AGCO’s much trumpeted Core family of engines has, so far, only appeared in six-cylinder form, but the four-cylinder version is to be presented to the world in the Fendt 600 series at next month’s Agritechnica.
This is an all new range of tractors which are designed around the principle of offering a compact and power dense tractor that is aimed firmly at the popular 150 – 200hp bracket.
With 2,600 expected exhibitors across 24 halls on 38ha of exhibition space as well as a broad international technical programme, Agritechnica, which takes place in Hanover, Germany, November 12-18, 2023, is the largest exhibition for agricultural machinery.
First over the line
Fendt is the first of the major tractor manufacturers to install a four-cylinder engine rated at over 200hp into a tractor, although Valtra comes close with the N175 which boosts to 199hp.
This output is available in the Fendt 620 Vario, which is top model of the four new machines being launched and pushes out 209hp at its rated speed.
At the lower end of the range, the 614 Vario produces 149hp, but all four models have Dynamic Boost which provides an extra 15hp.
Fendt tells us that the development of the Fendt 600 Vario series was focused on creating a manoeuvrable and powerful overall package that could be applied to a multitude of farm tasks.
The company goes on to say that it focused on producing a tractor with a high power-to-weight ratio, and enhanced manoeuvrability along with a high payload.
Updated Vario in 600 series
Naturally its trademark CVT transmission takes its place under the cab as Fendt has already stated that it sees this as an essential and distinguishing element of its product range, boxes full of cogs and gears only having a place lower down the power scale.
This latest version of the CVT is called the VarioDrive and it represents a new generation of continuously variable transmission technology, first seen in the new 700 series machines.
It is based around a single-stage drive train with independent control of the front and rear axles. The transmission continuously measures the slip on all four wheels and regulates the power output.
The Fendt VarioDrive is said to combine the key functions of maximum tractive force, simultaneous ground protection with minimum wear and manoeuvrability.
Dynamic control prevents wheel slip, with maximum traction regardless of the surface.
Quicker to turn
In the past, the transmissions on 4WD tractors have tended to increase the turning circle, yet Fendt claims this latest transmission format pulls the machine into the curve during turns due to the axle-independent control.
The result is a particularly small turning circle of just 10.2m with 540/65 R30 tyres. This means that black wheel marks on front loader work are no longer, and the turf is protected on grassland.
The cab is very much up to date in this new 600 series with a full suite of electronics, as may be expected from the company, and details of this and other features of the tractor will follow as Agritechnica approaches.
