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory - Test Date: September - October, 2005

Maximum Power and Fuel Consumption

Rated Engine Speed (PTO Speed - 1098 rpm): 133.8 HP (99.8 kW) at 2196 rpm, 8.75 Gal/hr (33.11 l/h) with a fuel efficiency of 0.465 lb/hp.hr (0.283 kg/kW.h), 15.29 Hp.hr/gal (3.01 kW.h/l)
Standard Power Take-off Speed (1000 rpm): 139.7 HP (104.2 kW) at 2000 rpm, 8.48 Gal/hr (32.11 l/h) with a fuel efficiency of 0.432 lb/hp.hr (0.263 kg/kW.h), 16.44 Hp.hr/gal (3.24 kW.h/l)
Maximum Power (1 hour): 141.2 HP (105.3 kW) at 1951 rpm, 8.51 Gal/hr (32.21 l/h) with a fuel efficiency of 0.429 lb/hp.hr (0.261 kg/kW.h), 16.60 Hp.hr/gal (3.27 kW.h/l)

Drawbar Performance

Maximum Power in 13th (3TD) Gear: 101.8 HP (75.9 kW) with a drawbar pull of 7530 lbs (33.5 kN) at a speed of 5.07 mph (8.16 km/h), and a slip of 3.2% with a fuel consumption of 0.581 lb/hp.hr (0.353 kg/kW.h), 12.19 Hp.hr/gal (2.40 kW.h/l)
75% of Pull at Maximum Power in 13th (3TD) Gear: 76.0 HP (56.7 kW) with a drawbar pull of 5530 lbs (24.6 kN) at a speed of 5.16 mph (8.30 km/h), and a slip of 1.8% with a fuel consumption of 0.635 lb/hp.hr (0.386 kg/kW.h), 11.17 Hp.hr/gal (2.20 kW.h/l)
50% of Pull at Maximum Power in 13th (3TD) Gear: 53.0 HP (39.5 kW) with a drawbar pull of 3775 lbs (16.8 kN) at a speed of 5.26 mph (8.46 km/h), and a slip of 1.0% with a fuel consumption of 0.750 lb/hp.hr (0.456 kg/kW.h), 9.44 Hp.hr/gal (1.86 kW.h/l)

Torque and Engine Performance

Maximum Torque: 475.5 lb.-ft. (644.7 Nm) at 1400 rpm
Torque Rise: 48.6% with a torque rise at 1750 engine rpm of 29%

Hydraulic Performance

Maximum Force Exerted: 17,400 lbs (77.4 kN)
Pump Delivery Rate at Minimum Pressure: 26.5 GPM (100.2 l/min)
Pump Delivery Rate at Maximum Hydraulic Power: 25.1 GPM (94.9 l/min) at a delivery pressure of 2235 psi (161 bar), and hydraulic power of 32.7 HP (24.4 kW)

NTTL.(2005).Nebraska Summary: S518 Challenger MT555B. Lincoln, NE:Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/tractormuseumlit/3123