Product Review : New mid-sized Fendt tractor

Fendt has done a good job of keeping its new mid-range tractor series under wraps ahead of the official Agritechnica launch this November. David Williams was one of only a few European journalists invited for an early test drive.

The new 600-Vario series tractors are designed to compete for a large market share in one of the most popular and competitive market sectors, where tractors with power outputs from 150–200hp meet the needs of arable, livestock and mixed farms and many operate with front loaders.

Fendt’s new models fill the gap between the current 500 Vario and the 700 Vario Gen 6 series. The gap relates more to model numbering than power outputs, as there is already a crossover between the most powerful 516 Vario with up to 163hp, and the current entry 714 Vario with 144hp.

However, the new 700 Vario Gen 7 line-up, announced last year, starts at 203hp and Fendt has already confirmed that the 714 Vario and 716 Vario models will be discontinued in late 2024 – coinciding with early deliveries of the new 600 Vario.

600 Vario

There are four new 600 Vario models, starting with the 164hp 614 Vario. They all use Fendt’s Dynamic Performance design strategy which compensates for parasitic losses including powering lights, air conditioning, power steering and other tractor systems to ensure full power is available at any speed and for any application.

Power is from a brand-new AgcoPower 4-cyl, 5-litre engine. The Core 50 power unit is described by Fendt as ‘little brother’ to the 6-cylinder Core 75 fitted in the new 700 Vario Gen 7 tractors.

The Core 50 has hydraulic tappets to reduce maintenance requirements (services every 500 hours), an electronic wastegate turbocharger which contributes to the flat torque curve, and it is future-proofed with synthetic fuel compatibility.

The new engine has also been designed to operate on methane if models fuelled by the gas are offered in future.

FendtID low engine speed concept

Like larger Fendt models, the 600 Vario-series utilises the FendtID low engine speed concept to maximise efficiency and save fuel. Maximum power is at only 1,900rpm and the flagship 620 Vario develops its impressive maximum 950NM of torque across a wide rev range from 1,200–1,600rpm. The Fendt 620 Vario gains the mantle of the industry’s most powerful 4-cyl tractor, and compared to other makes and models the revs are extremely low.

Fendt UK marketing manager, Ed Dennett told Farmers Guide that the power and torque characteristics of the new 600 Vario-series are like those of competitors’ much larger 6-cylinder engine models.

Exhaust emission regulations are met using SCR (AdBlue) only, with DPF and a DOC, and there is no EGR. The design maximises efficiency and avoids high operating temperatures. AdBlue consumption is quoted as 6.5% relative to the volume of diesel.

The cooling pack is compact and neat to maximise forward visibility, and a conventional belt-driven fan layout is used rather than the concentric hydraulic-drive design of latest larger models. Viscous drive matches the cooling power to the requirement.

For the most demanding applications, a hydraulic blade pitch adjustment option can be specified. This also allows the air flow to be temporarily reversed to blow loose debris and dust from the air intake grill and cooling system. Its operation can be managed through the FendtONE terminal so that it activates automatically at timed intervals or at each headland turn, for example.

224hp from a brand-new 5.0-litre, 4-cyl engine. Conventional cooling is used.

With VarioDrive

Like the larger models, the 600 Vario features VarioDrive transmission and a new TA150 version of the gearbox has been developed for the smaller tractors. Using one pump supplying oil to two separate drive motors, it automatically adjusts power distribution between the front and rear axles, and 4wd is automatically engaged whenever it provides an advantage.

A single operating speed range from 0–50kph means there is no need for users to select field or transport working modes, and at higher road speeds the drive to the front wheels completely disconnects to avoid losses through the system.

A benefit of delivering drive independently to the front and rear axles is that, during tight turns, the front wheels can be accelerated to pull the tractor around in the steering direction. The result is an incredibly tight turning radius
of only 10.2m on 540/65R30 front tyres.

The system also avoids front wheel lead issues as the speed of each axle is matched, whether turning or travelling in a straight line. Tyre wear is reduced and less power and fuel are wasted, especially during loader operations on hard surfaces.

The 600 Vario models can be ballasted to 13.5t. Standard wheel and tyre equipment includes 650/65R42 tyres at the rear and 540/65R30 at the front. Maximum hydraulic flow of 205 litres is available as well as power beyond.

Lightweight and versatile

The 600 Vario models all share a 2.72m wheelbase – 6cm shorter than the 700 Vario Gen 6, and the same as the older 820 Vario. With a front linkage and PTO, the 600 Vario models weigh 7.7t unladen, but have an impressive 13.5t gross vehicle weight allowing them to be heavily ballasted for maximum traction to make the most of the impressive pulling capability, or to carry large implements including high-capacity spreaders and sprayers.

Standard tyres are 650/65R42 at the rear and 540/65R30 at the front. Fendt VarioGrip central tyre inflation is an option, capable of inflating the tyres by 1Bar in under five minutes. Ed commented that it wasn’t previously an option for mid-sized models, but that 80% of 800 Vario and 900 Vario tractors sold in recent years have been specified with the system.

Impressive hydraulics

The new models boast impressive hydraulic capability. The standard pump supplies 152 litres/min, but an optional upgrade to 205 litres/min is available. A maximum of five hydraulic spools can be specified at the rear and power-beyond is an option.

Like the new 700 Vario Gen7 models, the new 600 Vario can be equipped with a dedicated valve block with three oil supply outlets for the front loader, leaving other valves available for implements. Two additional spools can be fitted at the front. Capability to tip large trailers and work with complex implements is ensured with up to 65 litres of oil available for use off-board.

New front loaders

New front loaders have been added to the range for the 600 Vario tractors. The most powerful Fendt Cargo 5.90 loader lifts up to 3.46t and has a maximum lift height of 4.5m. It is available with a weighing function.

