New Fendt tractor models and updates

Recent range updates had left a few gaps in the Fendt line-up, but now these have been fully addressed by the Bavarian manufacturer.

Star of the press event and likely to be one of the biggest attractions for visitors to the German machinery show in November, a brand-new line-up of three 800 Vario-series tractors with 260hp to 320hp replaces the previous version discontinued two years ago, slotting in between latest 700 Vario Gen 7.1 and the 900 Vario machines. 

Completely new 500 Vario Gen 4 series models with new engines, VarioDrive transmission and a host of new options and features were also unveiled at the event, alongside new 4th generation 1000 Vario models, new 5th generation 300 Varios, and the updated Fendt Vario Gen 7.1 series. 

New 800 Vario

Eagerly awaited 800 Vario Gen 5 tractors feature a completely new engine, transmission and cab. Three models from 260 to 320hp all come with Dynamic Performance adding up to 23hp to compensate for power-hungry ancillaries, ensuring full rated power is always available whatever the type of work. 

The new Agco Power Core 80 8.0-litre, 6cyl engine was designed especially for the application and utilises the Fendt iD engine concept, keeping revs as low as possible for the working load. The variable geometry turbocharger performs efficiently across a wide range of engine speeds, and the Fendts also use it to add engine braking as standard. 

Rated power is at 1,700rpm; 1,450Nm of torque is produced at 1,550rpm and a massive 1,680Nm of torque is developed between 1,200–1,400rpm. 

Like other large Fendt models, the 800 Vario includes a concentric cooling system. The fan pushes air through cooling packs from the front, rather than ‘sucking’ it from the rear. Moving cooler, denser air means the same volume of air gives greater cooling performance and needs less energy, saving fuel. 

A reversible cooling fan option is new for the 800 Vario series, capable of fully automatic activation dependent on time or activity.

The 800 Vario engine requires oil changes every 500 hours, and the transmission oil has a 4,000-hour or four-year working life. 

VarioDrive added

As expected, the new 800 Vario series features VarioDrive for the first time. Introduced 10 years ago for Fendt’s largest 1000 Vario series, the VarioDrive transmission is now fitted to the majority of Fendt tractors.

Benefits include improved tractive efficiency by prioritising power delivery to the wheels with most grip, lack of wind up between the front and rear axles saving power, reducing tyre wear and avoiding grass sward or arable headland scuffing, plus improved turning performance due to the pull-in-turn effect – directing additional power to the front wheels so that they pull the front of the tractor around in the steering direction.

Fendt marketing manager for Northern Europe including the UK, Ed Dennett explained that UK owners have noted productivity improvements on tractors using VarioDrive. For example, users report being able to turn on tight 12m headlands without the need to reverse, saving time and increasing output.

The new 800 Vario tractors can be equipped with larger 2.15m diameter rear, and 1.65m diameter front tyres and have a 7cm longer wheelbase than the previous version, but the tighter steering makes them much more manoeuvrable. 

VarioDrive uses a single range of gears so there is no need to change operating modes when swapping from transport to heavy draft applications. Maximum 60kph speed capability is standard for all markets and achieved at 1,450rpm.  50kph is at 1,250rpm and 40kph at 950rpm. 

The new models have a 9.9t unladen weight when full of diesel. A gross vehicle weight of 17.5t provides impressive 7.5t payload capacity, so even when large sets of mower-conditioners or cultivators are attached, it’s easy to remain on the right side of the law. 

Hydraulics and PTO

A 165-litres/min hydraulic system is standard. Upgrade options are 220-litres/min or 385-litres/min with two pumps.

Power beyond with electronic load sensing is an option. Fendt’s new system uses Isobus to communicate oil flow demand, rather than relying on a third line to monitor pressure. Fendt says this is faster to react and more efficient. 

The rear linkage has maximum 10.5t lift capacity, increased from the previous model and the optional front linkage lifts 5.3t. Two front spool valves can be fitted as part of a maximum eight valve set overall. 

Four PTO speeds are standard; 540, 540 eco, 1,000 and 1,000 eco. In eco mode, rated PTO speeds are achieved at 1,550rpm. 

Updates for comfort

The superb FendtOne cab layout is standard, with four sockets for cameras. Eight roof mounted LED lights provide 140,700 lumens of light – 65% more than the previous model. 

New cab rear corner post rails provide convenient and secure mounting for additional lights or accessories and can also be used to support transfer tubes from front tanks to rear-mounted drills or spreaders. 

