The Fendt 700-Vario Gen-6 models introduced the FendtOne control system to the manufacturer's customers last year, but how has it been received? Gloucestershire contractor Adrian Tugwell recently shared his opinions with Simon Henley.
The Tugwell Contracting Group has been serving the farming community since 1958.
Based near Cirencester, the company employs 35 people, contract farms 2,832 hectares of arable land and performs solar panel and ground maintenance on 250 solar farms around the UK.
Alongside its six articulated trucks, the company runs a fleet of tractors which includes a host of New Holland models and more than 20 Fendt machines.
Heading up the Fendt camp is a new 942 Vario, which is ably assisted by four 724 Vario tractors, two of which are Gen-6 units equipped with the new FendtOne control system.
In addition to the larger Fendt models, Mr Tugwell also owns ten Fendt 211 Vario models, including one 211V vineyard tractor, which are used for grass cutting and cleaning the panels on the solar farms.
Finally, there are six 314 Vario tractors which are used almost exclusively for dump trailer work.
Mr Tugwell says: "I buy Fendt tractors, because I have confidence in their products.
"These tractors are well-built, comfortable to drive and they hold their residual value extremely well.
"Another important reason for buying Fendt tractors is the warranty coverage.
"I have kept my older Fendt 724 Vario models instead of trading them in this time, because with the extended warranty package the tractors are covered up to 8,000 hours."
Fendt introduced its new cab design for the Gen-6 Fendt 700-Vario range in 2019. With it came the new FendtOne system, which was designed to be more intuitive and easier for non-Fendt operators to understand.
Now available on the Fendt 700, 300 and 200-Vario models, the FendtOne system enables greater optimisation of the tractors systems and controls, thus providing greater utilisation of the tractors features.
All four models in the 700 Vario range are available in Power, Profi or Profi+ specification.
The basic specced Power models, are designed with an emphasis on comfort and intuitive operation.
The seat incorporates a new control armrest with a new multifunction joystick, and there's a new 10-inch digital screen located on the steering console, which looks like an iPad.
Using a rotary push-dial on the armrest, the driver can select menus and edit settings, including joystick assignment and both engine and transmission functions.
Up front, a suspended front axle comes as standard along with in-cab air-conditioning. Climate control and front linkage are optional.
The mid-spec Profi models, can be equipped with an optional 12-inch touch terminal on the armrest.
This operates in unison with the digital dashboard, with display panes which can be set to show multiple operating features simultaneously.
Another 12-inch touch terminal can be fitted into the roof and linked to either the other terminals or a camera system.
Finally, the all-singing, all-dancing Profi+ models come with FendtGuide (formerly VarioGuide) guidance technology which features field data management as standard.
Further technology options include Section Control, Variable Rate Control, and Fendt Task Doc (formerly VarioDoc Pro) for automated administration and data recording.
"The tractors arrived here during lockdown and besides an initial introduction from the team at Chandlers, we are only just getting used to the new system," says Mr Tugwell.
"What I can tell you is that if you already use Fendt Vario tractors, Fendt have retained enough off the old Fendt Vario to make driving the new version pretty much the same.
"The joystick functions for controlling the tractor are all familiar, but the joystick has been re-shaped so it is more comfortable to hold.
"It still incorporates features like the activation paddle, two spool-valve toggles and two-sets of go and end buttons, but the base of joystick now integrates buttons for primary transmission controls, such as joystick or pedal modes, selecting neutral, cruise pre-settings, engine management settings and TMS activation.
"All the buttons are colour-coded. The transmission buttons are orange and linkage function buttons are blue.
"When these buttons are activated, a small green LED light in the button-head illuminates to show the function is active.
"The layout of the controls is much neater than the previous S4 models, with a more streamlined appearance.
"From this perspective, it makes the tractor easier to use, particularly if you are not familiar with Fendt Vario.
"One of the biggest changes we have noticed, is the linkage controls. The blue dials in our other tractors have been replaced by two rotary scrolls, which offer proportional control of the link arms, and you can also pre-set two depth settings for soil-engaging implements.
"A big improvement over the previous model, is the 12-inch touchscreen.
"It is easier to read, easier to navigate and you can set up to six panes available on screen and prioritise the one you want, when you want it.
"Another area of improvement is with fuel consumption.
"Working the new 724 Vario alongside the previous S4 model using exactly the same front and rear flail mower set-up, the new tractor used 20 per cent less fuel.
"Do not ask me why, but you can not argue with the facts when the two tractors are working next to each other.
"The new FendtOne system is very clever and makes driving the tractor easier, however you do need some training to get the full benefit of what the new system can do.
"Now we are out of lockdown, Chandlers have scheduled a Fendt specialist to visit us and answer some of our questions.
"Where the 724 Vario is concerned, the Gen-6 tractor is not necessarily a better performer, but an easier tractor to work with.
"There is never a shortage of information or control options available, and I like that you can customise each job by setting up individual implement settings and individual driver settings."
