Fendt Ideal 2027: New Separation Area & Spreader Kit
Updates to the latest models of AGCO Group’s Fendt Ideal headers for 2027 sees a greater separation area and a new straw and chaff spreader kit.
Fendt believes its 400-500hp models will supply demand that until now has been dominated by gigantic track layers.
Fendt has long pushed the boundaries of new tractor technology.
It pioneered headland management, on-board tyre inflation and exhaust brakes while other mainstream brands played catch-up. So it's no surprise to hear Fendt will unveil its new 1000 series soon at Agritechnica.
The company says this 400-500hp wheeled tractor will supply a demand that until now has been the domain of gigantic tracklayers, dogged by inherent problems of weight and size.
While this world market is relatively small -- 2500 units per year -- Fendt believes the 1000 series' ability to do heavy cultivation or road work will find favour with certain users.
Four models (1038, 1042, 1046 and 1050) will develop 380, 420, 460 and 500hp respectively. The designers claim that very few components are sourced from existing ranges: a point in case is the engine, which uses truck style technologies for low revving and high torque -- the 12.4L MAN units offer up to 2400Nm torque at 1100-1500rpm, at a rated speed of only 1700rpm.
Cooling is by a hydraulically driven 'push' fan forcing air across the engine, the warm air exiting at the sides. Emissions control is by SCR/Ad-Blue, and the low revving design of the lump makes extra DPF or DOC elements unnecessary.
A new transmission (TA400) allows 60km/h at 1450rpm, or 40km/h at a low of only 950rpm. As in the 900 series, a hydrostatic pump supplies two hydrostatic motors, each driving the front or rear axle.
Clever engineering forestalls front wheel drag, as the wheels are pushed along, and at any speed over 25km/h the drive to the front axle disconnects, only the rear axle driving. From the hydrostatic pump oil is free to take the path of least resistance to each motor, allowing variable torque distribution between each axle and eliminating wind-up suffered with mechanical drive lines; the result is lower power loss and tyre wear and a better turning radius.
A newly launched control called Grip Assist helps the operator identify the need for ballasting, it's position and on-the-go tyre pressure adjustment. This should make the transition from heavy cultivation to road work and back again a real breeze. Tyres up to 900-70R46 can be accommodated and up to 1250kg ballast can be added to each rear wheel.
The cabin is as seen on the 800 and 900 series, with four point air suspension, and it combines double wishbone front suspension for a smooth ride. Automotive style lighting includes headlight levelling, hi-viz high level brake lights and daylight running lights.
Production is scheduled for first quarter 2016, and prices are yet to be announced.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.

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