The Fendt 900 Vario powerful-tractor series is an entirely new Fendt design that once again sets the standard in the upper power class. The new models are oriented toward the individual requirements of large enterprises and contracting businesses worldwide. Countless technical highlights, an extensive package of connection equipment, a relatively low own weight and a stylish new design are the key to broad applicability and worldwide popularity. Thanks to this model lineup, the success story of the Vario 900 series, which began at the Agritechnica 1995 exhibition with the 260 hp Fendt Favorit 926 Vario model, gets a bright continuation.
The new Fendt 900 Vario lineup includes 5 powerful yet compact tractor models (930 Vario, 933 Vario, 936 Vario, 939 Vario and 942 Vario) in the power range of 296−415 hp (per ECE R120), positioned, this way, between models in the Fendt 800 Vario and 1000 Vario series. And the senior model in the 900 lineup, the Fendt 942 Vario, decisively crosses the 400 hp mark for the first time.
The 900 series, which has earned a reputation as a universal high-power tractor, can boast a broad range of applications. Designed first and foremost for heavy draft work or work using the power take-off, such as forestry, 900-series machines are equally well suited for transporting cargo at speeds of up to 60 km/h. The low own weight of only 11.7 tonnes, along with the integrated VarioGrip tire-pressure control system, makes this series suited for work requiring low ground pressure and high traction power. Thanks to a modular specification that allows for installing a rear-mounted loader, a rear power take-off, a front power take-off, a reversing-drive system, as well as a large number of hydraulic, mounted and lifting tools, machines in this series are compatible with most mounted-equipment models.
A new transmission: powerful units with low consumption
All models in the new 900 series are fitted with an entirely new 6-cylinder MAN engine developed specifically for Fendt, with a 9-liter displacement and a variable-geometry turbocharger (VTG). The M3677 oil-change interval was, for the first time, extended here to 1,000 hours of operation. The combination of the engine and the Vario TA 300 gearbox forms the Fendt VarioDrive transmission system.
Oriented toward significant power reserves, the Fendt iD low-engine-speed concept was used for the first time in exactly the 900 series. Rated speed is 1,700 rpm. At idle it’s 650 rpm. And the new Fendt 900 Vario reaches its maximum speed of 60 km/h at an economical 1,450 rpm, 50 km/h − at 1,200 rpm, and just 950 rpm is enough for 40 km/h. Maximum torque of up to 1,970 Nm is reached in the lineup’s senior model, the Fendt 942 Vario, already at 1,100 rpm.
Torque is dynamically distributed between the front and rear axles depending on soil characteristics. The front axle has an independent drive. Splitting the front- and rear-axle drives prevents skewing while driving on the road and going through turns, and lets you develop maximum tractive force in the field. This solution provides the tractor’s “screwing” into a turn − the so-called pull-in turn effect. The result: a small turning radius while maintaining maximum tractive force.
While working on the Fendt 900 Vario series, the new Euro 5 exhaust-emissions standard was also introduced. Exhaust-gas cleaning in the new tractors is done through neutralization using a diesel oxidation catalyst, a soot filter and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to reduce nitrogen-oxide emissions. The MAN engine has a Common-Rail distributed injection system with a working pressure of 2,500 bar, which lets you optimize the fuel-combustion process.
Maximum compatibility, controlled from the cab and beyond
The tractor’s cab, with all its control elements, is the driver’s workplace. The Fendt 900 Vario series also marked the debut of a new cab class: the Fendt Life Cab.
Thanks to the full compatibility of components and systems, all equipment in the 900 Vario lineup lets you output all machine data in real time.
The ready remote base package includes everything needed for this equipment, which records and further transmits data to various new services.
Fendt Connect
Fendt Connect − a central telematics system designed to analyze and manage the machine’s use. It reads the machine’s data, stores and analyzes it. Data transmission happens via mobile network. And this lets you use a location-independent fleet-management system and optimize every machine’s settings.
The Fendt Connect system offers two usage options: first, monitoring machine data, and second, working with dealer service offers.
For this, alongside the machine’s location data, data transmitted via the tractor’s CAN bus is also recorded. The vehicle owner gets a wide variety of information on their computer or smart device, for example on the tractor’s condition and route on a map, fuel consumption, the machine’s speed and operating time, as well as data on its load. What’s more, error messages and service-maintenance intervals are also displayed.
With the vehicle owner’s consent, the dealer can also get access to the data. Quickly reviewing information about upcoming service maintenance or error codes enables so-called Predictive Maintenance, that is, preventive maintenance work on a given machine. In this, the right to manage all of the machine’s data always remains with its owner. Production figures or agronomic data are never stored or transmitted anywhere. The whole process complies with the strict requirements of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Detailed information on the corresponding services is given in the Fendt Connect Services press release.
Smart Connect
Smart Connect − a service offer for the tractor driver. The driver can connect their iPad to the Fendt 900 Vario machine via its internal wireless network.
After that, all the machine’s parameters are transmitted directly to their tablet during operation, for example the tractor’s location, the area processed, speed, fuel consumption or engine load. All this information can be visualized on a map or as a graph covering the last 60 minutes.
The tablet’s screen in this case serves as an additional display area, supplementing the Vario terminal. The Smart Connect system supports the driver by providing the information needed for monitoring.
The Smart Connect system is included as standard equipment on all ProfiPlus versions.