Handy new lights within the back edge of the rear mudguards are a new option, providing a band of light across the rear of the tractor directly behind the rear wheels.

A new high-speed GPS autosteer option has been added. “We are receiving more requests for high-speed guidance, to boost work rates and maintain accuracy at speeds up to 40kph,” pointed out Ed Dennett. “Our guidance solutions are also compatible with reverse operation, with the driver seat rotated 180 degrees and rear wheel steering.”

A more powerful cab cool box has been added to the options list. Several demonstration tractors at the event had them fitted, and even with outside temperatures over 30ºC, the motorised cooler chilled drinks quickly with an internal temperature of -18ºC. 

1000 Vario-series 4th generation

The latest 4th generation includes four models: the 1040 Vario, 1044 Vario, 1048 Vario and 1052 Vario, each 20hp more powerful than previous models.

Dynamic Performance adds 26–30hp to compensate for tractor system losses, depending on the model. 

Like the previous generation, a concentric cooling system is used, and radiators aligned with the front axle allow extra space in front and behind for a tighter steering angle.

More lugging power

Power is from an updated version of the previous MAN 6-cyl, 12.4-litre engine.  A variable turbocharger contributes to a smooth torque curve and provides optional engine braking.

Fendt’s iD operating concept allows an engine operating speed range between 650–1,700rpm, reducing fuel use, noise and wear and tear.

“The new generation has a lot of additional torque, up to 2,650Nm which is 230Nm more than before, and test users have reported a noticeable difference,” commented Ed. 

Buy one, get three smaller

Adaptive Power is a new concept, standard with the latest 1000 Vario-series tractors. The tractor set-up menu on the FendtOne terminal displays the actual model number purchased as well as those below it.

Owners of the flagship 1052 Vario can instantly detune their tractor to match working characteristics of the smaller 1048 Vario, 1044 Vario or 1040 Vario instead, when the maximum 550hp isn’t needed – for grain carting or secondary cultivations for example. This provides opportunities to save fuel and reduce wear and tear.

A test-drive of the 1052 Vario with a heavy Amazone cultivator behind confirmed the possible fuel savings. By selecting a lower model with less power, the real-time fuel consumption dropped with each reduction in available power, but this also reduced acceleration and increased speed variations as working loads altered, so productivity was sacrificed too.

Ed Dennett confirmed that owners won’t be able to ‘up-tune’ their tractors above the model purchased and he said Fendt will monitor customer response before adding it to other series.

He pointed out that as well as potential fuel savings, the feature can provide protection for implement drivetrains, where PTO drives are not rated for the tractor’s maximum power. 

Reduced downtime

A self-cleaning air filter option uses negative pressure at the front cooling packs to periodically draw dust from the engine air filter.

For the updated models, a similar option has been introduced for the cab air filter too, using the same operating principle. This means that rather than cleaning the cab filter daily, it will only need maintenance every three to four days, even in the dustiest working conditions. 

VarioDrive transmission oil changes are due every 4,000 hours or four years, and engine oil changes are every 1,000 hours. 

Additional new options include a powerful LED lighting kit, providing 120,500 lumens of illumination – 76% more than before. Sets of eight or 12 lights can be installed in the cab roof, and the higher UltraVision variant allows power reduction in five stages to prevent dazzle. 

Cab suspension options include a hybrid system with mechanical and pneumatic mounts plus a fully pneumatic system for extra comfort.

Hydraulic oil supplies start at 220-litres/min now, and a high output option uses 210- and 220-litres/min pumps for a total 430 litres. Power beyond with flat face couplings is an option on the latest models. 

A new, optional swivelling drawbar can move freely within a set range side to side, reducing stresses on the tractor and implement and making it easier to hitch up. 

Tyres up to 2.35m diameter are now available as a factory-fitted option and Fendt has also added a new dual wheel hub option, for tyres up to 750mm wide on the rear. 

300 Vario Gen 5 series

The new 300 Vario Gen 5 series was demonstrated at the event. An extended line-up includes a smaller 310 Vario model, and all the tractors feature Dynamic Performance with up to 13hp in reserve. 

The ML75 transmission is retained with 40kph capability, and a new trailer braking function adds safety when towing heavy loads by applying the trailer brakes to prevent over-run and possible jack-knifing.

Ed Dennett pointed out that the trailer braking system also helps ensure accuracy for tasks such as spraying on slopes, by allowing the engine and PTO to maintain a constant speed and hydraulic oil supply. 

