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A look inside the cab of a new Fendt 700 Series.
The likelihood of electric or hybrid powered farm tractors still appears a long way off.
The German news site Top Agrar says research by Fendt indicates that the energy density of currently available batteries would not suit high horsepower prime movers.
Fendt director of research, development and purchasing, Heribert Reiter, says tractors up to 68hp (50kW) can typically use batteries to run for one to four hours depending on the task.
Calculations show that a 250hp (180kW) tractor running for 10-12 hours a day at about 50% capacity would need a massive battery.
A capacity of 800kWh would be required, taking up about 2 cu.m of space and weighing about 6 tonnes. And a 395hp (290kW) unit would need a battery of at least 1700 kWh requiring 4 cu.m and could weigh up to 12 tonnes.
Fendt also reports its new 700 series -- its most popular range -- will probably appear at Agritechnica in November.
It will include a new multi-function joystick with added functions such as a revamped cross-gate lever with forward/reverse shuttle control, and extensive colour coding to ease operator use.
The tractors will also have three display options with a central computer. A 9-inch steering column mounted, tablet style display will offer machine features and road travel information. A 12-inch terminal is mounted to the right-hand armrest, while an optional 12-inch display is located just below the roof lining on the right-hand side of the cabin.
The tractors will eventually have the FendtOne system that will connect on-board information with, say, farm offices or mobile devices, all with consistent appearance and layout.
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.
Taking pride of place at Central Districts Field Days, the new 600 Series was Fendt’s incarnation of a compact and manoeuvrable 4-cylinder tractor in the 150-200hp sector.
Following a quarter century of production, the 100,000th Fendt 700 Vario was recently driven off the production line in Marktoberdorf, Germany.
As a sign of the times, a sharp downturn in the global demand for tractors and machinery has seen some of the global players announcing lacklustre half yearly results.
Fendt has extended its VarioDrive concept further down the power range with a totally new Vario 600, four-cylinder range.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
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