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.
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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