An optional 3L joystick can be added to operate the loader, enabling three hydraulic functions to be performed simultaneously – and making it especially suitable for silage grabs. It also includes shift buttons for forward and reverse, allowing loader and driving control using only one hand while the other operates the steering wheel.

Fendt also demonstrated a new optional steering joystick at the event. This mounts on an armrest on the left side of the driver’s seat and allows proportional and effortless steering from lock to lock by moving the handle from side to side.

FendtONE allows up to three terminals to be used simultaneously.

FendtONE cab

Fendt has equipped the 600 Vario series with the FendtONE operating concept. This was introduced on 700 Vario Gen6 tractors approximately four years ago and gives operators great flexibility in tailoring the controls and displays to suit personal preferences and the task. A multifunction joystick, 10in digital dashboard and a 12in touch terminal on the armrest are standard and an additional 12in drop-down touch terminal can be added in the cab roof on the right-hand side.

Almost any operating information including tractor settings and performance data, GPS field maps and Isobus-implement displays can be allocated to any of the screens, and there is also the option to show the same information on multiple screens or divide the screens into sections each displaying different images or data.

There is full compatibility with Fendt precision farming systems including Fendt Guide guidance, Fendt Section Control and Fendt Variable Rate Control, and Fendt Connect telematics are standard.

The FendtONE armrest provides plenty of opportunities for operators to set-up the controls to suit the task and their preferences.

Generous specification

The VisioPlus cab has Cat 2 air filtration as standard, and Cat 4 air filtration is an option. Like larger 700 Vario models, the new 600 Vario has a panoramic curved windscreen providing a clear view of the front loader at maximum height. The low, narrow bonnet allows a superb view to the front, including down to the wheels, and the standard front wiper has a 300-degree sweep area. An optional right-side window wiper sweeps 97 degrees for a clear view to the side.

The air conditioning system is significantly uprated and quoted cab noise levels of just 68db contribute to operator comfort. There is a choice of seats, including the top specification with integral heating and cooling, four-way lumbar support, adjustable side bolsters, massage functions and a memory – allowing saved user profiles to be stored and retrieved by selecting them on the touch-terminal.

Many 600 Vario tractors will be bought for loader work. A new Cargo 5.90 front loader has been designed specially, with 3.46t lift capacity and 4.5m maximum lift height. Load weighing is an option.

Test drive

The two tractors at the press event were the only two 600 Vario tractors manufactured so far in the finished guise, and one of these was due to be cleaned up after the test-drive and prepared for exhibiting on the stand at Agritechnica.

Both tractors were the most powerful 620 Vario model. One was equipped with the new Cargo 5.90 front loader, and the other was attached to a 4m cultivator.

The FendtONE cab is comfortable and well laid out. The top-specification seat with pneumatic suspension was fitted.

The 4m Kockerling Trio cultivator working stiff, dry ground allowed the tractor’s power and traction capabilities to be thoroughly tested. Using the hydraulic top-link, the implement working angle was easily adjusted to vary the working depth of the front row of tines.

A working speed of 9.7kph was set on the cruise control, and as the tines were forced progressively deeper, the engine note altered as the torque increased, but the 224hp 4-cyl tractor coped impressively and maintained the set speed without fuss.

The Kockerling 4m cultivator working hard, dry ground took a lot of pulling, but the 600 Vario had plenty of power and traction.

The FendtID low speed concept works well, and after each headland turn the engine speed rose as the working load increased, and then dropped back as the FendtID management system tuned the engine and transmission for maximum efficiency.

Visibility to the front is excellent through the panoramic curved screen. The dashboard display can show essential performance information, field maps, camera views or Isobus-connected implements.

At 9.7kph and with the tines pushed deep in the ground, the engine speed varied between 1,390–1,720rpm, and fuel consumption was approximately 37 litres/hour.

Headland turns were completed automatically, including steering to maximise working efficiency. An acoustic warning sounds as the headland boundary is approached and the intended turning direction is displayed on the screen. If this is acceptable, then the operator has nothing to do apart from monitor progress as the implement lifts and lowers automatically and pre-set speeds for working and turning are activated at the relevant times.

Even though the tractor was a pre-production, hand-built example, there were no vibrations or rattles and everything worked well. Monitoring noise levels during operation, the average was 68db, but with the climate control system turned off this reduced to 65–66db – very low for a hard-working 4-cyl tractor.

Testing the tractor at higher speeds up to 40kph on a concrete farm track, the front axle, cab and seat suspension performed well, and the tractor felt stable and secure.

Verdict

The new Fendt 600 Vario enters full production in July 2024, although orders will be taken following the Agritechnica launch.

Premium Fendt features such as VarioDrive are a big attraction, maximising performance, efficiency and productivity while also saving tyre wear and fuel. In terms of comfort, the cab is hard to beat and the FendtONE operating concept makes it a rewarding tractor to drive. Skilled operators have plenty of opportunity to tweak settings to get the most from the machine while those with less experience can utilise the user-friendly technology to help them operate effectively.

Many potential buyers will regard a 4-cyl engine producing 224hp with suspicion. However, after putting it through its paces and seeing how well it coped with the heavy draft load, it is hard to see how a 6-cyl tractor of similar power could offer advantages. The 4-cyl engine is smooth, quiet and economical and perfectly matched with the latest TA150 transmission.

Pictured with the new 620 Vario are (l-r) Ed Dennett, Oskar Dreyer and Simon Landgraf.

Farmers Guide also tested the optional steering joystick available for the 600 Vario series, fitted to one of Fendt’s larger tractors. Loading soil from a heap into a trailer, it saved time and effort compared to using the steering wheel and it is likely to prove particularly popular with those buying the tractors primarily for loader work.