MachineryLink

AGCO's Fendt Readies New Tractor Series for Corn Belt Launch

Dan Miller
By  Dan Miller , Progressive Farmer Senior Editor
This fall, Fendt is rolling out an aggressively styled and fully redesigned 900 series tractor targeting the North American row-crop market. (Progressive Farmer photo by Dan Miller)

JACKSON, Minn. (DTN/Progressive Farmer) -- This fall, Fendt is rolling out an aggressively styled and fully redesigned 900 series tractor targeting the North American row-crop market. From a first look, it is a tractor distinguished by the smooth lines of its narrowed hood, large, black, mesh-like grill, and a dozen (optional) "light up the night" front-mounted LEDs.

The Fendt 900 looks a bit angry as you walk up to it -- styling perhaps that matches Fendt's big push into the Midwest.

"This tractor has been specifically designed for the North American row-crop segment," said Andrew Sunderman, tactical manager for high-horsepower tractors at Fendt.

Set up on 60-inch centers and 120 inches on the outer rows, 900 series tractors are taking direct aim at the large-tractor segment of the Midwest Corn Belt, said Sunderman, adding that Fendt is also positioning this tractor for other row-crop markets such as sugar beets and potatoes.

"This is a tractor that will really push the bounds of the high-horsepower market," he said.

The five new tractors will be available in models ranging from 296 to 415 horsepower -- the 930 (296 hp), 933 (326 hp), 936 (355 hp), 939 (385 hp) and 942 (415 hp). Fendt is a brand name of AGCO Corp., headquartered in Duluth, Georgia.

The 900 series mounts drive-train technology found on Fendt's 1000 tractors. The 900 runs on a six-cylinder, 9.0L MAN engine, featuring Fendt's low-engine speed innovation and Fendt VarioDrive CVT transmission. Power is delivered independently to both front and rear axles. The engine idles at 650 rpm and operates at a maximum speed of 1,700 rpm for pulling power while using less fuel.

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Fendt says the 900s weigh in from just less than 25,000 pounds and up to 42,000 pounds. The front mono-block ballasting system mounts weights from 1,918 pounds to 5,512 pounds.

The Fendt 900s include a unique, maintenance-free double-wishbone front axle suspension system for comfort and stability. The suspension features 8 inches of vertical travel.

A novel feature on the 900s is the VarioGrip tire inflation system. It allows operators to deflate tire pressure from the cab for improved tractive power and ground contact. The operator can re-inflate for road travel at speeds up to 31 mph. VarioGrip is controlled through the VarioTerminal.

The 900s offer both front and rear three-point hitches with position control, load relief control, front and rear PTO, two front and six rear electrohydraulic double-acting valves and fender controls for linkage, valves and PTO. The rear three-point hitch offers 21,500 lbs. of lift capacity. The optional front hitch brings 12,310 lbs. of lift for work out front.

The 900 series is available with three hydraulic pump options, providing up to 113 gpm of hydraulic oil flow through an optional, dual pump, dual-circuit hydraulic system.

The 900's new Life cab is warmly upholstered, quiet and offers great sight lines.

"The large glass area provides 360-degree visibility around the machine, front, back and around the machine," said Sunderman.

LED lighting packages improve poor-weather and nighttime visibility all around the cab. The cab features a heated windshield and a segmented windshield wiper with 180- and 300-degree wiping.

Fendt's Profi joystick, sporting the manufacturer's familiar color-coded control buttons, is positioned on the armrest, putting essential control of the 900 at the operator's fingertips. The VarioTerminal touch screen is 10.4 inches and is also mounted within comfortable reach.

Fendt is eager to talk about its new Infotainment system, a package exclusive to its 900 series tractors. It includes state-of-the-art audio with sound boosted by high-fidelity speakers. The system has Bluetooth capability, and a USB port on the terminal connects smartphones and tablet. Smart-device functions are controlled through the VarioTerminal's own Infotainment page.

Fendt 900s carry a no-deductible warranty (36 months or 3,000 hours), including all scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, belts and maintenance items). For more information on Fendt's 900 series tractors go to: www.fendt.com/us.

Dan Miller can be reached at dan.miller@dtn.com

Follow him on Twitter @DMillerPF

(AG)

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