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Fendt

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Fendt
Company typeGmbH
IndustryAgricultural machinery
Founded1930; 94 years ago (1930)
FounderJohann Georg Fendt
Headquarters
Marktoberdorf
,
Germany
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Walter Wagner, Christoph Gröblinghoff, Ingrid Bußjäger-Martin, Ekkehart Gläser
ProductsTractors
Combine harvesters
Balers
Telescopic handlers
Planters
ParentAGCO
Websitewww.fendt.com
Fendt logo on an 818 front grill

Fendt is a German agricultural machinery manufacturer founded in 1930 by Xaver Fendt in Marktoberdorf, Allgäu region, Germany. Fendt manufactures tractors, combine harvesters, balers, telescopic handlers and row crop planters. It was purchased by AGCO Corporation in 1997.

History

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The first Fendt Dieselross powered by a 6 HP Deutz engine and on display at the company's Marktoberdorf tractor headquarters
Xaver Fendt testing the G25 wood gas generator tractor
Fendt Dieselross produced in the 1950s

Company origins and history to 1950

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The craftsman family Fendt traces its history back some 350 years. The family became well known in Allgäu for producing tower clocks, lead strings and violins.[1] The family also farmed as a sideline and had a small trade in agricultural equipment. Johann Georg Fendt (1868–1933) took over his father Franz Xaver's business in 1898 and began selling and servicing Deutz stationary engines.

Prior to 1928, Johann's oldest son Xaver (1907–1989) was employed at Deutz and BMW, while Hermann (1911–1995) continued to help their father operate the family farm and the engine business.

In 1928, Xaver returned home, and he, his brother Hermann, and their father Johann extended their business into agricultural utility machines by building a motorized grass mower.

Fendt Favorit 3 produced in the 1960s

In 1930 they built their first 4.5 kW (6 hp) "Dieselross" tractor ("Ross" being the German word for a horse of quality as opposed to just an ordinary horse).

In 1937, the company was listed in the Kempten (Allgäu) commercial register under the name "Xaver Fendt & Co., Maschinen- und Schlepperfabrik". Xaver and Hermann became shareholders; their mother Kreszentia acted as a limited partner.

In 1938, the Fendt brothers built the Dieselross F 22 with up to 16 kW (22 hp); Dieselross tractors developed into a series that continued until 1958.

In 1942, the company faced great challenges as the Nazi government prohibited the construction of liquid-fuelled tractors as a result of the shortage of raw materials. In response, Fendt designed a wood gas tractor Dieselross G25, which had a standard generator and Deutz unit gas engine. They produced a total of 1,497 of these wood gas tractors between 1942 and 1949.[2]

In 1948, the Fendt brothers were able to regain control of the company when they were established as trustees by the US military government that had been installed after World War II.

1950s to 1970s

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In 1950, production of the model F15 began, and the factory was producing 300 units per month. On 12 August 1950, the company produced its 10,000th tractor.[2]

1955 saw the company produce its 50,000th unit.[2]

In 1958 Fendt introduced their "ff" tractor series with the types Favorit, Farmer and Fix, offering engine power from 11 kW (15 hp) to 60 kW (80 hp). The Favorit 1 was trendsetting in transmission design and build.

Fendt's 100,000th tractor was produced in 1961; to represent that milestone, they selected a Farmer 2 tractor and painted it gold.[2]

1970s to the present

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In 1970, Fendt created its first universal transporter loader wagon, the Agrobil S model. This year also marked the beginning of cabin production in Asbach-Bäumenheim, following the acquisition of Maschinenfabrik Josef Dechentreiter buiness unit there and the power of its 800 employees.[3]

In 1980, a renaming to Fendt GmbH was enacted in order to meet the contemporary requirements for a commercial enterprise.

In 1985, Fendt achieved first place in the registration statistics for West Germany for the first time with 6,388 tractors sold and a market share of 18.4 percent.

In 1993, Fendt introduced the first tractor with a suspended front axle with the favourite 500C.[4]

In 1995, the company introduced its Vario Class, featuring innovative gearbox (transmission) technology, making, it the world's first large tractor with the stepless continuously variable transmission.[5]

In 1996, the five heirs of Xaver and Hermann Fendt decided to sell the family business. At the end of January 1997, it transferred all shares of Fendt to AGCO. Since 1997,[5] Fendt has operated as wholly owned brand of AGCO Corporation and its agricultural equipment reaches a global market.

