The Fendt 700 Vario series of tractors has proven to be the German firm’s most popular series by far. First introduced in 1999, it now comprises the 714, 716, 718, 720, 722 and 724 models and covers a maximum output range from 145hp to 240hp.

And now, to bring it into line with EU Stage 4/Tier 4 Final emission regulations, Fendt has revamped the series with claims of more efficiency, comfort and safety.

To begin with, the 6.06-litre Deutz engines for the new series have had to include exhaust gas recirculation and coated soot filter (CSF) into their arsenal of emission control tools, plus a new fuel rail pressure control valve.

This is in addition to SCR AdBlue, which it incorporated at the last round of emission regulations.

The CSF is, in effect, a passive diesel particulate filter (DPF), which does not require the injection of diesel into the exhaust stroke of the engine to forcibly re-generate or burn the soot out of the DPF unit.

Among the other new features on the revised series is a four-speed 1,000 E PTO. This allows the use of 1,000rpm on the rear PTO at a lower engine speed.

The brakes have also been upgraded. Fendt has converted the 700 series to a dual-circuit air braking system similar to that fitted to trucks.

The fully integrated braking system now also supplies air to the driver’s air seat, so there is no need for a separate compressor.

The rear axles of the 700 series have been reworked to increase their carrying capacity from 13.5t to 14t.

The series also gets a new front axle. This new axle has increased carrying capacity and improved steering with reduced operator input to steer when carrying heavy implements on the front linkage.

Despite front and rear axle revisions, the wheelbase remains unchanged.

Other minor improvements include a new front wiper with a large angle of up to 300°. This comes with a new steering column switch and a spray nozzle integrated in the wiper arm. This 300° wiper is only available as standard for the VisioPlus panorama cab in the Profi and ProfiPlus configurations.

LED lighting is optional throughout the entire tractor. The dipped and main beams have the latest Bi-LED lamps with headlamp levelling.

The work lights and corner lights are also fitted with LED lamps.

The company claims that LED lamps consume very little electricity and have a very long lifespan.

There is also an optional higher capacity hydraulic oil pump for oil-demanding operations.

In the cab, the new Varioterminal 10.4-B comes with a new terminal holder. It features what Fendt describes as a smartphone look, with new touch technology and an LCD display with LED backlight.

The terminal offers operation and control of the VarioGuide automatic steering system, the VarioDoc documentation, ISOBUS implement control, camera functions and now has a greater Bluetooth range.

In addition to the 700 Vario ProfiPlus and 700 Vario Profi versions, the Fendt 700 series is now also available in 700 Vario Power versions.

These are what Fendt describes as “lower-cost entry-level tractors”.

Fendt 300 gets a complete makeover – from the inside out

While the recent preview launch of the new Fendt 1000 series attracted virtually all the attention in Germany, the company also slotted in a number of significant changes to the 300 Vario series tractors. These have received a complete makeover from the inside out.

The original Fendt 300 series was introduced in 1981. It received the Vario treatment, with the replacement of its mechanical transmission for Vario unit in 2006.

The new 300 Vario series is the first Fendt tractor to be fitted with AGCO’s own engines; Deutz engines were used up to now. The engine is branded an AGCO Power unit, which in the past would have been known as a Sisu or Valtra engine from the Finnish brand also owned by AGCO.

Production of the new 300 series tractors will start early next year. They are compact, four-cylinder tractors with new waisted half-sub frame design up front.

This design allows chunky front tyres to cut in tight to the bonnet, which aids manoeuvrability. The wheelbase is longer than that of the existing models, while the tractors are lighter.

There are four models in the range – the 310, 311, 312 and 313, which are available in two base specification levels, either Power or Profi.

All are powered by 4.4-litre, four-cylinder AGCO Power engines with commonrail high-pressure injection systems and electrically controlled wastegate turbocharger. Across the range, the engine has a maximum output of 110hp to 138hp and a torque rise of 42% to 55%.

The new series meets EU Stage 4/Tier 4 Final emissions standards. It achieves this through a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), cooled exhaust gas recirculation and SCR exhaust after-treatment with AdBlue urea solution. The DOC is positioned directly after the turbo and is not part of the SCR unit.

AGCO claims that the new 300 series tractors are fuel-efficient with a low-rated speed of 2,100rpm. This efficiency is aided by a new air intake system with a new high-capacity air filter and large-dimensioned cooler unit.

