WELL known farm machinery brand Fendt has released a new range of tractors with its 1000 Vario Series.
The machines vary in size from 380-500 horsepower (HP) and are designed to be flexible additions to broadacre farmers’ machinery plant.
“The new 1000 Vario provides farmers and contractors with the ultimate versatility and cost savings,” said Donny Cloney, product manager for Fendt.
He said the tractors could be used for operations requiring high horsepower such as sowing, along with other tasks such as spraying and baling.
To deliver more power, Fendt have introduced the 12.4 litre, 6 cylinder MAN engine into the range which uses a mix of Adblue and exhaust recirculation to keep it clean and deliver maximum torque at low engine revs.
Coupled with the Vario transmission, the 1000 Series is capable of speeds of 40 km/h at 950 rpm.
Maximum torque is achieved at 1100 rpm and is maintained to 1500 rpm, resulting in maximum fuel efficiency.
The air intake is designed to minimise the amount of dust taken in which helps with efficiency.
The cooling system replicates a jet engine with the shape of the fan and its blade. Plastic ducting is fitted around the rear of the fan so only cool air is driven through the radiator and the plastic ducting prevents hot air from the engine being circulated through the radiators.
The tractors were tested in conditions every bit as testing as those found in Australia.
“The 1000 Series was put under extensive testing in Arizona and regularly subjected to 45 degree temperatures,” Mr Cloney said.
Transmission-wise, the Fendt team has stuck with the trademark Vario system, albeit with some upgrades, including an industry first feature of being able to drive both axles independently.
In the field the 1000 Series operates in four wheel drive but the axles work independently.
When the implement is engaged into the ground the transmission pressure increases and the clutch locks for a conventional four wheel drive.
When the tractor reaches the headland and the implement is not ground-engaged, the clutch unlocks so the front and rear axles are driven independently, allowing the front axle to perform a pull turn technique for a tighter turning circle.
On the guidance front, Trimble and Novatel receivers can be added so that Varioguide can work on the Fendt terminal which also runs Isobus on two cameras.
The operator’s manual is fully integrated into the terminal so learning how to fully utilize the technology in the Fendt is made easy.
Fendt is a division of machinery giant Agco.