North American manufacturer Game Equipment is showing its most powerful tractor ever at the ConExpo construction show in Las Vegas this week. Called the 96ATX, power comes from a Stage IV Caterpillar C18 that kicks out a maximum output of 630hp. Supplied with diesel from a 1500-litre fuel tank, the transmission is a 16-speed electronically controlled powershift. The standard tyre size is IF710/60R46, but the 96ATX can also be shod with sizes of IF800/55R46, IF710/70R42, and IF800/55R46. Depending on spec, operating weight ranges from 27 to 38 tonnes. Located in Napoleonville, among the sugar cane fields of South Louisiana, Game Equipment has been making industrial tractors and sugar cane harvesting equipment since the late 1980s. Previously, the company’s employees acquired many years of experience building equipment for Thompson Machinery, Cameco and John Deere, and Game owner David Chadwick was the engineering manager at Cameco and for John Deere after Deere bought Cameco. Game’s current tractor portfolio includes 13 different heavy-duty models. Mechanically simple, all are designed for long hours in remote sugar cane plantations and other rough applications. The range starts with the fixed frame 65MTX, which is offered as standard with a 125hp John Deere engine but with the option of a 121hp Cummins block. Articulated models start from the 75ATX, which again is available with two engine options, 185 or 190hp.
The company plans to launch more articulated tractors later this year, one of which includes a Cummins-powered 400hp 4wd 93ATX. This will sit between the Cummins-powered 260/280hp 87ATX and Cat-powered 475/512hp 95ATX.
Pictures: Daniel Foged
