CLAAS CHALLENGER CH55
Series: Challenger
Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required
Claas Challenger 35 to 95E (1997–2002) – the Caterpillar tracked tractors in Claas green: the number as size class, E as upgrade, Caterpillar six-cylinders of 6.6 to 7.2 litres, 156 to 310 kW, 10.2 t, forerunner of the sales partnership with Cat
The Claas Challenger is a Caterpillar in Claas colours: from 1997 to 2002 Claas sold the Challenger tracked tractors, which Caterpillar had built in DeKalb, Illinois, since 1987, in Europe under its own name and in green – the counterpart to the sale of the Claas Lexion combines as Cat Lexion in North America, a partnership that ended when Caterpillar sold the Challenger division to AGCO in 2002. The type logic follows Caterpillar: the number orders the size in ascending order – Challenger 35 and 45 the row-crop tracked tractors of about 175 to 240 hp, 55 about 270 hp, 75E, 85E and 95E the big tracked tractors of the E generation with 325 to 410 hp – E the upgrade with stronger engines and new cab; the MT700 and MT765 prototypes in the register are the transitional models to the AGCO era. The engines are Caterpillar six-cylinders 3126 and 3176 of 6.6 to 10.3 litres at 2,100 rpm, the undercarriage the Mobil-trac system with rubber belts that Caterpillar brought to series production in 1987 as the first maker.
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The register lists 11 versions with 156 to 310 kW from six-cylinders of 6,600 to 7,200 cm³ on the recorded models, an unladen weight of 10,180 kg, a length of 5,965 mm, a width of 2,524 mm and a height of 3,277 mm.
The green Challengers are rare and sought after by collectors; they are the forerunners of the Claas Xerion in the role of the big tractor and the memory of the only period in which Claas carried tracked tractors.
On used tractors, operating hours, the condition of rubber belts, rollers and drive wheels (the most expensive item), Cat engine and powershift, hydraulics and cab count; parts run through Caterpillar and AGCO, which continued the Challenger range until 2022.
Sources: Kennwerte der Modelle Claas Challenger, Claas (Hersteller)
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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Other models in this series
CHALLENGER CH-45
CHALLENGER CH75E
Challenger 35
Challenger 45
Challenger 55
Challenger 75E
Challenger 85E
Challenger 95E
Challenger MT700 prototype
Challenger MT765 prototype
Sources: [1]
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.