WINNING the Machine of the Year – Tractors XXL award was a stunning debut for the extra large Fendt tracked tractor.
The 900 Vario MT and 1100 MT series are Agco brand Fendt’s first foray into the high horsepower track market, with the range available in 283 to 480 kilowatt (380 to 646 horsepower) models.
Machine of the Year Award judges said they were impressed by the combination of the VarioDrive stepless drive, low speed design and the newly developed spring-loaded track drive.
The relatively low fuel consumption for a tracked tractor in a high performance class was also a winning edge, they said.
Suspension
Fendt said not only is the series efficient in covering large areas, it also features a new suspension concept, increasing ride comfort.
The concept includes an air-sprung operators seat, two-point cab suspension a new primary and drive suspension.
Fendt said the drive suspension, known as ConstantGrip, had three middle track rollers fitted in the track frame through a pendulum suspension.
This, it said, allows the track rollers to be adjusted to follow the ground contours in the fields and on the roads as well as ensuring even weight distribution across the treadbar surface.
Fendt said the primary suspension, known as SmartRide, consisted of helical springs with integrated pressure surge dampers and additional hydraulic shock absorbers for damping if bouncing occurs.
Hydraulic shock absorbers and spring pads will provide optimal suspension behaviour when there is bounce, said Fendt, while the torque rod stabiliser bar provides the chassis with lateral stability.
Overall, Fendt said this results in a swing angle of 11 degrees on each drive.
Fuel
Fendt said the Vario drive ensures the tractor always operated in the ideal speed and torque range, reducing fuel use.
The same technology as the Fendt 1000 Vario series, the low engine concept means high torque and low speeds continue through the drive train, increasing efficiency, it said.
Drive train
The VarioDrive has been in production for 25 years, however Fendt said they still continue to innovate.
The Fendt 900 Vario MT includes the same hydrostatic mechanically power split drive train as introduced on the Fendt 1000 Vario.
In this drive train the two hydrostatic motors swivel separately, Fendt said.
The unloaded hydrostatic motor two is automatically and completely uncoupled at high speeds.
