Feed pad with rubber matting hailed as game changer
For Otago farmers Michelle and Rogan Borrie, a newly constructed feed pad on one of their three farms has been a game changer.
This is said to be an important recognition of the most innovative tractors on the European market and is sponsored by tyre manufacturer BKT. A jury of 25 journalists, who specialise in agricultural mechanisation throughout Europe, reviewed the tractors entered for the award.
During the judging period, 16 different models from 13 different manufacturers were assessed. The Fendt 728 picked up the title of the 2023 Tractor of the Year, building on the Machine of the Year at the SIMA event held in Paris a few weeks earlier.
The judges praised the 728’s manoeuvrability and all-round ability, alongside the newly developed Fendt VarioDrive driveline, integrated VarioGrip tyre pressure control system, FendtONE and up to 223kW (300hp) of power available.
In addition, other attributes that impressed the judges included a new 6-cylinder 7.5-litre AGCOPower engine that offers extra boost power up to 15kW (20hp) in all conditions, a new hydraulic and cooling system and a safe cabin with filtration level at cat 4.
Among a range of new features on the tractor is the driveline, which uses separate hydro motors to drive the front and rear axles, alongside a constant 4-wheel drive system that is automatically regulated for best traction.
The engine used in the Generation seven 728 is AGCO’s new Core75 unit. Initially available as a 7.5-litre, 300hp block, designed to be compatible with future fuels such as hydrogen, ethanol, methanol or biogas, it could also potentially operate as an electric hybrid with further development. The first in a planned wider range, the new engine is compatible with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuels, enabling up to 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Delivering 1,450Nm of torque, the unit is designed to offer maximum torque at 1,300rpm instead of the more typical 1,500rpm. This lowspeed concept is said to provide the best fuel economy in the market today in its power class at 188g/kWh.
With fewer parts, the engine’s simplified design is said to make it more reliable and easier to service. Meanwhile, the advanced Emission Aftertreatment (EAT) system meets even the most stringent emissions standards without the need for an EGR.
