Challenger

Challenger 65D

The Challenger 65D is an agricultural crawler tractor produced from 1995 to 1997 by Challenger, a part of Caterpillar. It features a Caterpillar 10.4L 6-cylinder turbocharged intercooled diesel engine producing 300 hp gross power. The tractor has a 10-speed full power shift transmission and hydrostatic differential steering. It is equipped with closed-center pressure-compensated hydraulics with 4 valves and a pump flow of 27 gpm (optional 35 gpm). The 65D has a rear type III hitch with a lift capacity of 15,084 lbs and an independent 1000 RPM rear PTO. Dimensions include a 107-inch wheelbase, 232-inch length, and 120-inch width with 30-inch tracks. Operating weight is 35,235 lbs. The tractor features a cab with air-conditioning and hydraulic wet disc brakes. Electrical system includes a 12-volt battery setup with a 145 amp alternator. The 65D was priced originally at $129,000 in 1997. During testing, its hydraulics did not meet the advertised 27 GPM flow, achieving 21.6 GPM at maximum power.
Power270 hp
Founded1987 - 1990
Model65D

Technical Specifications

Detailed specifications and technical data for Challenger 65D

Power
PTO (tested)256.15 hp (191.0 kW)
Engine (gross)300 hp (223.7 kW)
Drawbar (tested)235.26 hp (175.4 kW)
Engine
Typeturbocharged intercooled diesel
ModelCaterpillar 3306 DITA
Coolingliquid-cooled
Cylinders6-cylinder
Fuel tank209 gal (791.1 L)
Rated RPM2100
Air cleanerdual paper elements with aspirator
Bore/Stroke4.75x6.00 inches (121 x 152 mm)
Pre-heatingether injection, block heater
Displacement636 ci (10.4 L)
Power (gross)300 hp (223.7 kW)
Starter volts12
Coolant capacity44 qts (41.6 L)
Compression ratio15:1
Electrical
Groundnegative
Batteries2
Battery volts12
Charging amps145
Charging systemalternator
Hydraulics
Typeclosed-center pressure-compensated
Valves4
Pump flow27 gpm (102.2 lpm)
Optional pump flow35 gpm (132.5 lpm)
Mechanical
Cabstandard with air-conditioning
Drivecrawler
BrakesHydraulic wet disc brakes
Steeringhydrostatic differential steering
Production
TypeAgricultural Crawler tractor
NotesDuring official testing, the Challenger 65D hydraulics were unable to supply 27 GPM as advertised. At maximum power, the flow was 21.6 GPM.
Original price$129,000 in 1997
Years produced1995 - 1997
Transmission
Typefull power shift
Gears10 forward and 2 reverse
Tractor hitch
Rear TypeIII
Rear lift15,084 lbs (6842 kg)
Dimensions & Tracks
Gauge90 inches (228 cm)
Width120 inches (304 cm) *Width with 30-inch tracks.
Length232 inches (589 cm)
Wheelbase107 inches (271 cm)
Height (cab)128 inches (325 cm)
Track widths25 inches (63 cm), 30 inches (76 cm), 35 inches (88 cm)
Height (exhaust)144 inches (365 cm)
Operating weight35235 lbs (15982 kg)
Power Take-off (PTO)
Rear PTOindependent
Rear PTO Type1000 (1.75)