The benefits of CVT – from easier operation to increased fuel economy – are now widely appreciated for their contribution to overall profitability. Fendt now brings these benefits below 100hp for the first time, allowing smaller and more specialised enterprises to step up to the plate and really see their efficiency soar.
The 200 Vario offers the Vario CVT in the 70-110 maximum horsepower bracket, and on tractors from 3780kg unladen weight. Cab height as low as 2.48m, wheelbase of 2.29m and a turning circle of 3.98m makes the 200 Vario extremely manoeuvrable, while the low centre of gravity offers stability that will be appreciated on challenging terrain. Livestock and mixed farms, vegetable growers and municipal users will be able put the stepless transmission to use in countless work applications.
Operation could not be easier: the Variostick control lever is pushed forward for forward travel and back for reverse, at pre-selected rates of acceleration. The lever can also be pulled back to brake the engine and transmission. Pedal driving mode allows operation similar to an automatic car – the further the pedal is pressed, the faster the tractor goes.
Vario offers superb sensitivity in operation, allowing the optimum ground speed to be set independent of engine speed, from 20 metres per hour to 40kph. This is ideal for precise tasks such as planting high value produce, feeding out to livestock or operating turf maintenance machinery.
Constant driving speeds can also be set using the standard cruise control, with two speeds selectable via the instrument cluster – for example a field working speed and road speed, which would make trailer towing a breeze. Cruise control is activated via a button below the Variostick, without taking the hand off the speed control lever.
The environment in the spacious cab is another advance for a tractor of this size – with no transmission tunnel there is extra legroom and with all the transmission controls on the right hand console there are no levers in the footspace. A height and tilt adjustable steering wheel and comfort seat allow the driving position to be individually tailored and a passenger seat is standard. Large glass areas and a narrow steering column give an optimum view of implements and a glass roof panel helps to keep an eye on loaders. Several options can be specified to further enhance comfort - air conditioning, cab suspension and an air suspension seat.
A newly developed three cylinder Sisu Diesel engine is used in the 200 Vario series, designed in a compact package to keep the tractor dimensions small. However it is big on technology - boasting engine speed controlled common rail high pressure injection and AGRex external exhaust gas recirculation for low fuel consumption and minimal emissions. A new cooling system has large intake areas resulting in less dirt in the radiator and optimised cooling performance.
The precise control offered by the Vario transmission is ideal for loader work and Fendt has introduced a new loader, the Cargo 3X 65 exclusively for the 200 series, designed and built in house to work perfectly with this tractor. A semi-automatic lock and a multi-coupler for the hydraulic and electric lines make for quick and easy attachment, and control is via a standard crossgate lever with push buttons for optional third and fourth hydraulic circuits.
The integration of sub-100hp tractors into the Vario family is an advance that will boost the productivity of countless small and specialist farming enterprises, while making the working day a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.