The Vario transmission is the key feature which turned AGCO subsidiary Fendt from a modest German manufacturer with mainly customers in Europe, to a major player on the global tractor market. First introduced in 1998, recently the 100,000th Gen7 Fendt 700 Vario tractor was built in its home city Marktoberdorf in Germany.
Since its launch, currently the seventh generation of the Fendt Vario 700 is on the market. “As an all-rounder, the 700 series is the VW Golf on the tractor market, so to speak,” says Chairman of the Fendt management board Christoph Gröblinghoff.
“The Vario has evolved over the years in order to fulfil ever-increasing demands: More power, less fuel consumption, more manoeuvrable and even more comfortable. To make the tractor even better, that was and is the aspiration of our developers.”
Wide range of upgrades
On 30 August 1998, Fendt presented the first Fendt 700 Vario series to the business press. The Fendt Favorit 700 Vario was the second series ever to receive the Fendt Vario transmission and popularized the stepless transmission on Europe’s farms. Fendt also introduced four-valve engines. The 6-cylinder engine delivered high power and significantly reduced fuel consumption. It won the “Tractor of the Year 1999” award.
With as many important improvements and additions to mention. Such as machine operation via joystick and terminal in the 115 to 160 hp power class. Next, the Tractor Management System (TMS) was added, controlling engine and transmission and thus optimizing fuel consumption and engine performance.
The VariotronicTI headland management system was able to memorize function sequences at the headland and thus automating these.
With the third generation automatic on-track steering, Fendt offered track guidance ex works. The fully automatic Fendt Auto-Guide guidance system worked on the basis of a proportional steering valve for precise following of straight lines or defined boundaries.
Farmers could put a portable receiver for the correction signal at the edge of the field for passes with an accuracy of up to 3 cm.
Ergonomic cab
A new style and appearance was based on the principle of “form follows function”, clearly recognizable in the completely newly developed Fendt VisioPlus cab with curved windscreen and multifunctional armrest for ergonomic working.
SCR technology enabled savings up to 10 per cent diesel. An additional Coated Soot Filter (CSF) and external exhaust gas recirculation, further reducing fuel and halving AdBlue consumption.
The FendtONE operating system in the driver’s workplace of the fifth generation included a completely redeveloped multifunction armrest with multifunction controls and displays.
The current Gen7 will make the technology of large tractors accessible to the compact class up to 300 hp. It remains true to its principles: the Fendt 700 Vario Gen7 is also agile, has a high payload and low fuel consumption. The Gen7 possesses a newly developed, single-stage Fendt VarioDrive drive train, integrated VarioGrip tyre pressure regulation system and a licence for speeds of up to 60 km/h.
Recently the current state of art seventh generation 700 Vario, was rolling of the production line in Marktoberdorf, Germany. It will be on display at the Holiday Weeks at the Fendt Forum visitor centre in Marktoberdorf. Onwards, the jubilee tractor will go on tour to trade fairs in France, Italy and other countries.