In 2009, the Fendt 200 series was offered for the first time with a Vario transmission which cemented Fendt as the first and only brand of tractor globally that featured a continuously variable transmission throughout its entire tractor lineup; 70-360 hp.[6][7]

In 2016, Fendt produced its 250,000th Vario transmission.[8][9]

In 2018, Fendt had the largest share in the European tractor market.[10] Fendt was the market leader by ownership in Germany with a share of 24.2% in 2018.[11] In the annual image barometer published by the DLG, in which German contractors and farmers are surveyed about agricultural engineering companies, Fendt took first place in 2013 with 99.3 out of a possible 100 points.[10]

CLIMMAR, an organization that publishes annual Dealer Satisfaction Index for nearly all Ag Equipment brands, has placed Fendt at an average measure of at least 14.1 in 8 of the last 10 years of survey (2011-2021) out of a maximum index of 15.[12] The company is a member of the VDMA, Department of Agricultural Engineering.[13]

As of 2022 Fendt showcases a product range that includes tractors, forage harvesters, combine harvesters, self-propelled sprayers, hay tools, row-crop planters, front end tractor loaders, and telescoping material handlers.

Product range

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Fendt Favorit 612 LSA Turbomatik E, ca. 1990
Fendt Vario 930

Fendt currently offers the following types of equipment:

  • a range of tractors from 52–502 kW (70–673 hp), the majority of which are produced in Marktoberdorf, Bavaria, Germany,[14] and two models in Jackson, Minnesota, USA.
  • A range of combine harvesters ranging from 160–590 kW (220–790 hp), are produced in Breganze, Italy,.[14]
  • Forage equipment including forage wagons, tedders, mowers and rakes are badged under the Fendt brand after Fella was acquired by AGCO in 2011.[15]
  • Large Square Balers formerly Hesston branded, are now marketed under the Fendt brand since being acquired by AGCO.
  • Planters for placement of row-crops

Finishing up the product line are:

  • Forage harvesters 466–634 kW (625–850 hp) which use Kemper headers
  • Self-Propelled Sprayers
  • tractor-mounted loaders
  • telescoping material handlers or tele-handlers
  • and tractors modified for the municipalities and forestry sectors.

Tractors

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Fendt 1000 Vario with a Horsch cultivator
Fendt 933 Vario Gen6 Row Crop Tractor
Range Power range (kW/hp) Manufacturing Location
200 Vario Series 51–81 / 70–110 Marktoberdorf, Germany
300 Vario Series 70–92 / 95–135 Marktoberdorf, Germany
500 Vario Series 92–121 / 125–165 Marktoberdorf, Germany
600 Vario Series 121–165 / 164–224 Marktoberdorf, Germany
700 Vario Gen 6 Series 96–132 / 130–240 Marktoberdorf, Germany
700 Vario Gen 7 Series 151–203 / 206–283[16] Marktoberdorf, Germany
900 Vario Series 202–308 / 275 –420 Marktoberdorf, Germany
900 Vario MT Series 283–321 / 380–430 Jackson, Minnesota, USA
1000 Vario Series 279–368 / 380–517 Marktoberdorf, Germany
1100 Vario MT Series 376-500 / 504-673 Jackson, Minnesota, USA

E100 Vario is a 75-kW / 100 hp. electric tractor. It can operate up to 10 hours under actual load.[17]

Combines

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Fendt Ideal 9T
Range Power range Thresher Type Manufacturing Location
IDEAL 355 kW / 476 hp

