The 150-200 hp performance class is one of the biggest in Europe, with machines used in arable farming, grassland, transport and with front loaders. With the completely newly developed Fendt 600 Vario series, Fendt, for the first time in this performance class, is presenting a compact and manoeuvrable 4-cylinder tractor with high performance and payload at a low power-to-weight ratio and central tyre inflation system from the factory. An electronic system architecture that grows with the customer offers the full scope of FendtONE onboard and offboard.
A completely new series: Naturally superior. Fendt 600 Vario
The 150-200 hp performance class is one of the biggest in Europe, with machines used in arable farming, grassland, transport and with front loaders. With the completely newly developed Fendt 600 Vario series, Fendt, for the first time in this performance class, is presenting a compact and manoeuvrable 4-cylinder tractor with high performance and payload at a low power-to-weight ratio and central tyre inflation system from the factory. An electronic system architecture that grows with the customer offers the full scope of FendtONE onboard and offboard.
With four models (Fendt 614 Vario, 616 Vario, 618 Vario and Fendt 620 Vario), the new series occupies the from 149 to 209 hp (110 – 154 kW) power range according to ECE R120. For the first time, Fendt DynamicPerformance (DP) added-performance concept is available for all models in the 600 series. DP releases up to 15 hp of additional performance on each model via demand-based control exactly when it is needed. For example, the top model Fendt 620 Vario achieves a maximum output of up to 224 hp thanks to DP. The extra power concept is not tied to driving speed or special operating tasks. It functions purely dynamically – even when carrying out stationary PTO work or, depending on the operating conditions, during tillage.
Designed for global requirements, the development of the Fendt 600 Vario focused on a flexible, manoeuvrable and powerful overall package. The Fendt 600 Vario is characterised by a low power-to-weight ratio with a high power range, pioneering manoeuvrability as well as a high payload and a drive concept that seamlessly combines permanent traction, soil protection and low wear for the first time. In addition, there is the optional 60-inch track width for row-crop use and optimum conditions for front loader use.
Exclusively for Fendt, the completely, newly developed 4-cylinder 5 litre AGCO Power CORE50 engine enters the market with the Fendt 600 Vario series. Exhaust gas after-treatment takes place via a diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF) and with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) without exhaust gas recirculation. It meets all required emission standards worldwide. In Europe, this is the Stage V emissions standard. The CORE50 engine is also prepared for alternative fuels, such as HVO, to operate with lower CO2 emissions in future. There are also maintenance-free hydraulic tappets built into the engine. The first engine oil service occurs at 500 h, so the initial 50 h interval has been omitted. The newly developed, single-stage Fendt VarioDrive transmission is made up of the engine and the matching VarioDrive drive train.
Fendt VarioDrive refers to a completely new generation of continuously variable transmission technology. The foundation is the single-stage drive train with independent control of the front and rear axles. The transmission continuously measures the slip on all four wheels and sensitively regulates the power output. For the first time, Fendt VarioDrive combines the four key functions of maximum tractive force, simultaneous ground protection with minimum wear and ground-breaking manoeuvrability. Dynamic control prevents wheel slip, with maximum traction regardless of the surface. The drive train eliminates the need for manual switching when changing between field and road operations. In this way, VarioDrive automatically combines maximum tractive force, high ground protection on any surface without distortion, loss of performance or tyre wear.
The so-called pull-in-turn effect pulls the machine into the curve during turns due to the axle-independent control. The result: a particularly small turning circle of just 10.2 meters with 540/65 R30 tyres. The previous contradiction of maximum tractive force, maximum ground protection and lead in the drive train is resolved and sets a new standard in drive technology. This means that black wheel marks on front loader work are a thing of the past and the turf is protected on grassland.
The innovative low-speed Fendt iD concept is available for the first time in this compact performance class. All components, such as the engine, transmission, hydraulics and cooling system, were designed according to the so-called "high torque – low engine speed" principle. In this way, the Fendt 600 Vario achieves high torque even at low engine speeds and saves fuel. The rated engine speed is only 1,900 rpm. In the main working range, the speed is a quiet 1,350 to 1,800 rpm. The top model Fendt 620 Vario can reach a top speed of up to 50 km/h at just 1,250 rpm. The maximum torque of 950 Nm is available on the top model Fendt 620 Vario from just 1,200 rpm to 1,600 rpm and ensures high tractive power and acceleration strength with minimal specific fuel consumption.
