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Fendt®, a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), unveiled the new Fendt® 1000 Vario® tractors during the 2016 National Farm Machinery Show, bringing North American producers an entirely new power segment in wheeled row crop tractors. The new 1000 Vario offers four models: 1038 (380 HP), 1042 (420 HP), 1046 (460 HP) and 1050 (500 HP). Designed for the heaviest draft work, these powerful, fuel-efficient tractors are also compact, agile and versatile to handle jobs requiring optimum performance on the road.

In true Fendt engineering tradition, the 1000 Vario introduces innovations that deliver unprecedented power and efficiency. The revolutionary Fendt iD™ high-torque, low-engine-speed concept combines a new 12.4L six-cylinder engine with the next generation Fendt Vario transmission. Advancements in design create a comprehensive approach to an entirely new drivetrain, the VarioDrive™ drivetrain that allows intelligent four-wheel management. Superior operator comfort and convenience along with intelligent connectivity ensure the Fendt 1000 Vario meets the needs of the best-run operations in agriculture today.

“Fendt iD is our newest engineering breakthrough and it ensures all aspects of the 1000 Vario work together in perfect harmony for optimum power and efficiency,” says Josh Keeney, tactical marketing manager for Fendt. “From the new six-cylinder engine to the drivetrain and transmission, cooling system and hydraulics, all components work together precisely, ensuring these tractors always run in the maximum torque range and at the greatest fuel efficiency.”

The low, unladen weight of just over 30,000 pounds, makes these tractors ideal for work requiring low ground pressure, such as seeding. Flexible ballasting allows the Fendt 1000 Vario to be ballasted according to the job, with up to 50 percent of their base weight. Modular equipment options such as 1000 RPM PTO and a large selection of hydraulic, hitch and linkage options ensure the tractors are compatible with all conventional implements.

A new engine for a revolutionary concept

To power the Fendt 1000 Vario, engineers chose a compact MAN 12.4L, six-cylinder diesel engine with VTG turbocharger. The VTG turbocharger adjusts to optimize airflow needed for optimum power boost over a wider RPM range, maximizing power and torque in the lower speed range. For the Fendt 1050, the maximum torque of 1,770 ft/lb is already available at 1100 rpm – perfect for heavy draft work. The Fendt 1000 Vario complies with the latest emissions standard EU Stage 4 / Tier 4 Final using SCR exhaust technology without diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) or diesel particulate filter (DPF). Maximum road speed of 31 mph is reached at a fuel-saving 1200 rpm.

VarioDrive, stepless transmission with intelligent four-wheel management

The Fendt stepless Vario transmission has been enhanced with a new drivetrain that employs hydrostatic-mechanical power splitting to engage a hydraulic pump and two independent hydraulic motors connected to the front and rear axles. The Fendt VarioDrive drivetrain is the first drivetrain that drives both axles independently, automatically transferring power and controlling torque distribution to optimize traction regardless of ground conditions, enhance maneuverability and allow completely automated four-wheel drive. Until now, conventional transmissions supplied the rear axle with torque in a fixed ratio, and when four-wheel drive was engaged, also the front axle.

With the new stepless VarioDrive, torque is freely distributed independently on both axles and the transmission acts like an interaxle differential without a fixed ratio between the front and rear axle. If slip occurs on the front or rear axle, VarioDrive intelligent four-wheel management can move the torque from one axle to the other with the assistance of an intelligently controlled four-wheel clutch. For on-road travel, the intelligent transmission stops transferring torque to the front axle as speeds reach 15 mph and the clutch completely disengages the front axle at higher speeds to eliminate drag and increase efficiency.

“These drivetrain enhancements allow the 1000 Vario tractors to be nimble and responsive for their size and power, really setting them apart from others in this category,” says Keeney. “When negotiating curves and turns, the active front-wheel drive delivered by VarioDrive pulls the tractor into the curve. In the field, it reduces turning radius by 10 percent. In addition, the ‘pull-through’ of VarioDrive minimizes usual wear on the front tires caused by turning on the road.”

Modern cooling technology – the Concentric Air System (CAS)

The Concentric Air System (CAS) cooling technology on the Fendt 1000 Vario also was developed for low engine speeds and efficiency. At the heart of the CAS is a concentric high-capacity fan that draws in cool, dense air and presses it through the radiator. The slight upward tilt of the fan, directed air flow and a round fan hood ensure a wide air stream and reduce the intake of dirt and crop residues.

To maintain constantly high cooling capacity in dusty environments, an optional reversing function is available allowing the CAS to change direction, blowing dust and crop residues from the grill and saving time and labor.

For optimum efficiency, the CAS is driven by its own hydraulic motor, so it is autonomous of the engine speed and can be activated independently, according to need. Compared to a standard fan, the highly efficient, need-based design of this cooling system requires as much as 70 percent less drive power. Finally, the cooling system’s compact design as well as position directly over the front axle permits an excellent steering angle, for exceptional maneuverability of the Fendt 1000 Vario.

State-of-the-art technology

The Fendt 1000 Vario offers a full suite of the latest Fuse® Connected Services, AGCO’s next-generation technology approach to match the needs of modern precision farming practices.

The Fendt Varioterminal™ provides operators a single access point to all information and controls for the tractor, implement, guidance and documentation. The 10.4-inch terminal is conveniently mounted on an accessory bar off the operator seat armrest and can be positioned for the best visibility of the monitor and work at hand. The Varioterminal has a smartphone look and feel, and it features greater contrast for better readability, connections for two color cameras and boasts VarioDoc™ and VarioDoc Pro task management and record keeping functionality.

“Fendt tractors have always been appreciated by operators for their comfort, power, ease of use and technology offering. The 1000 Vario won’t disappoint, adding another level of precision capability to its operation,” Keeney says. All Fuse precision farming and remote monitoring technologies are accessible through the fully integrated Varioterminal.

  • New VarioGuide™ automated steering ensures a reliable, accurate course without active steering, even in difficult conditions. Choose from NovAtel® or Trimble® GNSS receivers.
  • ISOBUS-capable implements are controlled via the Varioterminal or their control can easily be assigned to the convenient joystick.
  • Fully automatic SectionControl prevents overlap and saves valuable seed, fertilizer and pesticides. Set the rates and on-off functions for exacting placement from start to finish.
  • Employ Variotronic™ headland management for precise timing and effortless turning at field edges and point rows.
  • Choose VarioDoc Pro, now available with variable rate control for prescription application using field data created and saved in the VarioDoc field database. Step up to VarioDoc Pro to add GPS position data and the ability to wirelessly transfer data in near real-time.
  • Improve efficiency and increase machine utilization through remote monitoring and management with the AgCommand® telemetry system and Fuse Connected Services. Two levels of Fuse Connected Services are available to help minimize downtime and enable remote equipment and operational support from the local Fendt dealer are also available. With Fuse Connected Services, operators can call up the diverse consultation and service features offered by their Fendt dealer directly over the Varioterminal on the tractor, increasing uptime during operation.

For more information about Fendt tractors, see your Fendt dealer, or click on http://go.agcocorp.com/e/71092/us/2vzw2z/149708307.