Brand siblingChallenger 85E
The Challenger 85E is a powerful tractor built for tough jobs on the farm. It has a strong Caterpillar diesel engine with 6 cylinders and 375 horsepower. This engine is turbocharged and intercooled, which means it can work hard without getting too hot. The tractor uses hydrostatic differential steering, making it easy to turn and control. This big machine weighs 34,895 pounds and is 25 inches wide. It has a full power shift transmission with 10 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, so you can choose the right speed for any task. The Challenger 85E has a closed hydraulic system and an electric starter. It also has special features like dual paper air cleaners and a 16:1 compression ratio in the engine. The wheelbase is 107 inches, which helps it stay stable while working.
Quick specs
- Category
- Crawler
- Engine Power Output
- 375hp
- Operating Weight
- 34,895 lb
- Transmission
- Full Power Shift
At a glance
How the 85E compares
vs. Crawler medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Crawler tractors
This model
The 85E ranks at the 74th percentile for engine power among recorded crawler tractors.
Overview
About the Challenger 85E
The Challenger 85E is a powerful tractor built for tough jobs on the farm. It has a strong Caterpillar diesel engine with 6 cylinders and 375 horsepower. This engine is turbocharged and intercooled, which means it can work hard without getting too hot. The tractor uses hydrostatic differential steering, making it easy to turn and control. This big machine weighs 34,895 pounds and is 25 inches wide. It has a full power shift transmission with 10 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, so you can choose the right speed for any task. The Challenger 85E has a closed hydraulic system and an electric starter. It also has special features like dual paper air cleaners and a 16:1 compression ratio in the engine. The wheelbase is 107 inches, which helps it stay stable while working.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Challenger |
|---|---|
| Model | 85E |
| Category | Crawler tractor |
| Operating weight | 34,895lb |
Engine
| Make | Caterpillar |
|---|---|
| Power | 375hp |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 729ci |
| Bore | 5.12in |
| Stroke | 5.91in |
Transmission
| Type | Full Power Shift |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 10 |
| Reverse gears | 2 |
Chassis & drive
| Steering | Hydrostatic Differential Steering |
|---|
Hydraulics
| Type | Closed |
|---|
Dimensions
| Width | 25in |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | 34,895lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 20gal |
|---|
Head to head
85E vs. Crawler median
How the Challenger 85E compares to other Crawler tractors
| Spec | This model | Crawler median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 375 hp | 200 hp | +88% | 74th |
| Engine Displacement | 729 ci | 468 ci | +56% | 75th |
| Cylinders | 6 | 6 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 10 | 10 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 34,895 lb | 23,320 lb | +50% | 73rd |
| Width | 25 in | 79.5 in | -69% | 5th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the crawler tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 142–192 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Challenger tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger 85C | 355 hp | 33,645 lb | — | Compare → |
| Challenger MT743 | 425 hp | 36,220 lb | 2018+ | Compare → |
| Challenger MT738 | 324.64 hp | 36,050 lb | — | Compare → |
| Challenger MT765C | 320.72 hp | 31,085 lb | — | Compare → |
| Challenger 65D | 300 hp | 35,235 lb | — | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CaseIH 9180 | 375 hp | 28,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| CaseIH 9280 | 375 hp | 29,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| Big Bud 370 | 370 hp | 41,200 lb | — | Compare → |
| Buhler Versatile 450 | 364.92 hp | 45,150 lb | — | Compare → |
| AGCO AGCOSTAR 8360 | 360 hp | — | 1995–2001 | Compare → |
Explore
Challenger siblings
Explore
Similar-spec models
FAQ
Common questions
How much horsepower does the Challenger 85E have?
The Challenger 85E produces 375 hp from its 6-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 729 ci.
How much does the Challenger 85E weigh?
The Challenger 85E weighs about 34,895 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the Challenger 85E?
Transmission on the Challenger 85E is Full Power Shift, with 10 forward speeds.
What hydraulics does the Challenger 85E have?
The Challenger 85E uses a Closed hydraulic system.
What maintenance does the Challenger 85E require?
Like any tractor, the Challenger 85E needs periodic engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic fluid checks, and regular greasing and inspection. The owner's manual lists the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.


