New gen updates and series additions across the board

Following a press camp held in Germany, Fendt has announced a number of new launches as well as drawing attention to updates within existing ranges.

First unveiled at Agritechnica 2019, the large combine harvester Fendt IDEAL 10 is now on test runs.

New level of precision

The Fendt Rogator 300 series comes with a unique single-wheel suspension and new Agco boom height adjustment. Offered with booms up to a working width of 36m, matching the self-driving series, when used with a Fendt Vario, the towed Fendt Rogator 300 field sprayer can communicate with the tractor via the Tractor Implement Management (TIM) function, for automatic control. Active TIM control lets the driver adjust the speed, with the teamed machines automatically keeping to the selected speed. At the same time, the sprayer adapts the nozzle or nozzle combination accordingly.

A quick and accurate-response boom height-adjustment system improves the boom positioning and ground adjustment, even at higher speeds. This boom height adjustment is also available on the Fendt Rogator 600 series. For transport requirements, the boom folds three times.

Three years after its market launch in 2017, Fendt Plant Protection Technology is now introducing an innovative automatic nozzle control system – Fendt OptiNozzle. The Fendt OptiNozzle control system is guaranteed to deliver the selected drift reduction, the company states.

The driver defines the output, the degree of drift reduction and a suitable pressure for the optimal drop spectrum. Fendt OptiNozzle then automatically selects the most suitable, pre-installed nozzle or nozzle combination to meet the expected drift reduction during application, even at changing speeds or output levels. The automatic adjustment of the nozzles or nozzle combination significantly expands the speed range during application.

These new features for the Fendt Rogator 600 and Fendt Rogator 300 series have been available since January 2020.

Operating system upgrades for tractor series

After the top-end model Fendt 314 Vario was introduced at Agritechnica 2019, you can now order the new operating concept FendtONE for the entire Fendt 300 Vario series.

The Fendt 300 Vario series includes four models (Fendt 311 Vario, Fendt 312 Vario, Fendt 313 Vario, Fendt 314 Vario) with outputs ranging from 113–142hp.

With the DynamicPerformance power boost concept, the Fendt 314 Vario reaches 152hp. The Agco Power engine meets Stage 5 emissions, with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). There are also maintenance-free hydraulic valve lifters built into the engine.

The Fendt 300 Vario Power concept was completely reworked, with an emphasis on comfortable and intuitive tractor use. These include the new control armrest, which is mounted on the driver’s seat itself, 10in digital dashboard on the steering column, the new multifunction joystick and electric valves.

The Fendt 300 Vario Profi model has an optional 12in terminal on the armrest as well as the 10in digital dashboard, allowing you to show Isobus applications and tractor functions at the same time.

The Fendt 300 Vario Profi+ (formerly ProfiPlus) comes with Fendt Guide (formerly VarioGuide) as standard.

All models have been available to order since February 2020 in the upgraded variants Power, Profi and Profi+. From October 2020, the Fendt 300 Vario will be delivered in its Profi and Profi+ versions. Power models will roll out from January 2021.

Tracked tractors to join range

Fendt’s tracked tractors are joining the 511–673 hp power range, with the new Fendt 1100 Vario MT series. This gives the Fendt 1167 Vario MT the highest horsepower of any tracked tractor with a stepless transmission on the market, the company says.

The gearbox is similar to wheel tractors in how it works. The only difference is you have both hydromotors acting on the rear axle, in the absence of a front axle. The innovative Fendt VarioDrive powertrain and the Fendt iD low-speed concept are already familiar from the large tractors Fendt 1000 Vario and Fendt 900 Vario, as well as the Fendt 900 Vario MT tracked tractor.

The Fendt iD low-speed concept works particularly effectively with the VarioDrive powertrain and is designed for high power reserves. This allows the engine to operate at a fuel-saving 1,500rpm with a maximum torque of 3,100Nm.

The top end model Fendt 1167 Vario MT is specially designed for applications with demanding auxiliary consumers, such as the high hydraulic output of an air seeder.

With light ballasting and higher speeds on the field, the Fendt tracked tractor can pull a precision seeder, while heavy ballasting and low speeds can be used for heavy-duty soil cultivation.

Latest generation of seed sowing robots

Agco/Fendt is developing the next generation of field robots as part of a strategic research project.

The latest series of the Fendt Xaver comes with an embedded solution developed by the Agco Group – a seed unit from Precision Planting.

The vSet solution quickly spaces the seed with utmost precision. With the help of an electrically driven control system, individual grains are deposited with centimetre-accuracy at a pre-defined distance in the row. The grains are dropped in the furrow by a flexible firmer.

The robot is also equipped with the VarioGuide lane guidance system, which controls the robot with centimetre-accuracy, the company claims. Fendt Xaver is also integrated into the FendtONE platform and can be managed together with the rest of the machine fleet.

This allows a seamless exchange of field data, including waylines, between tractor and robot as well as between robot and database.

The seed sowing robots use the Fendt Xaver Cloud to receive commands and return their status reports.

The seed tank capacity has been extended to 20 litres, enough for around 0.5ha at 90,000 grains/ha.

The capacity of the lithium-ion battery has been increased to 2.6kWh. A Fendt Xaver can work for about 1.5 hours before it needs to return to the base station for charging.

Addition to large combine harvester range welcomed

First unveiled at Agritechnica 2019, the large combine harvester Fendt IDEAL 10 is now on test runs.

The new top-end model is equipped with a MAN 16.2-litre engine and meets Stage 5 emissions standards.

The Fendt IDEAL 10 not only gives 143hp more than the second largest model, the IDEAL 9, this latest top model has the added feature of a new cleaning system and 15% more cleaning capacity. With the Cyclone Cleaning System, the grain drops down to the top sieve through 2 curved double-drop steps. Thanks to the curved shape, the laws of physics see the heavy grains gather in the lower section while the lighter parts accumulate above. The curved steps provide a wider air outlet, which can significantly increase the air volume and make the cleaning process even more efficient. With two drop levels, most of the short straw and chaff is separated on the first level. The remaining non-grain components are separated on the second. With cleaning happening over four sections on the Fendt IDEAL 10T, IDEALbalance has been optimised to suit. 2 return floors ensure even distribution and coverage across the preparation floor.

With a separation area of 4.54m², the combine harvester boasts an even higher separation capacity for even greater throughput.

Battery-powered tractor development

Fendt is developing a practical battery-powered tractor. The current development status of the Fendt e100 Vario compact tractor is encouraging and promises high efficiency with a careful use of resources, the company reckons.

Based on feedback, the Fendt e100 Vario has been technically revised and improved.

DC superchargers are yet to find their footing on farms and in the municipality sector. In light of this, the Fendt e100 Vario is now equipped with a Type 2 charging socket instead of a CCS socket. This tractor is also equipped with a charging cable for 400V sockets with up to 32A, which equates to a charging capacity of around 22kW. This means that the battery can still be fully charged in less than 5 hours. The tractor still features the DC fast charge function.

The Fendt e100 Vario battery-powered tractor will continue to be further developed in the future. It is currently at a project stage dealing strategically with the electrification of agricultural equipment.