589 kW / 790 hp

Single and Double Axial Rotor Design Breganze, Italy
C-Series 225 kW / 306 hp

265 kW / 360 hp

Conventional Transverse Rotor Breganze, Italy
L-Series 179 kW / 243 hp

225 kW / 306 hp

Conventional Transverse Rotor Breganze, Italy
CORUS 500 136 kW / 185 hp

166 kW / 226 hp

192 kW / 260 hp

Conventional Transverse Rotor Breganze, Italy

Large Square Balers

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Square Baler Dimensions (cm/ft) Manufacturing Location
990 80 cm x 90 cm / 3 ft x 3 ft Hesston, Kansas, USA
1270 120 cm x 70 cm / 4 ft x 2 ft Hesston, Kansas, USA
1290 120 cm x 90 cm / 4 ft x 3 ft Hesston, Kansas, USA
1290 XD 120 cm x 90 cm / 4 ft x 3 ft Hesston, Kansas, USA
12130 120 cm x 130 cm / 4 ft x 4 ft Hesston, Kansas, USA

Planters

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Range Dimensions/Configuration Manufacturing Location
Momentum 12 12 row 30 inch inter-row spacing

OR 23 row 15 inch inter-row spacing

Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Momentum 16 16 row 30 inch inter-row spacing Beloit, Kansas, USA
Momentum 31 31 row 15 inch inter-row spacing

OR 16 row 30 inch inter-row spacing

Beloit, Kansas, USA
Momentum 32 32 row 15 inch inter-row spacing

OR 16 row 30 inch inter-row spacing

Beloit, Kansas, USA
Momentum 24 24 row 20 inch inter-row spacing Beloit, Kansas, USA
Momentum 24 24 row 22 inch inter-row spacing Beloit, Kansas, USA
Momentum 24 24 row 30 inch inter-row spacing Beloit, Kansas, USA
Momentum 36 36 row 20 inch inter-row spacing Beloit, Kansas, USA
Momentum 36 36 row 22 inch inter-row spacing Beloit, Kansas, USA
Momentum 47 47 row 15 inch inter-row spacing

OR 24 row 30 inch inter-row spacing

Beloit, Kansas, USA
Momentum 48 48 row 15 inch inter-row spacing

OR 24 row 30 inch inter-row spacing

Beloit, Kansas, USA

Forage Harvesters

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Fendt Katana Power (KW/hp) Manufacturing Location
65 (2012-2019) 460 kW / 625 hp Hohenmölsen, Germany
650 (2020–present) 478 kW / 650 hp Hohenmölsen, Germany
85 (2012-2016) 625 kW / 900 hp Hohenmölsen, Germany
850 (2022–present) 632 kW / 847 hp[18] Hohenmölsen, Germany

Plant Protection Equipment

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Range Power (KW/hp) Nominal capacity (L/gal) Liquid Boom widths (m/ft) Manufacturing Location
RoGator 937/937H 276 kW / 370 HP 3411 - 4927 L / 900 - 1300 gal 27.7 - 40.62 m / 90 –132 ft Jackson, Minnesota, USA
RoGator 934/934H 254 kW / 340 HP 3411 - 4927 L / 900 - 1300 gal 27.7 - 40.62 m / 90 –132 ft Jackson, Minnesota, USA
RoGator 932 239 kW / 320 HP 3411 - 4927 L / 900 - 1300 gal 27.7 - 40.62 m / 90 –132 ft Jackson, Minnesota, USA
600 125-167 kW / 170-227 HP 3850 - 6000 L / 1015 - 1583 gal 24 – 36 m / 78 – 117 ft Hohenmölsen, Germany
300 - 3500 - 6930 L / 924 - 1829 gal 24 – 30 m / 78 - 97.5 ft Hohenmölsen, Germany

Material Handling Equipment

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Range Model Continuous Lift Capacity

(daN/lb-force)

Compatible Tractor Model Manufacturing Location
Fendt Cargo Loaders (for tractors) Cargo 3X/65 1680 daN / 3775 lb-force Fendt 200[19] Marktoberdorf, Bavaria, Germany[20]
Cargo 3X/70 2000 daN / 4495 lb-force Fendt 300[19] Marktoberdorf, Bavaria, Germany
Cargo 4X/75 1940 daN / 4360 lb-force Fendt 300 and Fendt 500[19] Marktoberdorf, Bavaria, Germany
Cargo 4X/80 2260 daN / 5080 lb-force Fendt 500[19] Marktoberdorf, Bavaria, Germany
Cargo 4X/85 2600 daN / 5845 lb-force Fendt 700[19] Marktoberdorf, Bavaria, Germany
Cargo 5X/85 2600 daN / 5845 lb-force Fendt 700[19] Marktoberdorf, Bavaria, Germany
Cargo 5X/90 2950 daN / 6630 lb-force Fendt 700[19] Marktoberdorf, Bavaria, Germany
Cargo Pro 6.100 4070 daN / 9119 lb-force Fendt 700 Gen 7 Marktoberdorf, Bavaria, Germany
Fendt Cargo Telehandler T740 6500 daN / 14610 lb-force n/a Straubing, Bavaria, Germany
Fendt Cargo Telehandler T955 8500 daN / 19100 lb-force n/a Straubing, Bavaria, Germany

