Thursday, 03 July 2025 11:55

Fendt 600 Vario Series arrives in NZ

Written by  Mark Daniel
Fendt VarioDrive combines maximum tractive force, simultaneous ground protection, minimum wear and improved manoeuvrability. Fendt VarioDrive combines maximum tractive force, simultaneous ground protection, minimum wear and improved manoeuvrability.

Released in New Zealand earlier in the year, the new Fendt 600 Vario series, serving the 150-200hp category, is a compact and manoeuvrable 4-cylinder tractor with high performance and payload, at a low power-to-weight ratio.

Four models, the 614, 616, 618 and 620 Vario, offer power outputs from 149 to 209hp to the ECE R120 rating and for the first time, feature Fendt Dynamic Performance, releasing up to 15 additional horsepower, via a demand-based control when needed.

The concept is not tied to driving speed or special operating tasks, functioning dynamically – even when carrying out stationary PTO work or, depending on the operating conditions, during tillage.

A newly developed 4-cylinder, 5 litre AGCO Power CORE50 engine uses exhaust gas aftertreatment via a DOC, DPF and SCR without exhaust gas recirculation and maintenance-free hydraulic tappets.

The newly developed, single-stage Fendt VarioDrive transmission mates the engine to the VarioDrive drive train – a new generation of continuously variable transmission – with independent control of the front and rear axles. The transmission continuously measures the slip on all four wheels and regulates power output. Fendt VarioDrive combines maximum tractive force, simultaneous ground protection, minimum wear and improved manoeuvrability.

The system prevents wheel slip, with maximum traction regardless of surface, while removing the need for manual switching when moving between field and road operations. A so-called “pull-in-turn” effect pulls the machine into the curve during turns due to the axleindependent control, resulting in a turning circle of 10.2m with 540/65 R30 tyres.

The low-speed, Fendt iD concept, sees the engine, transmission, hydraulics and cooling system, operating on a “high torque – low engine speed” principle, with a rated engine speed of 1,900rpm, while in the main working range, the speed is a “relaxed” 1,350 to 1,800rpm.

A power-to-weight ratio of 34.4 kg per hp and compact external dimensions makes the Fendt 620 Vario particularly manoeuvrable, with low ground pressure, and ballasting to suit changing applications. A gross vehicle weight of up to 13.5t allows tractors to be used for heavy towing and ensures operational safety during transport. Fendt is offering the 600 Vario as a 60-inch (rowcrop) version for all models in the series.

The Fendt VisioPlus cab combines safety, visibility, comfort and ergonomics, with a vertically panoramic window offering a viewing angle of 77 degrees to the front loader when working at height. For long days, food and drink can now be both cooled (0-16°C) and warmed (45-65°C) in a cool and warm box.

High-performance hydraulics offer up to five connections at the rear, two at the front and up to three midmounted connections, with a maximum system output of 205 l/min. A 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.

Designed for front loader use with the Fendt Cargo and Fendt CargoProfi front loaders, two size classes include the 4.85, 5.85 and 5.90 for lifting heights of up to 4.50 meters. An optional 3L joystick enables three functions to be performed simultaneously.

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