Farm Safety Improves Through 'Incremental Gain', Says Birkett
Improving health and safety is about incremental gain rather than a sudden decision, says Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers health and safety spokesman David Birkett.
Having ticked over 50,000 examples over the last 30 years, a production run of just 300 limited edition series of tractors feature an engraved ‘50,000’ door sill, embroidered floor mats with an anniversary logo, super-comfort seats trimmed in titanium leather, and an anniversary badge on the chromed bonnet.
The anniversary model reflects on some of the past models, with four colour options, including the trademark black of the 2005 model, alongside steel blue, black/red, and nature green.
Described as a ‘tractor of firsts’, the 900 Series was the first to feature the electronically controlled fuel injection system and the first to feature Fendt’s Vario Terminal. The 2003 model was the first Fendt to feature the new Tractor Management System (TMS), which electronically linked the engine and transmission and automatically adjusted the revs to match the power requirement.
In 2005 the 936 Vario launched with a Deutz 360hp engine, independent wheel suspension, a new cab, and a class-leading 60 kph top speed. The fourth generation followed in 2010 taking power to 390hp, from a 7.8-litre Deutz engine, alongside the VarioGrip system, to adjust tyre pressures from the cab.
By 2013, the fifth generation 900 series was fitted with a new Deutz engine, incorporating steel pistons and twin, unequal size turbochargers and a new intercooler. For many, the new reversible fan was a game changer because it helped the engine breathe more easily in dusty environments, which significantly reduced downtime.
The current sixth generation, on which the special edition is based, was released in 2019, incorporating the single-mode VarioDrive system from the larger 1000 series, with the range-topping 942 delivering 415 hp provided by a 9.0-liter MAN engine.