Technology

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Vario Transmission

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Internal view of TA400 Vario Transmission[21]

The Vario transmission[22] was first developed in the 1970s, but due to excessive noise of the hydraulic portion of the transmission and lack of engineering production methods that had not yet been invented, it was not seen on a production tractor until 1995, when Fendt launched the revolutionary Fendt 926 Vario. This was the first ever stepless transmission to be launched in the tractor market, and is patented to be the only truly stepless transmission when it was first developed.[23][24][25][26][27][28] Competitors were unable to make a transmission as advanced as a Fendt Vario at the time with a hydrostatic transmission as the only real competition, however, these soon fell out of favor. Since its initial announcement and release, manufacturers such as ZF, John Deere and CNH group have also developed their own versions of this type of transmission.

Fendt's infinitely variable transmission (IVT) differs from a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as an IVT can be traveling at 0.0 km/h whilst the transmission is engaged and not in neutral. The IVT/CVT gearbox is widely regarded as one of the most fuel-efficient gearbox types on the agricultural market[29] prompting nearly all other major manufacturers to develop their own system as it is able to combine more precise ground speed selection by the user with an increase in fuel-efficiency.[30]

Variations can be found on other AGCO tractor brands such as Massey Ferguson. The gearbox may be the same however the individual brands have different controls/ joysticks and may have different ECU software.

The first generation of Vario transmissions were named for their primary inventor, Hans Marschall and the different classes of the transmission were labeled in honor of him using the format of "MLxxx" where the x characters would indicate how many kilowatts of power could be transferred through the transmission. (i.e. the original Fendt 926 Favorit Vario featured an ML200 Vario Transmission which could transfer 200 kW or 268 maximum horsepower through it)

Tractor Management System

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In 2004, following the paradigm-shift of the Vario transmission, the next large innovation that Fendt delivered was the ability for the tractor gearbox/transmission and the engine to communicate with one another based on parameters set by the operator that allowed the machine to command only as much engine power as needed to complete the commanded task; a concept that was branded as Vario TMS or Tractor Management System.

VarioGrip

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Fendt pioneered the idea and implementation of the first tire pressure monitoring and control system for use on an agricultural tractor. It was developed in the late 1980s[31] and first released in an open-loop feedback system offering in 2015 on the Fendt 800, 900, and 1000 Vario Series tractors.[32][33]

Fendt iD Low Engine Speed Concept

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Beginning with the 1000 series tractor in 2015, Fendt created and implemented the use of the low engine speed concept which was also a world-first for any size agricultural tractor. While most diesel tractor engines operate at a rated engine RPM of 2000-2300, Fendt engineered the machine to work at its optimum between 1100 and 1500 RPM with a max RPM of 1730. The results from this innovation resulted in lower fluid consumption, longer service intervals, and longer overall machine life due to less component wear.[34] With the success of Fendt iD on the 1000 series, it is also now utilized on the 900 Vario Gen 6 and newer series, the 900 Vario MT series, the 1100 Vario MT series, and the 700 Vario Gen 7 and newer series.

The Trisix

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Fendt TriSix on display at Agritechnica 2007

Fendt released a prototype of a new concept tractor at Agritechnica 2007, in Hanover, Germany, called the TriSix nicknamed "Mobydick" and boasting 400 kW (540 hp) and six-wheel drive.

The front axle and the rearmost steer the tractor, and as the speed of the tractor increases, the amount of steering input on the rear axle reduces to make it safer. It also completely locks out when in transport mode and with some implements.

