The winning products were the Challenger 1000 series tractors – to be launched in Australia next month - the OptiRide Active Cab Suspension system and the MTS Maxx Ride Suspension, which is available on Challenger MT700E and MT800E series tractors.

The Challenger 1000 series tractors are designed to work in both heavy draft and row crop applications and are available in four models, from 396hp or 295kW to 517hp or 386kW. A simple front ballasting system has five interchangeable weight options ranging from 897kg to 3299kg.

AGCO’s new OptiRide Active Cab Suspension uses components commonly found in premium truck manufacturers’ cab suspension systems.

The new cab suspension is available in Massey Ferguson 6700S series tractors and tests have shown the system provides ride comfort on the road and in the field that is up to 20% better than the mechanical suspension in Massey Ferguson 7700.

OptiRide Active Cab Suspension uses two sensors on diagonally opposite corners of the cab which automatically register the degree of cab tilt and raise the hydraulics to restore equilibrium, minimizing any fore and aft movements when starting and stopping.

To further reduce operator fatigue, the cab suspension system uses a hydraulic damper and accumulator on each corner of the cab.

Electronically controlled, proportional electro-magnetic valves take into account the travel speed, acceleration and braking, as well as the chassis size of the tractor, ensuring the OptiRide Active Cab Suspension system compensates for different operating conditions, such as in-field versus road operation, and when taking corners.

The MTS Maxx Ride feature adds ultra-high capacity shock absorbers to the industry-exclusive Mobil-trac system found on Challenger tracked tractors. The MTS Maxx Ride is available on both the MT700E and MT800E Series track tractors.