Sets new standards for power-to-weight ratio, manoeuvrability and payload
With a power-to-weight ratio of just 34.4 kg per hp and compact external dimensions, the Fendt 620 Vario is particularly manoeuvrable and exerts as little pressure as possible on the ground. Depending on the work application, the range can be flexibly ballasted at the front, as well as at the rear on the rear wheels. A gross vehicle weight of up to 13.5 t allows it to be used as a heavy towing tractor and ensures operational safety during transport. The high payload of 5.8 t enables, for example, the flexible loading of a filled order combination with front tank or the safe transport of trailers with demanding drawbar loads. Another major advantage is the ratio of payload to operating weight. Here, the Fendt 600 Vario achieves a high index of 75 percent in the compact standard tractor class (5.8 t payload / 7.7 t operating weight).
An intelligent, reversible fan that can be controlled directly from the cab is available as an option for the Fendt 600 Vario in particularly dusty operating conditions. The system is fully integrated into the vehicle control system, is controlled flexibly according to demand, and operates quietly and efficiently.
Optimally adjusted tyre pressure reduces slip and ground pressure and increases soil fertility. The fully integrated Fendt VarioGrip central tyre inflation system increases the contact area of the tyres, boosts tractive power by up to eight percent, and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by up to eight percent, thus increasing the overall productivity of the machine. Higher air pressure during road travel reduces rolling resistance, thus another two percent fuel* can be saved (*South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Agricultural Economics Soest 2014). In the terminal, the driver can conveniently control the tyre pressure via the dual-line tyre pressure control system. Fendt VarioGrip can be ordered directly from the factory for both flanged and stub axles, for row-crop with dual tyres and also with wheel weights.
High variance for global requirements
Numerous tyre options are available for the Fendt 600 Vario up to a diameter of 1,950 mm at the rear. The standard equipment of the Fendt 620 Vario model includes 650/65 R42 tyres.
The 60-inch gauge is common in North America, Australia and South Africa. Row crop farming is common in these areas. For the first time in this performance class, Fendt is offering the Fendt 600 Vario as a 60-inch (row-crop) version for all models in the series. For row-crop use, both single and twin tyres are available from the factory. The narrow stub axle with an external width of 2.50 m is also becoming increasingly important in Europe due to mechanical weed control, flexible track selection and dual tyres. Equipment for mechanical weed control now places high demands on the tractor. The new duo wheel hub is a coupling system for dual wheels that enables the transmission of higher forces. With the duo wheel hub, power is transmitted safely via the axles and no longer via the rims. In addition, there is the flexible track selection in single mode and the combined use of the central tyre inflation system on the entire twin system. The track width adjustment at the front and rear is conveniently carried out via so-called spacers (intermediate pieces).
System architecture that grows with the customer – individual operation with FendtONE
Fendt is committed to keeping tractors up to date for customers. Further developments can be made through continuous updates of the vehicle’s operating system as well as functional enhancements for machines. This is exactly what the FendtONE operating system does in the Fendt 600 Vario. FendtONE has an open system architecture that is continuously growing with partners and digital solutions. In this way, the machine remains efficient, up-to-date and thus maintains a higher residual value.
FendtONE onboard and offboard combine smart farming and farm management solutions for field and office use. In FendtONE onboard, the multifunction joystick, a 10" digital dashboard and a 12" terminal on the armrest are standard features. The optional 3L joystick in FendtONE onboard and another 12" terminal in the headliner complete the scope of equipment. Smart functions such as the Fendt Guide guidance system, the automatic Fendt Section Control (SC) or the use of Fendt Variable Rate Control (VRC) are displayed as required on the individually assignable tiles on the terminals.
Safety and working comfort thought out down to the last detail
The proven Fendt VisioPlus cab combines high working safety with the best overview, comfort and ergonomics. For example, the cabin air filtration system can be optionally converted from the factory to category 4 protection in accordance with EU standard EN15695. The category 4 protection system protects the driver from dust, liquid crop protection agents and their vapours. Thus, with the right filter, the Fendt 600 Vario meets all legal requirements in crop protection applications. In its basic setting, it meets all the standards of a category 2 protection cabin.
