Golden Fendt tractor shines at US Capitol
ACGO showcased a one-of-a-kind golden Fendt tractor at the US Capitol in early August, commemorating the Great American Farmers Market, a week-long celebration of food, family and farming.
German manufacturer Fendt has released details of its new sixth generation 900 series tractors, which will be a big focus at Agritechnica later in the year.
There are five models -- 930,933, 936, 939 and 942, delivering 296, 326, 355, 385 and 415hp, respectively, from a purpose designed straight 6-cylinder, 9.0L MAN engine as distinct from the Deutz unit in the previous series.
The group’s own AGCO Power engine was bypassed as it was physically too large for the 900 series.
Fendt uses here a strategy of low engine speed, a concept seen in the larger 1000 series. Tickover is 650rpm, 40km/h comes up at 950rpm, 50 at 1200rpm and 60km/h is achieved at 1450rpm.
Maximum engine speed is 1700rpm and maximum torque is available between 1150 and 1400rpm.
The transmission is a TA 300 Vario, and the manufacturer notes that torque is distributed dynamically between the front and rear axles, depending on ground conditions.
The front axle is driven separately, so that during turns the tractor is ‘pulled’ around the turn, resulting in a tighter turning radius while maintaining full traction.
Notably, the tractors will be available with a 60-inch track width to fit row crop work in North America.
Operating weights are 11.3 to 19 tonnes and the tractors have rear linkages which can lift 9.75 tonnes, front linkages capable of 5.6t and a choice of hydraulic pump layouts to deliver a maximum flow of 427L/min.
Up front, the tractors run on a maintenance free, double wishbone, suspended front axle with 200mm of travel.
The operator gets an air suspended seat in the air suspended cabin, with a 10.4 inch full colour VarioTerminal for machine control.
The tractors can be optioned with Fendt Connect – a telemetry system for machine management.
And ProfiPlus models are fitted as standard with Smart Connect, allowing access via iPad and the tractor’s in-built wi-fi system to data such as position, area worked, speed, fuel use and engine loading.
Options include a new locking system which uses a tractor-specific coded key for access to the cabin, ignition lock, hood and fuel locking cap.
The 900 series can be specified with the company’s VarioGrip tyre pressure regulation system, said to give up to 15% better traction and ideal for a new 750/70 R44 tyre option designed for the series.
For more than 50 years, Waireka Research Station at New Plymouth has been a hub for globally important trials of fungicides, insecticides and herbicides, carried out on 16ha of orderly flat plots hedged for protection against the strong winds that sweep in from New Zealand’s west coast.
There's a special sort of energy at the East Coast Farming Expo, especially when it comes to youth.
OPINION: The latest reforms of local government should come as no surprise.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.
Rural recycling scheme Agrecovery is welcoming the Government's approval of regulations for a nationwide rural recycling scheme for agrichemicals and farm plastics.
Despite a late and unfavourable start, this year’s strawberry crop is expected to be bountiful for producer and consumer alike.

OPINION: Your old mate welcomes the proposed changes to local government but notes it drew responses that ranged from the reasonable…
OPINION: A press release from the oxygen thieves running the hot air symposium on climate change, known as COP30, grabbed your…