Claas Challenger 85E
The Claas Challenger 85E is a powerful crawler tractor built for tough farm work. 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 has a full power shift transmission with 10 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, making it easy to change speeds for different jobs. This big tractor weighs 34,895 pounds and uses tracks instead of wheels. The tracks are 25 inches wide, which helps the tractor move well on soft or muddy ground. It has a closed hydraulic system and uses hydrostatic differential steering, which makes it easy to turn and control. The Challenger 85E has above average engine power and weight compared to other tractors. It also has a very high engine displacement, which means it can handle heavy loads well.

Quick specs
- Category
- Crawler
- Engine Power Output
- 375hp
- Operating Weight
- 34,895 lb
- Transmission
- Full Power Shift
At a glance
How the Challenger 85E compares
vs. Crawler medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Crawler tractors
This model
The Challenger 85E ranks at the 74th percentile for engine power among recorded crawler tractors.
Overview
About the Claas Challenger 85E
The Claas Challenger 85E is a powerful crawler tractor built for tough farm work. 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 has a full power shift transmission with 10 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, making it easy to change speeds for different jobs. This big tractor weighs 34,895 pounds and uses tracks instead of wheels. The tracks are 25 inches wide, which helps the tractor move well on soft or muddy ground. It has a closed hydraulic system and uses hydrostatic differential steering, which makes it easy to turn and control. The Challenger 85E has above average engine power and weight compared to other tractors. It also has a very high engine displacement, which means it can handle heavy loads well.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Claas |
|---|---|
| Model | Challenger 85E |
| Category | Crawler tractor |
| Type | Crawler |
| 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
| Chassis | Crawler |
|---|---|
| Steering | Hydrostatic Differential Steering |
Hydraulics
| Type | Closed |
|---|
Dimensions
| Operating weight | 34,895lb |
|---|
Capacities
| Cooling system | 20gal |
|---|
Head to head
Challenger 85E vs. Crawler median
How the Claas 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 |
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 Claas tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claas Challenger 75E | 340 hp | 34,800 lb | — | Compare → |
| Claas Challenger 95E | 410 hp | 35,520 lb | 1998–2001 | Compare → |
| Claas Xerion 3300 Trac | 335 hp | 22,491 lb | — | Compare → |
| Claas Challenger 65E | 310 hp | 34,195 lb | — | Compare → |
| Claas Xerion 3000 | 300 hp | 20,948 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
Claas siblings
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Gallery
Claas Challenger 85E photos



FAQ
Common questions
How much horsepower does the Claas Challenger 85E have?
The Claas Challenger 85E produces 375 hp from its 6-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 729 ci.
How much does the Claas Challenger 85E weigh?
The Claas Challenger 85E weighs about 34,895 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the Claas Challenger 85E?
Transmission on the Claas Challenger 85E is Full Power Shift, with 10 forward speeds.
What type of hydraulic system does the Claas Challenger 85E use?
Hydraulics on the Claas Challenger 85E are Closed.
What maintenance does the Claas Challenger 85E require?
Like any tractor, the Claas 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.





