Fendt’s 600 Series can handle a variety of farm tasks with the help of its new generation of VarioDrive CVT transmission
Fendt, Agco’s premium tractor brand, was given a new addition in late August with the introduction of the all-new mid-horsepower 600 Series.
The new model line, which was first shown to the world during the Agritechnica show in Germany last November, has now come to North American shores.
The four tractors in the 600 Series span the 149 to 209-rated horsepower range. Maximum power ratings bump those numbers up an additional 15 horsepower. All tractors get their power from a new Agco Power four-cylinder, CORE50, 5.0 litre diesel, delivering maximum torque between 1,200 and 1,600 r.p.m. That, claims the brand, makes the CORE engines pretty thrifty when it comes to fuel consumption.
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“It’s designed to make horsepower at low r.p.m.s.,” says Dan Gunning, product specialist.
“The rated speed on this tractor is 1,900 r.p.m.”
The CORE engine design, first introduced in late 2022 in a 7.5-litre version, is capable of running on hydrotreated vegetable oil, methane and ethanol.
Aside from a new engine, the 600s also get what the company describes as a completely new generation of Fendt’s unique VarioDrive CVT transmission, which can divert power back and forth between the front and rear axles, depending on which has the most traction.
“Our VarioDrive essentially drives the front and rear axles separately,” says Gunning.
“It takes all the operator input out of it. You pick your speed, the tractor decides if it needs to be in two- or four-wheel drive. In four-wheel drive, we essentially have traction control. If the front tires are slipping, we can send more power to the rear. If we’re slipping on the rear, we can send more power to the front.
“It actually helps our turning radius quite a bit because the tractor is smart enough to know when we’re making a turn in the field. It speeds up the front axle and pulls the tractor around the curve.”
The transmission also allows for a pretty wide range of speeds from just 0.02 km-h (65 feet) to 50 km-h, depending on tire configurations. It can also manage that very slow speed in reverse.
The 600s can be equipped with the brand’s Cargo loader. They can be ballasted from 17,000 pounds (7,711 kilograms) to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 29,900 lb. (13,562 kg) for maximum field traction.
‘The tractor is very versatile,” says Gunning.
“It can be set up for a loader or for row crop field work.”
Fendt’s optional VarioGrip tire inflation system, which can automatically adjust tire pressures, is available on the 600s as well.
Standard hydraulic capacity is 152 l/m, but that can be upgraded to an optional 205 l/m. The tractors can be equipped with both front, centre and rear remotes, for a combined total of 10.
Inside the cab, operators will find a premium, customizable control layout that can be preset for different implements and operator preferences.
“The FendtOne operator station allows us to customize the layout of the armrest, customize the layout of the cab and set it up for each operator, each implement or both,” says Gunning.
Fendt’s Gold Star Customer Care program offers one of the most impressive warranty programs with full service needs taken care of by the dealer and a guarantee of a loaner replacement if the tractor goes down for more than 48 hours.
“It comes with a base three year, 3,000 hour warranty that can be taken out to five years, 5,000 hours if you’d like,” says Gunning.
“It includes all the service as part of the purchase price, oil changes, air filters, everything that’s in the operator’s manual for the first three years.”
