VIDEO: Most powerful Fendt arrives Down Under

Leading German tractor manufacturer Fendt has launched its most powerful workhorse range yet in Australia, with power ranging from 380hp to 500hp.

With four models in the series, Fendt says the 1000 Vario line-up is its "most technologically advanced yet".

The range made its global debut two years ago at international farm machinery trade show, Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, and claimed a string of prestigious awards including Tractor of the Year 2016 and Machine of the Year 2016.

The Fendt 1000 Vario series was officially launched in Australia to a group of dealers and members of the media at a walk around and test drive event in Horsham, Victoria in May 2017.

"The new 1000 Vario provides farmers and contractors with the ultimate versatility and cost savings," says Fendt product manager for Australia and New Zealand, Donny Cloney.

"Not only can you have 500hp to pull your airseeder or do your cultivation works, you can also use it for PTO work.

"When you take off the dual wheels, it's compact so you can run your baler and chaser bin. It also has a 50km/h transmission, and you can get it up to 60km/h, so it's very good for transport work.

"Adding to its versatility, the track width can be adjustable down to 60 inches making it ideal for row crop applications."

Under the hood - engine and efficient cooling

Beneath the bonnet is a 12.4-litre, 6-cylinder MAN engine which uses a mix of Adblue and exhaust recirculation to keep it clean and deliver maximum torque at low engine revs. With help from Fendt's Vario transmission, the 1000 series is capable of speeds of 40km/h at a low 950rpm.

A key feature of the Vario 1000 series, according to Cloney, is the hydraulically driven cooling fan which keeps the engine cool at all times, a component ideal for the local climate.

"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 that the diverse local climate will present," Cloney says.

Because the fan is pitched at an upward angle and not attached to the engine's crankshaft, Cloney says it keeps the bonnet size compact hence not compromising operator's visibility and the tractor turning circle.

Transmission

The Fendt Vario 1000 series features an upgraded version of Fendt's stepless Vario transmission, which is now 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," Cloney explains.

"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."

The new Vario transmission is capable of achieving a top road speed of 50km/h as standard, with the option of increasing maximum speed to 60km/h.

Independent front axle suspension comes standard and has a load carrying ability of 9000kg at 40km/h while providing ultimate traction and comfort. A four point pneumatic cab suspension also helps boost comfort on the road and in the field.

A stability control function adjusts the angle of the tractor when cornering to prevent the tractor from leaning over when cornering at speed.

Tyres and VarioGrip

Specialty low pressure tyres (IF 900/65R46) with heavier sidewalls than conventional tyres and a 2.35m standing diameter are fitted to the tractors to enable the machines to get maximum power to the ground.

The tyres fitted to Fendt's 1050 Vario tractor at the launch were Trelleborg's TM1000 high performance agricultural tyres which Trelleborg claims provide an extra wide footprint for maximum traction.

An optional Fendt Grip Assist technology is available with the 1000 Vario series that selects the optimum ballasting and tyre pressure once operators enter the type of implement, soil conditions and desired speed.

Operators can then adjust tyre pressure on the move with Fendt's award-winning VarioGrip system. It helps reduce tyre wear and increase fuel efficiency by allowing the tyres to run at a low pressure in the paddock, where a larger footprint is required, and a higher pressure on the road to achieve maximum efficiency.

Cab

The operator's cab has been refined to allow better visibility and comfort to the driver.

Controls have been placed ergonomically on the right operator armrest, and feature a plethora of technology including the Variotronic terminal, ISOBUS, headland management, autosteer, GPS and more.

Trimble and Novatel receivers can be added to Fendt's VarioGuide system to allow for efficient auto steering in rows, allowing operators to focus on their implement work.

A reverse steer option is also available.

Hydraulics

The Fendt 1000 Vario series features two standard hydraulic circuits delivering hydraulic capacities of 165 litres/min and 140 litres/min. Two optional independent axial piston pumps can be specified to offer a maximum 430 litres/min of flow if required.

The tractor also comes with a fifth remote valve that can deliver 170 litres/min. The transmission and hydraulic oil supplies are separate, to guarantee maximum transmission performance.

Drive experience

With help from Cloney, I hopped in to the cab of the range topping Fendt 1050 Vario to take it for a spin.

Jumping into the driver's seat of a machine this size was nothing short of daunting, but I was quickly reassured that it's a breeze to operate.

After about 10 minutes in the driver's seat, confidence crept in and I was steering at headlands and cruising down rows with ease, thanks mainly to the auto steer system which activates with the simple touch of a Go button on the multi-function joystick. Once the tractor was steered into a row, it cruised along at a speed that ensured maximum fuel efficiency and productivity for the job at hand.

Front and rear visibility was excellent, due to the height of the cabin and the wide glass windows. I was able to turn around easily to check that the cultivator mounted to the rear of the tractor was not running into fences as I steer the machines into the next row. An adaptive headrest that shifts with the body and head helps ease the strain to the neck as operators turn around to check implements.

For a machine this size, the Fendt 1050 Vario was surprisingly easy to manoeuvre and has a very tight turning circle that helped it fit into rows and through paddock gates with great ease.

A 517hp Fendt 1050 Vario tractor with a PowerPlus specification with no options added costs $461,300 excluding GST.

For more information on the new Fendt 1000 Vario tractors, visit fendt.com.au