Good visibility is crucial for precise work. The interplay of three factors provides drivers with optimum visibility. With a viewing angle of 77 degrees, the vertically continuous panoramic window provides an optimum view of the front loader when working at height. In the horizontal plane, the driver has a high all-round visibility index of over 72 percent. This index measures the net free visible area at head height at a diameter of 24 meters. Front windscreen wipers with up to 300 degrees of wiping area and the optional right side window wiper with 97 degrees of wiping area on the right side complete the visibility package.
For best visibility even at low temperatures, the windscreen is optionally available with laminated-glass windscreen heating. Two optional cameras for front and rear make manoeuvring easier and allow a direct view of the implement and increase working comfort, while two optional working lights in the hood provide the best possible illumination. LED tail lights and a dynamic turn indicator further enhance safety in road traffic.
Long working days place high demands on the driver. For this purpose, food and drink can now be both cooled (0-16°C) and warmed (45-65°C) in a cool and warm box.
A new generation of driver's seat
There are six different seat configurations for the Fendt 600 Vario. The new premium seat with intuitive operation via the terminal, familiar from the Fendt 700 Vario Gen7, is available as an option. This has numerous ergonomic and comfort functions. The driver adjusts the seat height and position as well as the backrest angle electrically via a lever on the side of the seat. When changing out drivers, they can create personalised seat profiles and activate them with one click.
The comfort functions consist of:
· Multi-stage seat climate control
· Multi-stage seat heating
· Four-way lumbar support
· Adjustable side bolsters
· Massage functions
· Memory function for different drivers
Optimal interaction with front loader – New Fendt Cargo and Fendt CargoProfi
In the performance class up to 200 hp, front loader operation represents a core application. The Fendt 600 Vario is designed for front loader use with the new generation of Fendt Cargo and Fendt CargoProfi front loaders with its full-length panoramic window and high viewing angle. There are two size classes to choose from with models 4.85, 5.85 and 5.90 for different lifting heights and lifting capacities. With a maximum lifting capacity of up to 34.6 kN for the Fendt Cargo 5.90 and an optional position-independent weighing function, the Fendt CargoProfi front loader also moves large loads efficiently to a height of up to 4.50 meters.
The new multi-coupler reduces pressure losses, has an automatic opening function and protects against contamination when uncoupled. The automatic display in the terminal gives notifications for load-dependant maintenance intervals. Both functions increase the service life of the loader. The Fendt 600 Vario has separate valves for the front loader. This means that all valves are available at all times at the rear and at the front.
The front loader is operated efficiently via the optional 3L joystick. When working with frequent changes of direction, such as loading work, the advantage of the integrated reverse button becomes evident. The combination of Fendt Cargo and 3L joystick enables three functions to be performed simultaneously when operating with a silage grab bucket. The third function is operated via the thumb joystick on the 3L joystick. This allows the silage grab bucket to be lifted, tilted and opened at the same time.
As an option, Fendt offers an additional steering joystick for the Fendt tractors. More information on the steering joystick can be found in our press release on innovations in Fendt tractors.
Comprehensive safety concept
With features such as the low-speed concept, top speed of up to 50 km/h at just 1,250 rpm, a comprehensive chassis and safety concept, and trailer brake assist, the Fendt 600 Vario is a true transport talent. The comprehensive safety concept includes a hydraulic dual-circuit brake, the sensitive Fendt Reaction Steering with integrated return torque, and a brake light and deceleration assistant.
The new trailer brake assistant provides additional safety in critical situations. This makes the tractor-trailer combination even safer within certain limits of up to 25 km/h and also protects the sward. A sensor measures the thrust torque of the trailer via the transmission. When driving downhill, if the tractor detects that the trailer is pushing too hard, it automatically activates the trailer's pneumatic brake. This means that the Fendt 600 Vario has a comprehensive safety package for transport.
Powerful high-performance hydraulics
The overall package of the Fendt 600 Vario also includes the vehicle's high-performance hydraulics with up to five connections at the rear, up to two at the front and up to three independent connections in the middle. It is characterised by the modular design and up to 205 litres of flow rate. The design allows the use of standard or efficient, leak-free FFC hydraulic couplings.
The new draft control for the rear linkage shifts the weight of the implement proportionally to the rear axle of the tractor, thus increasing traction and improving the work result.
The Fendt 600 Vario can be ordered from Agritechnica onwards, with series production of the Fendt 600 Vario series starting in Summer 2024.
