New Fendt 900 Vario series to debut at AgQuip 2019

Fresh from its global launch a month ago at Fendt’s HQ in Marktoberdorf, Germany, the new generation Fendt 900 Vario tractor series has officially touched down on Aussie shores.

The new Fendt 900 Vario range, which cracks into the 400hp segment for the first time, will be unveiled at the AgQuip field days to be held near Gunnedah, NSW, next week.

The 2019 models have come a long way since the first unit, the 260hp Fendt Favorit 926 Vario, was launched at Agritechnica 1995, Fendt said.

The latest incarnation carries with it plenty of new technology and features including a new fuel-saving MAN engine that meets EU Stage V engine emissions standards; brand new cab with full connectivity; availability of VarioGrip and Grip Assistant and new infotainment system, among others.

There will be five new models in the 2019 Fendt 900 Vario high-horsepowered series – the 930 Vario, 933 Vario, 936 Vario, 939 Vario and 942 Vario offering 296 to 415hp. The new top model Fendt 942 Vario sees the 900-series venture beyond 400hp for the first time.

All models in the new 900-series are equipped with an all-new MAN 6-cylinder engine designed for Fendt, with a cubic capacity of 9-litres and VTG turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.

The change interval for the M3677 engine oil has gone up to 1000 hours.

Fendt’s iD low speed concept is used in the 900-series for the first time, which delivers high power at lower engine speeds. The nominal engine speed is 1700 rpm but when the engine is idle, it runs at just 650rpm.

The Fendt 900 Vario is capable of reaching a top speed of 60km/h at 1450rpm, 50km/h at 1200rpm, and 40km/h at a low 950rpm, hence saving fuel. The maximum torque of up to 1970Nm is achieved at just 1100rpm on the top-end Fendt 942 Vario.

The new engine under the hood of the Fendt 900 Vario series meets EU Stage V engine emissions regulations. It has an exhaust after-treatment system using a diesel oxidation catalyst, a diesel particulate filter and Selective Catalytic Reduction technology (SCR) to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The MAN engine works with a common rail system at an injection pressure of 2500 bar which optimises combustion.

The next-gen Fendt 900 Vario comes with a brand new Fendt Life Cab that offers full connectivity both inside and outside the cab for real time data reporting.

A new Smart Connect feature allows the driver to connect an iPad to the Fendt 900 Vario via the machine's internal WiFi.

Machine parameters, such as the tractor position, the worked area, speed, fuel consumption and engine load, are sent straight to the tablet during use. This display can be plotted on a map or as a graphical sequence for the last 60 minutes.

The tablet can also serve as an additional display area for the Fendt Varioterminal operating station.

Fendt has designed the 900 Vario for heavy traction work in any condition around the world. Customers can choose from a series of tyre combinations with the Fendt 900 Vario units to suit their needs. Fendt is also offering a 60-inch track variant of the 900 Vario for row crop applications.

Fendt has also further developed the front axle on the new line-up. The new double wishbone axles are now maintenance-free and provide for hydropneumatic single-wheel suspension.

Fendt’s VarioGrip tyre pressure regulation system is also available as an option on the new 900-series. VarioGrip allows operators to adjust tyre pressure for field work or on-road driving accordingly in a matter of minutes via the Varioterminal for best performance and lower fuel consumption.

With the VarioGrip system on the new 900 Vario series, especially on row crop models, operators can adjust the tyre pressure for twin tyres from the comfort of the cab.

If certain parameters are preset for one type of job, the Fendt Grip Assistant- now offered for the first time in the 900-series- supports the driver in the Varioterminal. It helps by determining either the ideal ballast and the right tyre pressure at a pre-defined speed, or the best possible working speed and optimal tyre pressure if the ballast on the tractor is already fixed.

To transfer power to the ground efficiently and for maximum traction, a new large tyre has been specially developed for the new 900 Vario series, with a maximum diameter of 2.20m (750/70R44).

The new Fendt 900 Vario features a modular hydraulics system with two load- sensing pumps (LS) with 165 or 220-litres of flow capacity.

A high-performance hydraulics offering a total 430l/min is also available as an option. Two autonomous axial piston pumps meet the requirements of different flow and pressure levels in the two active hydraulics circuits. The volume flow is 220l/min at control pump one, and 210l/min at control pump two.

Built-in pressure limit valves ensure the pumps always supply the right amount of oil in their active circuits according to the pressure.

For the first time, Fendt is offering an infotainment system as an option on the 900 Vario range, operated on the tractor terminal.

A new hands-free speaking system features eight inter-communicating microphones integrated into the sunroof for suppressed interference and clearer speech for better call quality even in the field.

Customers can also have a new radio built-in that gives worldwide reception, as it includes all frequencies and sources (FM/AM/DAB+/HD radio). External audio sources (Bluetooth/USB/AUX-in) can also be played through the new sound system.

There are two infotainment options for operators to choose from - a package with four speakers or a premium version with a 4.1 sound system and subwoofer integrated into the soundbar. Two antennas are built in at a 90-degree angle into the side window, ensuring good reception.

If they wish, customers can also opt for an extendible multi-functional tool compartment built in on the right side of the new 900 Vario for their storage needs.

A TIM (Tractor Implement Management) feature aids in optimising tractor and attachment settings to increase the productivity of the machine combination. The TIM feature is also available on all tractor models with the 10.4-inch Varioterminal.

On the new Fendt Vario 900 models, the rear and wide-angle mirrors are electrically adjustable via a hotkey on the terminal. A mirror heater is also available as an option.

In addition to the conventional locking system with conventional key, the new series will also come with a safety locking system and combined immobiliser to prevent machine and fuel theft.

The Fendt Vario 900 series will be unveiled for the very first time in the Southern Hemisphere at next week’s AgQuip field days that is set to run over three days from August 20 to 22.