Cover story: Fendt Vario MT tractors
The latest high horsepower offerings from Fendt introduce the impressive new 900 Vario MT and 1100 Vario MT tracked tractors
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Fendt is a global leader in building tracked tractors
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The latest high horsepower offerings from Fendt (a world-wide brand of AGCO) introduce the impressive new 900 Vario MT and 1100 Vario MT track tractors.
Spanning a horsepower range of 380hp to 673hp, these releases are completely new to the expanding line-up of Fendt products in New Zealand and Australia, combining proven innovations from AGCO’s 30 years of experience in track tractors with newly engineered features that increase operator comfort and in-field performance.
"There’s nothing we haven’t thought of in creating the new Fendt Vario MT track tractors," says Fendt product manager Tyron Midgley.
"For flotation, ride comfort, fuel efficiency, implement operation, power, and reliability; these new track tractors will definitely stand out as a great choice for the heaviest jobs."
Mighty machines
The Fendt MT tractors are designed to handle big crop production jobs, including medium-to-heavy high-speed tillage, as well as the largest planters and seeding implements.
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A modern and comfortable workplace
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"We’ve added some totally new, Fendt-exclusive innovations, such as a steerable three-point hitch system and a hydraulically controlled swinging drawbar option that make headland turns with large implements smoother for the operator, less demanding on the tractor, and gentler on the soil."
Fendt 1100 Vario MT
Those looking for the power to complete the biggest jobs can choose from four models. The 1151 (511hp), 1156 (564hp), and 1162 (618hp) are powered by MAN six-cylinder, 15.2-litre diesel engines.
The power plant for the Fendt 1167 Vario MT (673hp), the highest horsepower track tractor on the market today, is the MAN six-cylinder, 16.2-litre diesel engine.
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Two separate hydraulic circuits deliver volume flow of up to 440l/min at 1700rpm
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These engines offer the Fendt iD low-rev engine concept, working in unison with the Fendt Tractor Management System (TMS) and stepless VarioDrive transmission. The tractors not only provide maximum torque at 1100rpm but are the highest horsepower two-track tractors to offer a CVT transmission for more power to the ground and greater flotation. Fendt iD and TMS allow the tractors to run in the maximum torque range while delivering low fuel consumption to help reduce operating costs.
The Fendt 1100 Vario MT tractors offer standard wide gauge settings of 88 to 128 inches and three track styles in three widths from 27.5 to 36 inches. A variety of engineering advances developed during 30 years of experience with tracks merge in the Fendt 1100 Vario MT tractors to deliver a new standard for traction, flotation, and ride comfort from a track tractor.
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The 1100 Vario MT is the crowning glory of the Fendt tractor series
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The AGCO-exclusive, patented Mobil-Trac™ track system is the only mid-wheel design on the market with a suspended undercarriage and rolling mid-wheels. By placing the hardbar closer to the front of the tractor, engineers lengthened the wheelbase for better weight and power distribution along the belt. This delivers a smoother ride and reduces compaction. These track design features, plus the widest belt offering on the market, provide better flotation to minimise yield-robbing compaction and increase return per hectare.
Smart Ride Plus™
For even greater traction, plus more ride comfort for both fieldwork and road travel, the Fendt 1100 MT Vario tractors feature an innovative new Fendt-exclusive option, Smart Ride Plus load levelling. This hydraulic system for Smart Ride integrates with the front suspension springs to adjust the tractor height, keeping the chassis level to maintain the correct angle between the tractor hitch and rear implements. It also keeps the tractor level when operating heavy front- or rear-mounted attachments.
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Internal rear drive wheel weights
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Ride comfort improves because suspension of the levelled tractor can travel equally both up and down. Finally, the self-levelling hydraulics raise or lower the front of the tractor to make attaching or removing the front mono-block weight easier.
Topping off the ride-comfort features of the Fendt 1100 Vario MT tractors is a two-point cab suspension with integrated shock absorbers at the rear, and two shock absorbers with rubber bumpers on the front.
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External rear drive wheel weights
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Controlled performance
Industry-first rear hitch systems ease turning and soil disturbance. In addition to a standard Category 5 free swinging drawbar with 4990kg load rating, the choice of two innovative new hitch systems is also available: a hydraulically controlled drawbar and a hydraulically controlled three-point hitch.
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The four rollers of the tracked drive are the key to continuous power transmission
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For towed implements such as expansive planters and tillage tools, the hydraulically controlled swinging drawbar allows the operator to guide the implement from the tractor, making contour farming, headland turns, and navigating through wet fields easier.
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Swinging hitch
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Providing 28 degrees of horizontal swing left and right allows the tractor to turn closer to its natural turning point under load. Auto-float, fixed, and offset modes give the operator total control of the implement. This hitch boasts a hefty 6800kg load rating. The new steerable hitch system was designed with mounted implements in mind.
For tractors equipped with either a standard or high-lift three-point hitch, this new system provides 12 degrees of movement in the hitch and 11.5 degrees of swing, with the drawbar allowing the tractor to steer easily around contours and field obstacles without raising the implement. This hitch uses two steering cylinders to keep the drawbar in a fixed position or allow it to float with restriction. Controlled from the tractor cab, it’s integrated with the tractor steering for smooth turns with large implements.
