AGCO this week unveiled its new Fendt 1000 Vario Series tractor for the Australian and New Zealand market.
With models ranging from 283kW to 373kW (380-500hp), the new range is hailed as the industry’s most powerful rigid-frame tractor, designed for year-round work.
According to AGCO, bigger power ratings are blended with clever technology, ranging from heavy-draft work to front and rear linkage applications.
“The 1000 Vario provides farmers and contractors with the ultimate versatility and cost savings,” Fendt product manager Donny Cloney said.
“This new range can be used in many different applications such as seeding, chaser work, spraying and baling and track width can be adjustable down to 60 inches (1.5 metres), making it ideal for row crop applications.”
To deliver the bulging power, Fendt has introduced a 12.4 litre, six 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 a low 950rpm.
Maximum torque is achieved at 1100rpm and is maintained to 1500rpm, resulting in maximum fuel efficiency.
“The cooling fan is independently driven by a hydraulic pump which maximises cooling efficiency and reduces engine load, so the tractor always produces maximum power,” Mr Cloney said.
“This means the advanced cooling fan is pitched at an upward angle because it is hydraulically-driven and not attached to the engine’s crankshaft, which results in the fan pulling in cooler air and greatly reducing dust intake.”
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 1000 Series was put under extensive testing in Arizona and regularly subjected to 45 degree Celsius field temperatures, making it perfectly equipped for the tough challenges in Australia,” he said.
“Another benefit of this revolutionary cooling system is that due to the fan’s cooling efficiency, the bonnet size is very compact for a 373kW tractor so the driver’s vision is not compromised.”
The Fendt stepless Vario transmission, which has been the industry benchmark since its inception more than 20 years ago, has also been upgraded and includes another industry first of being able to drive both axles independently.
“Conventional four-wheel drive tractors usually have a fixed torque ratio between the front and rear axle but with the 1000 Series, torque is distributed over two transmission outputs independently on both axles,” he said.
“With the help of an intelligently-controlled, four-wheel clutch, torque can be shifted between the axles according to need, resulting in greater traction and a tighter turning circle.”
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.
The switch from independent four-wheel drive to conventional four-wheel drive is also done by wheel speed between the front and rear axle.
If the tractor senses wheel-slip on one axle the conventional four-wheel drive is then engaged.
The 1000 Vario achieves a top road speed of 50km/h as standard with the option of increasing maximum speed to 60km/h.
The Profiplus version of one of the new tractors, features comprehensive chassis safety with Fendt Stability Control, independent wheel suspension, dual-circuit brakes, a reactive steering system and assistance systems for deceleration, which together all lead to greater performance and safety on the road and in the field.
“Independent front axle suspension is standard which provides unbeatable load-carrying ability (9000kg at 40km/h), traction and comfort,” Mr Cloney said.
“The four-point pneumatic cab suspension is also a boost to comfort on the road and in the field.
“The stability control adjusts the angle of the tractor when cornering so the tractor doesn’t lean over when cornering at speed and the four point pneumatic cab suspension also has level control so travelling at speed or across steep terrain is no problem.”
Specialty low pressure tyres (IF 900/65R46) with heavier sidewalls than conventional tyres and a 2.35m (7.5ft) standing diameter have been developed to enable the tractor to get maximum power to the ground.
The 1000 Series also features optional Fendt Grip Assistant which will select the optimum ballasting and tyre pressures once you enter the type of implement, the soil conditions and the desired speed.
The tyre pressure can then be adjusted for the field using optional VarioGrip, a fully integrated tyre pressure control system.
The tyres then run at a low pressure with a large footprint so all the horsepower can be put to the ground on single wheels.
When leaving the paddock for the road the tyres can be pumped on the move to maximum pressure reducing tyre wear and increasing fuel efficiency during transport.
According to AGCO, the Fendt 1000 Series features a new cab boasting a considerably higher level of operator comfort with more visibility than ever before.
Due to the large size of the new models, standing at 3.6m (12ft) high, the side windows and windscreen provide plenty of vision of the working field.
A camera can also be fitted into the Dieselross emblem on the bonnet, offering unrivalled visibility to the front mounting area.
The reverse steer option is also available.
A number of advancements also have been made to ensure a large working space and additional storage spaces have been integrated into the cab, to minimize clutter.
The passenger seat is now moulded into the wheel arch, making the cab easily accessible, and the entry steps can be adapted around the size of the tyres ensuring a safe working environment.
For reliable guidance, 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.
The new Fendt 1000 Vario also features high-capacity hydraulics with two highly efficient hydraulic circuits.
Two optional independent axial piston pumps can be specified to meet the demands of different flow and pressure levels for ultimate performance of 430 litres a minute.
The tractor also features a fifth remote valve that can output 170LPM.
The transmission and hydraulic oil supplies are separate, which means the oils cannot mix, guaranteeing active transmission protection and the tractor can also be specified from the factory without rear linkage and PTO if a basic scraper or draft machine is required.
More information: Contact your local Fendt dealer or fendt.com.au
