Fendt 900 Vario Marks 50,000 Units With Anniversary Edition
Fendt's 900 Vario was unveiled at Agritechnica 1995 and has since gone on to become a popular choice for farmers and contractors worldwide.
The Case IH Optum turned heads at Agritechnica in November last year, where it won the Machine of the Year 2016 Award. The first examples are due here this month.
Fitting between the Puma and Magnum ranges and with compact dimensions and lighter weight, the Optum CVT is produced at the St. Valentin factory in Austria.
It utilises the proven FPT 6.7L NEF engine to deliver 270 and 300hp at rated speed.
This rises to a maximum of 313hp as the engine comes under load, at a torque of 1282NM at 1400 rpm. The engine meets the latest Tier4B emission regulations using SCR technology; the tractor is set up to carry 630L of fuel and 96L of Ad-Blue liquid.
The transmission is a carry-over from the LWB Puma range, but with upgrades such as strengthened castings, a new rear axle and double planetary final drives to handle the increased power.
Speed is steplessly variable from 20m/sec to 53km/h, and the active stop feature means the tractor need not be held on the brakes while stationary.
A load bearing sump assembly acts as a backbone, keeping tare weight down; this allows operating weights up to 16,000kg, which helps get the extra power to the ground without compromising the tractor's agility.
A rear lift capacity of 11,058kg combines with the ability to lift 5821kg up front, and a CCLS hydraulic system offers up to 220L/min output; steering and transmission systems are separate.
A new reactive steering system has the steering wheel return to the straight-ahead position after turns, to make high speed work more comfortable, and a headland management function takes care of repetitive tasks in the paddock.
Connectivity with implements is by an Isobus 3 plug-and-play system.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
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New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
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