Fendt beefs up lower hp models with Vario system
Fendt beefs up lower hp models with Vario system
Fendts innovative Vario
stepless transmission is now
available in power ranges
from 85hp through to 270hp.
Andy Collings reports
WHEN Fendt introduced the Vario transmission in 1996 in the 900 Series, it was widely believed it would soon be available for lower horsepower tractors; and now that has happened.
So, here is the new Fendt Farmer 400 Vario range – a three-model line-up comprising the 85hp 409, 100hp 410 and the 110hp 411. Power is provided by a new Deutz water-cooled four-cylinder, 16-valve turbocharged engine – intercooled in the 410 and 411 models – which is claimed to exhibit high power reserves and low fuel consumption.
The Vario transmission is a scaled down version of that used in more powerful ranges, yet has been designed to perform in an identical manner – two ranges allow for stepless 0-30kph and 0-50kph speeds. A combination of hydrostatic and mechanical drives, high torque operations, such as ploughing, would see 75% hydrostatic and 25% mechanical use, and high speed road transport 25% hydrostatic and 75% mechanical – and other percentage ratios in between.
Fendts Variotronic control system is a true fly-by-wire design. A joystick located in the control console allows the operator to select and maintain forward speed, and direction. Headland speeds and operating speeds can be pre-programmed as can hydraulic operations such as plough raise and turnover.
To help the operator come to terms with this array of technology – there is much more – a display screen informs and assists with the selection process.
For the uninitiated operator a day in the field discovering just what can be achieved with the Vario systems would be advisable.
Fendt has also taken the opportunity to add two new Vario models to its 700 Series and update the flagship 900s.
In come the Favorit 115hp and 125hp models to complement the existing 140hp and 160hp 700 series tractors. Six-cylinder, 5.7-litre Deutz engines with four-valve pots power the range. As with the 400 Series engines, they have been designed to meet all current and pending EU and USA emission standards.
For the serious arable farmer the new-look Favorit 900 Vario models now benefit from some significant updates. Their 6.9 litre MAN engines are now equipped with electronic fuel injection which is claimed to provide improvements in performance, fuel consumption and engine management.
Rated power outputs for the four models has been increased by 10hp – 180hp, 210hp, 240hp and 270hp – and maximum output at 1800rpm adds another 10-18hp, says Fendt.
Like the 400 and 700 models, the 900s now have a rounded front to their bonnets, the front housing cooling radiators for water, transmission oil, hydraulic oil etc, set in a box shape to allow easy cleaning.
The tractors control systems have been updated and now feature similar systems to those used in the smaller ranges – the screen, joystick and control console. Other changes include a larger fuel tank – now 530 litres – and the ability to have up to five double acting auxiliary control valves. The flow rate and actuation time for each valve can be pre-set. *
FENDTVARIODETAILS
Favorit 900: MAN powered – 180hp, 210hp, 240hp, 270hp.
Favorit 700: Deutz powered -115hp, 125hp, 140hp 160hp.
Farmer 400: Deutz powered – 85hp 100hp, 110hp.
Two-range Vario transmissions offer 0-30kph and 0-50kph.
Fendt has now made its Vario transmission available for tractors spanning the 85hp to 270hp bracket, in three ranges. Inset: the new in-cab display screen, which provides operational information.
Four radiators in one, but still easy to clean when the hood is raised.