The new tractors have a 9.5t gross vehicle weight and with a 5.5t unladen weight they have a 4t maximum payload. 

Options include additional cameras as well as new rear LED lights borrowed from the 600 Vario and 700 Vario series. New optional rear lights, recessed into the back edge of the mudguards, are expected to be popular. 

Hydraulic performance is boosted with a power beyond flat face coupling option plus a free return avoiding any leakage.

An 85-litres/min pump is standard. Up to seven independent hydraulic spools can be fitted including four at the rear, two for the loader and one at the front. However, extra flexibility is available in the form of a third valve for the loader, just using one supply from the rear or the supply from the front and releasing a valve for additional applications. 

Popular for loading

There are also new additional 300 Vario series loader swing arm options. A compact version keeps the loader 10cm closer to the cab for increased manoeuvrability.

Ed said that 50% of 300 Vario-series tractors arrive in the UK with factory-fitted loaders. “Demand is increasing, and the ability to fit and remove them in under two minutes adds to their attraction, greatly increasing the tractors’ versatility.”

Light options are halogen or LED, a coded anti-theft key is available and Cat 4 cab filtration is a new option, plus a laminated windscreen.

An optional heated front screen and a new Super Comfort Seat Titanium with three-stage heating and cooling are now also available. Orders for new 300 Vario series tractors can be placed from mid-November, with deliveries in early 2026. 

700 Vario series 

Dynamic Performance is standard now across the 700 Vario Gen 7.1 line-up, including the base 720 with 20hp extra available to produce up to 223hp. 

All models have VarioDrive, and the longer and larger 700 Vario Gen 7.1 series turns 1.5m tighter than the outgoing 700 Vario Gen6 model it replaces. 

Now all models from the 724 up are capable of 60kph, whereas previously this was only for the 726 and 728 Vario. 

500 Vario Gen 4

Fendt presented its updated 500 Vario line-up, pointing out that more than 27,000 models from the previous series are operating worldwide including 1,100 in the UK. 

The new generation is a complete redesign, with a new in-house engine replacing previous Deutz power units, VarioDrive, higher payload and drawbar capacities and new options such as central tyre inflation, reversible fan and trailer brake assistant. The FendtOne cab layout and control concept is standard. 

The four new models from 134–164hp have an increased 11.75t gross vehicle weight, 1.25t more than before. AgcoPower Core50 5.0-litre power units, like those in the latest 600 Vario series, have 1,000cc extra capacity and considerably more torque – up 100Nm compared to the previous 516 Vario.

Torque is delivered across a lower and wider rev band from 1,200–1,500rpm. Dynamic performance adds 10hp. There is no EGR, as SCR (AdBlue) and a DPF achieve Stage 5 emissions compatibility. The 512 model has been dropped from the new line-up, which includes 513, 514, 515 and 516 Vario with max 174hp and 792Nm of torque. 

“Those used to previous 500 Vario models will find that the new Gen 4 series drives differently. Increased performance is available at much lower engine speeds, making the tractors more efficient, reducing fuel consumption and making them quieter,” said Ed. 

A reversing fan is a new option, and new front and rear axles allow extra ballast to be carried.

The previous Vario system has been replaced by the latest VarioDrive TA120 unit. “It’s the gold standard in agriculture, with independent front and rear wheel drive,” Ed continued. “There is no wind up between the axles when manoeuvring, reducing wear, and ensuring maximum traction is always achieved. Manoeuvrability is excellent while grass leys and seeded arable crop headlands are protected from wheel scrub.

“The pull-in-turn effect gives a 10.1m turning radius for the new Gen 4 model on standard 540/65R28 front tyres, whereas the already impressive Gen 3 version with 2wd selected needed 10.7m. It’s a big difference.”

Higher specification

The new tractors come with a four-speed PTO, with eco modes offering potential fuel savings up to 7%. Up to nine hydraulic spool valves are available on the Power+ version, with loader valves integrated within the terminal. A load-sensing hydraulic pump system is standard with either 110- or 152-litres/min. 

Trailer Brake assistance is available, activating trailer brakes automatically based on information from angle and transmission sensors. 

There are three cab options, including a door on the right side. Full mechanical or hybrid pneumatic suspension is available.

Fendt says the new models reduce ownership costs, mainly due to fuel savings of 8–9% amounting to 12,000 Euros over 5,000 hours. Transmission oil changes are at 4,000 hours, up from 2,000 hours previously, and the tractors are fully compatible with the FendtOne Smart Farming system.

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