Optimal grip on the soil
The new Fendt 900 Vario lineup was designed for heavy draft work in fields across every country in the world. Thanks to the already-famous axles with a split housing or steering knuckles, tractors in this series stand out for a wide variety of tire-fitting options, geared primarily toward European countries. To ensure compliance with requirements in other regions of the world, the new series also includes a new 60-inch track-width series. Thanks to this, such tractors can be used primarily in North America for row-crop work. The full-power-rated front axle was also improved. A maintenance-free double transverse arm ensures independent hydropneumatic wheel suspension.
As is known, the fully integrated VarioGrip tire-pressure control system is offered as an option in the new 900 series. However, it’s especially worth noting that now, thanks to a combination with its own air-supply system and the machine’s valve system, tire-pressure adjustment right from the cab is also possible on row-crop tractors with dual tires − including while driving.
If the system has been given any parameters in advance for carrying out a specific task, the Fendt Grip Assistant system, integrated for the first time into the 900-series Vario terminal, gives the driver assistance in making other adjustments: either it determines the optimal ballast weight and needed tire pressure for a set speed, or it calculates the best working speed and optimal tire pressure if the tractor’s ballasting has already been done.
To transfer the power and tractive force built into the tractor to the ground as efficiently as possible, and to increase the contact area, a new tire-fitting scheme with a maximum diameter of 2.20 m (750/70R44) was additionally developed for the 900 model range.
More power thanks to a highly efficient hydraulic system
The new Fendt 900 Vario lineup is fitted with a modular hydraulic system. The system uses two load-sensing (LS) pumps with a volumetric flow of 165 or 220 l/min.
What’s more, an optional high-performance hydraulic setup with a flow rate of 430 l/min and two independent circuits can be installed.
Two autonomous axial-piston pumps let you deliver the necessary flow and pressure figures in each of these two circuits. The volumetric flow of the first, adjustable pump is 220 l/min, the second − 210 l/min. Thanks to built-in pressure-limiting valves, the pumps deliver the needed volume of oil to their circuits in every situation, at the corresponding pressure levels. The hydraulic system’s high throughput pairs perfectly with the Fendt iD low-engine-speed concept.
Ready for more? Even more additional options for clients
Besides power and durability, many 900-series users are also interested in questions of safety, comfort or ease of control. The new 900 Vario lineup places emphasis here too.
Infotainment system
For the first time in this series, an infotainment system, controlled through the tractor’s terminal, is offered as an option. The new High-End hands-free device includes eight microphones networked together in the cab roof, which suppress outside noise and boost the voice signal. The result − excellent sound quality, including during field work.
What’s more, a new radio receiver was built into the system, covering all frequencies and bands (FM/AM/DAB+/HD Radio), ensuring excellent reception anywhere in the world. The new sound system also lets you play external audio sources (Bluetooth/USB/AUX-in). The system itself is available in two versions: as an Infotainment package with four speakers, or a premium version of the 4.1 sound system with a subwoofer built into the sound panel. Two antennas are integrated into the side windows, offset 90° relative to each other, which guarantees reliable, very high-quality reception.
A pull-out multifunction tool drawer
At clients’ request, a new multifunction pull-out drawer for storing tools is now installed on the right side of the machine in the new 900 Vario lineup. A convenient storage spot for the driver’s personal items: depending on need, this can house, for example, a removable toolbox or a washbasin with a 12-liter water capacity.
Efficient tractor-and-implement coupling thanks to TIM ready
Control of ISOBUS-compatible mounted and trailed equipment is done intuitively through the Vario terminal.
The TIM (Tractor Implement Management) system provides automatic optimization of tractor and implement settings, thereby boosting the overall performance of the whole hitch.
When using TIM-compatible tools, for example combined Fendt Tigo XR trailer-loader wagons, the system also lets you control certain tractor functions, such as travel speed.
Besides Fendt 900 Vario models, the TIM ready function is available as an option for all series fitted with the 10.4-inch Vario terminal.
Fendt TI Headland: an intelligent headland-management system
Just a single button press is enough to automatically start the turning process on the headland using the VariotronicTI system. Individual operations in this process are triggered automatically thanks to the combination of the VariotronicTI system with the VarioGuide track-guidance system. So, for example, lowering the rear hydraulics happens automatically once the position set by the VarioGuide system on the turning line is reached. What’s more, the turning process can now also happen automatically with the VariotronicTI Turn Assistant, with the machine carrying out the whole turning cycle factoring in the headland’s characteristics (the geometry and dimensions of the worked areas). Besides Fendt 900 Vario models, this function is available as an option for all series in the ProfiPlus version fitted with the 10.4-inch Vario terminal.
Electrically powered telescopic mirrors
The new wide-angle and rear-view mirrors have electric adjustment. Moving the telescopic mirror mounts forward and backward is controlled through the terminal by pressing buttons, or via touch − a quick-access button. Mirror heating is available as an option.
A new security system
Alongside the traditional lock system, which opens with a regular key, the new series can also be fitted with a protective locking system and a combined immobilizer. This system guarantees maximum protection against theft and unauthorized fuel siphoning. A coded lock, unique to each machine, locks the cab door, the ignition lock, the hood and the fuel tank.
Orders for the new Fendt 900 Vario series will be accepted starting in July 2019, with deliveries planned for the second half of 2019. At the client’s request, the warranty on the equipment can be extended under the Fendt Care program to 8 years or 8,000 hours of operation.
