Fendt stepless transmission for new line-up
Fendt stepless transmission for new line-up
By Andy Collings
MAJOR changes are in the offing for Fendts tractor line-up. At the top end of the power range the 926 Vario becomes the father of three lower horsepower models.
And for lower spec enthusiasts, the existing 300 LSA models are due to be replaced next year following the introduction of the new 300C range.
But to start with the 900 Vario series – a series which now offers a power range from 170hp to 260hp. All are equipped with Fendts variable hydro-mechanical transmission.
Heading the series is, of course, the existing 260hp 926 which first saw the light of day last year. Fendt has now added the 230hp 924, 200hp 920 and the 170hp 916.
For all intents and purposes, the new models are identical in specification to their equivalent 800 Series tractors. Apart from one important detail – the transmission.
Not an easy transmission to describe in detail, the Vario employs a combination of hydraulic and mechanical drive. The driveshaft from the engine first enters a planetary drive where the drive is split into two – a hydrostatic branch (the ring gear) drives the axial piston pump and the other mechanical branch (the sun wheel) is connected to the rear axle via a collection shaft and the transmissions range selection group.
Infinite variability of gear ratios is controlled through the adjustment of the hydrostatic pump and motors, with the ratio of hydrostatic drive to mechanical drive changing in respect of engine speed, forward speed and work load.
The result is a transmission which is claimed to be efficient in terms of power loss and one which enables an operator to maximise output over a range of different operations.
Such a system lends itself to various control features, not least the use of a single joystick to control the whole unit. Pushing it forwards or backwards increases or decreases travel speed; push it to the left and the tractor changes direction.
Further control refinements allow constant forward speed to be maintained, virtually irrespective of engine speed, programmed forward and reverse speeds for headland turns and numerous safety control systems.
For the 75-95hp tractor user, the new Farmer 300C tractors could be of interest. Powered by four-cylinder water cooled Deutz engines, the 75hp 307C has a turbocharged block, while the 85hp 308C and 95hp 309C find extra power through the addition of an intercooler.
Transmission includes the use of Fendts Turbomatik fluid flywheel with the 307C and 308C having a 21 x 6 box and the 309C a 25mph, 21 x 21 shuttle gearbox.
For the operator, the 300Cs are equipped as standard with the companys new "comfort cab" which offers such luxuries as air seat suspension and adjustable steering wheel. Exhaust and air-intake have been relocated to the left and right of the bonnet to improve driver visibility.n
Farmer 300C
Model:307C308C309C
Engine:Deutz 4-cyl turbo + inter
water cooledcooler
turbo
Transmission:
21 x 621 x 621 x 21
Fluid flywheel:standard
Fendt Vario 926 goes through its paces with a 10-furrow plough. Inset: Single joystick control for the stepless transmission.
Fendt 900 Vario Series
Model:916920924926
Engine:MAN six-cylinder
IntercoolerIntercooler+waste gate
Power (hp):170200230260
Transmission: Stepless forward and reverse
Empty weight:7.7t7.85t8t8t
Mid-range 85hp Farmer 308C. Note new position for the exhaust pipe.