Featuring the Fendt iD low engine speed concept and Fendt VarioDrive, this tracked machine is built to perform under pressure
When even the ducks are looking for a reprieve, you know it’s been bad. Coping with weather fluctuations and trying to catch up, often on marginal ground, which then requires lots of use of the bungee strop, can all result in one massive headache (and expense due to reduced productivity). The answer lies with the Fendt 940MT – the clever crawler, the 405hp middle child of the 380hp-431hp three sibling lineup.
This machine is absolutely packed with cool features, but the standout three features for me are:
1. Fendt iD low engine speed concept
2. Fendt VarioDrive drive concept
3. Tracks with SmartRide chassis and ConstantGrip roller suspension
Engine
Right: Easy access into the cab
Let’s start at the front. It’s not often you come across a 7-cylinder engine, but Fendt has developed exactly that for its crawler machines, using the Fendt ID concept from the 9.8-litre AGCO power-built unit.
Fendt iD uses the low-rpm, high-torque theory, which is also found on the Fendt 700, 900 and 1000 Series wheel tractors, where the highest torque is achieved at engine speeds between 1000rpm and 1700 rpm. With idle speed set at just 800rpm, this in turn promotes low fuel consumption. Speaking specifically to the Fendt 940MT, the max torque figure of 1806Nm as achieved at just 1450rpm.
Other points worth mentioning are that it reaches Tier 4 compliance due to the usual aftertreatment witchcraft, with twin turbochargers that are fixed geometry and link nicely with the Fendt iD to give a very flat power curve.
Fendt Concentric Air System
The key difference here folks is that it’s mounted in front of the main radiator, sucking in cool air and force feeding it into the radiator.
Because it’s hydraulically driven, it can vary its speed dependent on engine temperature and reverse when needed. Another well-thought-out design element is tilting the fan upwards to prevent dragging trash from the field into the front grill.
Transmission
The new Fendt VarioDrive drive train is the same concept as in the 700, 900 and 1000 Series wheel tractors with one travel range. This works on needs-based torque distribution, meaning the maximum power is transmitted to the ground. This in turn means better grip, less soil compaction and minimal slipping.
In terms of operation, you have either stick or pedal mode, can switch between either on the go, and the TMS (Tractor Management System) takes care of the rest. If that’s not your gig and you want to switch it off, when TMS is deactivated, you can control the ground speed and the engine speed independent of each other – the best of both worlds. For roading, 40kph road speed is achieved at just 1550rpm.
The undercarriage
Now the first two on the list are cool (trust me), but the third is a game changer for the tracked tractor market, many of which have a bad rep for being like bucking broncos to drive. First up is the genius central carrier oscillation. This means the two tracks can oscillate independently from one another by 11 degrees. While that doesn’t sound like much, when combined with the Smart Ride suspension, which offers 217mm of overall suspension travel using a combination of a Panhard bar, blocks and springs, it all makes for a significant improvement in traction and ride comfort on undulating country.
For track tension, that is where the ConstantGrip system comes into play. First up a hydraulic piston pushes the idler forward to keep the tracks tight. This replaces what traditionally most people will remember doing with a grease gun on a digger or a bulldozer. The whole time, accumulator pressure is measured and displayed in the Vario Terminal.
To keep maximum contact with the ground, three idler rollers (which are 380mm in diameter) are attached to the chassis via a unique boogie-in-boogie (sprung) suspension system called ConstantGrip. The special polyurethane coating of the snap-in ring inside the rollers prevents heating even during continuous operation at high speeds.
Other features worth mentioning
- 1580kg of front ballast on can be fitted to the front idlers
- Track options include 18, 20, 25, 30 or 34 inch
- The large 1550mm drive wheel is rubber coated in a chevron pattern, which has two benefits – firstly it forces mud out of the track and it also gives positive drive to the track, even in muddy conditions like our test field
Hydraulics, Linkage, PTO
Operators can select either 220L/min or 440L/min pump capacity. Essentially the bigger version has two separate circuits with 220L/min capacity each. There are 100 litres of oil in the reservoir, which is separate to the transmission oil, and the steering is also managed by a separate circuit, so the 440L/min is all flow out the back – great for the wood splitter!
In terms of other good things in this department, there is full ISOBUS functionality, both hydraulic and air trailer braking, as well as an additional airline all the way to the front to hook a gun onto to blow out the radiator. In terms of spools, the colour-coded hydraulics all have detent pressure release levers. The only PTO option is 1000 and 1000E. Options for linkage however allow either Cat III or IV. Our test machine was equipped with the American-style quick hitch on the mighty linkage with nearly 12 tonne capacity, which made short work of the deep rippers.
Operator environment
Right: With over 6m² of curved windows in the four-pillar design, there are almost obstructed 360° views
The cab is a fantastic place to be and with over 6m² of curved windows in the four-pillar design, there are almost unobstructed 360° views.
The multifunction armrest might be considered ‘older style’ when compared to operators who are used to the new Gen 7 cab layout, but there’s nothing wrong with the original design and the cab is certainly a pleasant place to spend the day. The 10.4-inch Vario terminal offers easy navigation between GPS screen and tractor functionality perimeters.
The only slight disappointment was that for our test, the 940MT was set up with Vario Guide. While being on the most basic correction signal, it still gave decent enough autosteer, but did struggle to get itself back on track once one of the tracks encountered a wet spot and the machine ended up tracking its way to one side. This may have been an adjustment in the steering sensitivity settings I suspect, but for the type of work these machines generally will do, RTK will be the more popular option.
With plenty more nifty features to consider, including a storage compartment under the passenger seat, it’s well designed with everything required for operator comfort and convenience. As well as large wide-angle mirrors, this machine was equipped with a full LED lighting package. Overall, the offering of ample space, plush leather, a heated seat, air conditioning and a small racing-style steering wheel receives a major thumbs up.
Summary
There’s plenty of massive ticks across every aspect of the Fendt 940MT. The saying ‘small things amuse small minds’ rings true however, as one of my personal favourite features is the nifty little step that moves up and down as soon as the tractor comes to a stop. It might be minor in the scheme of things, but it does encapsulate what Fendt is about – considering every aspect and all the finer touches to deliver the complete package. This machine is just that: hard to fault – smooth, smart, comfortable and a fantastic place to while away the hours.
| Make and model | Fendt 940MT |
|---|---|
| Engine | 7-cylinder, 9.8L AGCO Power |
| Max horsepower | 405hp |
| Max torque | 1806Nm |
| Transmission | 40k/ph CVT |
| Hydraulics | 220L/m, optional 440L/m, up to six spools |
| PTO | 1000/1000E |
| Track options | 18/20/25/30/34-inch options |
| Emissions | Tier 4 |