Additional fuel savings and noise reduction are achieved through a reduced cooling fan ratio, according to the firm. Diesel tank capacity and AdBlue tank capacity are 210 litres and 22 litres respectively.

Visio Plus cabs

In combination with new styling, Fendt has fitted its Visio Plus cab on the new 300 Series.

Fendt claims that the VisioPlus cab offers a 77° field of vision and 6.2m2 of glazing for the best visibility to the front, vertically and downwards to the wheel arches of any tractor. The cab internal space is big and airy.

The unique windscreen, which extends up into the roof, provides impressive visibility for loader work or visibility at height.

For night use, two cross-eyed work lights, as Fendt calls them, have been installed on the roof corner with their beams crossing over each other to maximise the width of illumination. Additional work lights are available at the front, rear and on the mudguards. These are also available as LED work lights.

In the comfort stakes, the steering wheel height and pitch is adjustable, while cab suspension is also available as an option. Mechanical suspension is the option for the Power version and pneumatic suspension for the Profi version.

Driving and operation

The Variocentre to the operator’s right groups all controls together. Operators can control the driving pedal range very easily, according to Fendt, using a potentiometer and a button for switching between pedal and joystick driving modes.

The two-axis Power joystick can actuate the reverser as well as the automated linkage functions (Go/End). There is one button for the cruise control and one for the engine speed memory.

In the Profi equipment level, the Profi joystick provides six additional functions: the third and fourth valves with floating position can be activated electrically. Also, four sequences (Go, End) can be saved, and there are buttons for the engine speed and two cruise control settings.

A 7in Varioterminal, which is operated with push and rotary buttons, is installed in the Fendt 300 Vario Profi as standard.

The number of hand movements required has been reduced through the headland management Variotronic, which comprises five triggers and 11 functions that can be saved. The tractor provides up to 25 memory spaces for pre-settings for different implements. ISOBUS implement control is available as an option.

Fendt says that the Vario transmission has proven itself over many years through its high efficiency, ease of operation and reliability. The firm’s tractor management system (TMS) claims to manage the relationship between the engine, its speed and the transmission. It aims to keep the tractor driving at an economic optimum, according to Fendt. The company claims that the new engine, a lower operating temperature and a low engine speed at 40 km/h, makes the 300 Vario series very fuel-efficient when driving on the road.

Linkage and hydraulics

The front three-point linkage lift is fully integrated in the new half-frame and also allows for the fitting of Fendt’s own loader without the need for additional side-rails. Fendt claims that this design makes the 300 Vario very manoeuvrable because adding of a loader does not hinder wheel lock.

The pivot point of the Fendt Cargo front loader 4X75C is now located further back. This brings it closer to the middle of the tractor, which gives more stable driving and a lower load on the rear axle, the company claims.

The CargoProfi front loader can be operated using the Variotronic operating interface in the Varioterminal of the 300 Vario Profi.

This loader offers an integrated weighing function, weighing per pushbutton and a memo and shake function.

The tractor’s front lower links do not need to be removed for front loader work and then remounted, according to Fendt. This is because the lower links can be folded up diagonally.

To lower the noise level and increase durability, a new front PTO with wet clutch has been installed. This features a disconnect lever on the side of the chassis to allow drive from the crankshaft to front PTO unit to be disconnected when not in use. Fendt claims that this saves fuel usage and reduces noise levels.

The Fendt 300 Vario Power comes with an 83 litres per minute constant flow hydraulic pump as standard. An axial piston pump (load-sensing) with up to 110 litres per minute is available as an option and is standard on the 300 Vario Profi. The higher specification Profi series also offers external use of the hydraulic valve.

The new Fendt 300 Vario has a permissible overall weight of 8.5t. The compact tractor is a lightweight vehicle with a high payload. The front axle load is 4,500kg; the rear axle load 7,000kg.

The new front axle (optional Power, standard Profi) with longitudinal suspension arm is equipped with a steering angle sensor and suspension.

With this sensor, the four-wheel drive and differential lock engagement can be managed automatically. With the revised rear axle and 70mm longer wheelbase (now 2,420mm), tyres up to a size of 600/65 R 38 (tyre diameter 1,770mm) can now be fitted on the tractor rear.