Fendt’s first forager made its official debut at Agritechnica. Currently there’s just one model – the 650hp Katana 65 – but we’re told we can expect machines down to 450hp and up over 999hp to appear in the next couple of years.

Mounted longitudinally in the tail, a Mercedes V8 provides the muscle, driving through a two-speed 90deg. gearbox. With the engine running at 2000rpm in ‘Power’ mode and 1600rpm in ‘Eco’, the gearbox keeps fuel use to a minimum for both heavy and light crops, according to the company.

As yet no machines are available for sale. Instead the Bavarian firm will hire out 25 Katanas next year in Germany, assessing their performance through the season.