Fendt presents a new generation of the 900 Vario range at the big Field Day in Wadenbrunn. The new model range is crowned by the 939 Vario, the top model with 390 hp. The new 900 Vario unites familiar technology from the award-winning previous range with new innovations such as the Fendt Variotronic or the tyre pressure regulation system, which is completely integrated in the vehicle concept.
The new top model with 390 hp
Many Fendt customers have requested more power for the large standard tractors. With the launch of the new 900 Vario series, with output ranging from 240 to 390 hp, Fendt provides the answer and presents the 390 hp top model, the 939 Vario, the most powerful standard tractor on the market. Fendt also offers another superlative, a top speed of 60 km/h. Thanks to the largest tyres possible, with a diameter of up to 2.15 metres, as well as a permissible overall weight of up to 18 tonnes, the 939 Vario delivers the most pulling power of any standard tractor in the industry.
The core element of this increase in performance is the new six-cylinder Deutz engine with a 2,000 bar common rail high-pressure injection system. The bore and stroke have been increased, which permit a cubic capacity of 7.8 litres and an output of 390 hp. The outstanding dynamics of the Deutz engines, with an improved, optimised cooling system, are the result of precise injection and a new turbocharger with electronically controlled wastegate. Fendt also implements fuel-saving SCR technology in the new 900 Vario SCR to meet the requirements of emissions stage IIIb/Tier IV interim. The reason behind the choice of this technology was the overall profitability of the tractor, i.e. the costs per hectare, which has the greatest influence on fuel consumption. Both the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced significantly, despite reduced emission of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Since the exhaust after-treatment with the urea solution AdBlue takes place after the combustion process and there is no need for exhaust gas recirculation, better combustion as well as lower fuel consumption have been attained. The SCR technology also reduces the cooling requirements and therefore minimises losses.
One terminal that does everything
The new electronics concept, the Fendt Variotronic also sets standards in the new 900 Vario range. The new terminal, available in two different versions, has a user-friendly flat menu hierarchy and a practical touch screen – familiar from popular electronic devices – combined with the robustness required to withstand the operations of a field tractor. The tractor controls, the ISOBUS implement control, the VarioGuide automatic steering, the VarioDoc documentation as well as the camera images are all united in only one terminal and can be controlled with the same unified operating logic.
Tyre pressure regulation system – completely integrated in the vehicle design concept
In addition to the cutting-edge technology familiar from the previous 900 Vario, the new series offers further innovative options. For example, the tyre pressure regulation system Fendt VarioGrip, winner of a silver medal at the Agritechnica 2009. Fendt is the first manufacturer to market a tyre pressure regulation system that is completely integrated in the vehicle concept. This innovation, which was developed in-house at Fendt, allows pressure to be regulated while driving. This is accomplished using an internal, ring-shaped PTG rotary union. Air is supplied by a modified vehicle compressor as well as the vehicle's own valve equipment. The tyre pressure can be increased by one bar in approx. ten minutes. Reducing pressure by one bar takes only two minutes. This enables much shorter pressure changing times than retrofitted systems, which use the standard specification vehicle compressor.
Operation of the VarioGrip tyre pressure control system is integrated in the overall vehicle concept. Using the Varioterminal, the tyre pressure of the tractor and a trailer can be controlled via the ISOBUS with just a push of a button. The assist-system calls too low or too high tyre pressure to the driver's attention, dependent on various parameters. The complete rig is therefore always driving with optimum tyre pressure. The investment of nearly 10,000 euros already amortises itself after two to four years, depending on operation and utilisation.
Safe braking with anti-lock braking system
A further innovation that Fendt presents in the new 900 Vario range is the first ABS system available in a standard series production tractor, which is implemented thorough a pneumatic braking system. This function is already well-known in passenger cars and commercial vehicles, but installing it in a tractor poses a special challenge. The driving behaviour of a tractors differs significantly from commercial vehicles or passenger cars due to the different sizes of the tyres on the front and rear axles as well as the significantly larger tyres, up to 2.15 metres in diameter, and the high mass inertia associated with them. Four sensors on the wheels with individual brakes detect the wheel speed while braking and control the braking pressure via valves, thus preventing the individual wheels from locking. This guarantees stable steering behaviour, even when braking in curves or driving on different road surfaces and prevents the vehicle from breaking away. More and more tractors from the 900 Vario range are being used in transport operations; a major reason is the top speed of 60 km/h. Above all, the ABS system means a significant gain in safety during these operations.
Engine-transmission protection – guarantees a long lifetime
A comprehensive protection programme is installed in the new 900 Vario range, which guarantees a long lifetime and operational reliability of the tractor. This includes, among others, engine stall protection during PTO work. When the engine speed drops too quickly, the PTO clutch opens and prevents the tractor from stalling and keeps the turbocharger from running without lubrication.
About Fendt
Fendt is the leading high-tech brand within the AGCO Corporation, geared towards customers with the highest demands. Tractors and harvesting machines from Fendt are at work in enterprise-oriented farms and other interesting areas of application on fields around the world. Fendt is regarded the global innovation leader for agricultural machines in many different areas. Fendt customers therefore profit faster than others from the newest technology for boosting performance, efficiency and profitability of their farm businesses. AGCO Fendt employs a workforce of 3,300 in the areas of research and development, sales and marketing as well as production, service and administration at the locations in Marktoberdorf and Asbach-Bäumenheim in Bavaria.
About AGCO
AGCO, Your Agriculture Company, (NYSE: AGCO) (www.agcocorp.com) was founded in 1990 and offers a full product line of tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage, tillage equipment, implements, and related replacement parts. AGCO agricultural products are sold under the core brands of Challenger®, Fendt®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra®, and are distributed globally through more than 2,700 independent dealers and distributors, in more than 140 countries worldwide. AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance. AGCO is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA. In 2009, AGCO had net sales of $6.6 billion.