Hydraulic power
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Hydraulic swinging drawbar
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New high-performance hydraulics provide efficient, on-demand hydraulic power. The 1100 Vario MT features the Fendt-exclusive dual pump, dual-circuit hydraulic system for up to 440 litres per minute of hydraulic oil flow. This unique two-pump system allows implements to be connected according to their oil pressure and flow requirements: high or low. It keeps full capacity on reserve until the tractor is paired with an implement with high hydraulic demands, such as a large planter. Valves are dedicated to implement control, the steerable hitch drawbar control, and power beyond.
Like other Fendt tractors, the 1100 has separate hydraulic oil reservoirs for the implement and vehicle hydraulic systems, preventing cross-contamination and extending the service interval to two years or 2000 hours.
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Hot air deflector
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The new Fendt 1100 Vario MT tractors are designed with front and chassis options for ballasting. Front weights improve machine balance, headland quality, and provide correct belt-to-ground contact for the idler driver. Options include 20 or 36 suitcase weights providing up to 915kg and 1650kg, respectively, or the 2000kg monoblock. Chassis ballasting on the undercarriage places weight near the machine’s centre of gravity, using a combination of idler, frame, and rear-drive wheel weights. Weight is applied directly to the ground without putting stress on the chassis, axles, or final drives to improve drawbar pull capacity.
Intuitive Fendt operation assures operator comfort. The familiar Fendt operator station makes running Fendt 1100 Vario MT tractors feel like being home. The tractor incorporates the 10.4" Varioterminal™ – key machine and implement controls and multifunction joystick within the ergonomically designed armrest. The fully adjustable seat and armrest put machine and implement controls at the operator’s fingertips for notable comfort during long hours in the field. The exclusive single-spoke steering wheel is ergonomic for comfortable effortless steering and offers spring-activated return-to-centre when released.
Fendt 900 Vario MT
Designed to operate with optimum efficiency, Fendt 900 Vario MT tractors range from 380hp to 431hp. All systems, including the hydraulics and two-speed PTO, run at lower engine rpm for lower fuel costs and reduced engine wear.
The Fendt-exclusive dual-pump, dual-circuit hydraulic system delivers up to 440 litres per minute of hydraulic oil flow. This unique two-pump system allows operators to connect implements according to oil pressure and flow requirements (high or low). It keeps full capacity on reserve until the tractor is paired with an implement with high hydraulic demands or until the connected implement requires additional hydraulic power.
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The Fendt 900 Vario MT is a combination of experience and innovation
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Like other Fendt tractors, the 900 Vario MT has separate hydraulic oil reservoirs for the implement and vehicle hydraulic systems, preventing cross-contamination and extending the service interval to two years or 2000 hours. Optional flat-face hydraulic couplers are energy-efficient and easy to connect and operate at full pressure, with minimal oil leaks during coupling, keeping the tractor, operator, and the environment cleaner. Since the system is designed to maintain pressure, oil does not heat up as much and energy consumption for cooling is reduced.
Fendt 900 Vario MT tractors are equipped with a standard Category 3/4N three-point hitch and a two-speed 1000 and 1000E PTO shaft. The tractors offer standard wide-gauge settings of 72 to 120 inches and three track styles in four widths from 18 to 30 inches.
Mobil-trac™
AGCO’s patented Mobil-trac system (MTS), designed with a long wheelbase for more stability, is renowned for delivering power to the ground. The steel hardbar acts as a front axle, attaching to the forward point of the roller frame and providing up to 11 degrees of oscillation to improve ride and minimise compaction.
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The new generation of tracked tractor
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"Operators receive a noticeably different level of ride comfort when operating the 900 Vario MT tractors, especially over terraces and rough field surfaces," Tyron says. "The Smart Ride system combines oscillating mid-wheels, hardbar suspension, cab suspension, and seat suspension, giving operators great ride quality without sacrificing the in-field benefits of power, control and traction."
The oscillating mid-wheels contour to the ground over terraces and uneven surfaces, providing impressive track-to-ground contact, improving performance, and comfort.
The primary suspension has rugged coil springs and high-capacity shock absorbers for a more comfortable ride compared to hydro-pneumatic suspension systems. The two-point cab suspension system with increased suspension at the rear of the cab absorbs and dissipates the vibration from the ground through the rear axle.
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Tracks with SmartRide chassis and ConstantGrip roller suspension
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Engineered for operator convenience and productivity, the Fendt 900 Vario MT tractors feature an easy-to-use 10.4-inch touchscreen Varioterminal™ that has an intuitive, smartphone feel. This allows operators to easily manage all tractor settings and adjustments, plus monitor and control ISOBUS 11783-compatible implements, camera functions, field documentation, variable rate applications, guidance and wireless data transfer, and headland management. The Varioterminal, joystick, PTO controls, and conveniently colour-coded keypad put all tasks and functions within easy reach of the operator’s fingertips for faster operation and less operator distraction and fatigue.
Owners and operators will appreciate the fit and finish of the spacious, comfortable cabs as well as the many exterior features that bring comfort and convenience to the Fendt 900 Vario MT tractors. The cabs offer a variety of amenities, including an air-ride seat, larger instructor’s seat, and Bluetooth® capability.
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The Fendt VarioDrive concept is a major drawcard
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Bright ideas
An LED light package adds more lights at the rear of the tractor, cleverly positioned to provide a clear view of each end of a 24-row planter during late nights in the field. Porch lighting on the cab provides a safe view of the area for operators leaving the field after a long day, and the battery smart-disconnect automatically powers everything down for the night. The 900 Vario MT also has an integrated walk-around platform that provides secure, fast access for cleaning windows.
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