To handle the horsepower the Trisix has two of the company's trademark Vario transmissions, which push the machine up to a top speed of 60 km/h (38 mph). Fendt has not confirmed the production of this machine, and it remains in the prototype stage. The axles and backbone tube are from Tatra 815 series trucks and the 6x6 Tatra-based tractor concept was patented in 1997 by Farma Josef Dvorak of Tábor, Czech Republic.

Appearances in media

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A Fendt 930 Vario was shown on BBC's Top Gear, where host James May chose a 930 Vario.[35] It was driven by The Stig round the Top Gear Test Track, and did a time of 3:28.4, the second slowest time round the track. The Fendt 930 Vario does however report a top speed of 37.5 mph, much faster compared to similar competitor's tractors.[citation needed]

The Fendt 716 also appeared on BBC1 Scotland, on the program Countryfile, where world-class Fendt Driver, Steven Brown, of Inverdovat Farm, won the annual Scottish Fendt Ploughing Match, receiving a prize of £5,000.[citation needed]

Fendt tractors have appeared in the widely-popular Farming Simulator 2008, Farming Simulator 2009, Farming Simulator 17, Farming Simulator 19, Farming Simulator 22 and Farming Simulator 25 games.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Farm machinery giants: The Fendt success story". Farmers Weekly. 20 December 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d "Fendt :: Die Traktorenbauer". www.fendt.de. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  3. ^ "Dechentreiter". www.landtechnik-historisch.de. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  4. ^ "FARM CLASSICS: Fendt Favorit renowned for good gripping". The Southern Star. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Fendt – its origin, story and vision". www.farminglife.com. 10 April 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  6. ^ "Vario-Getriebe in allen Fendt-Traktoren - Agrarheute". 10 September 2014. Archived from the original on 10 September 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  7. ^ "100,000 Vario up to now – 100 percent Vario starting now". www.pitchcare.com. 22 October 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  8. ^ Finnerty, Conor (1 December 2016). "250,000th Fendt Vario transmission has just rolled off the production line". Agriland.co.uk. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  9. ^ "161128 - 250.000 Variogetriebe - 01 | 2016 | News Center | Fendt World". www.fendt.com. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  10. ^ a b "European Dealer Satisfaction Barometer - Fendt". www.fendt.com. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  11. ^ "AGCO/Fendt continues to grow - Fendt". www.fendt.com. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  12. ^ "Activities - CLIMMAR". www.climmar.com. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  13. ^ "Fendt History". AGCO Corp GmbH. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  14. ^ a b "Where Are Fendt Tractors And Combines Made? | Equipment Radar". www.equipmentradar.com. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  15. ^ "New energy to harvesting AGCO Feucht". issuu. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  16. ^ "AGCO's Fendt 700 Vario Gen 7 Tractor Features New Engine, Transmission". DTN Progressive Farmer. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  17. ^ Gaines, Tharran (28 November 2021). "An electric tractor may be in your future". Successful Farming. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  18. ^ MarketScreener. "AGCO : Launch of the New Fendt Katana 850 | MarketScreener". www.marketscreener.com. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g Equipment variants and technical details fendt.com Retrieved 10 May 2023
  20. ^ "Loaders: Where are they made?". Farmers Weekly. 23 June 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  21. ^ US10661800B2, STAEDELE, Alexander & Geiger, Markus, "Agricultural vehicle driveline", issued 2020-05-26 
  22. ^ EP0562594A1, Heindl, Richard, "Antrieb für zweiachsige land- und/oder bauwirtschaftlich nutzbare Fahrzeuge", issued 1993-09-29 
  23. ^ EP0418881A1, Marschall, Hans & Heindl, Richard, "Abdichtung für Kolben in Axialkolbenmaschinen", issued 1991-03-27 
  24. ^ DE3936812A1, Heindl, Richard & Marschall, Hans, "Axialkolbenmaschine in schraegachsenbauweise", issued 1991-05-08 
  25. ^ DE2335629A1, Marschall, Hans, "Antriebsvorrichtung, insbesondere fuer land- und bauwirtschaftlich genutzte fahrzeuge", issued 1975-01-30 
  26. ^ DE4022049A1, Nett, Hans-Peter; Honzek, Robert & Heindl, Richard et al., "Schallabstrahlungsgedaempfte lagerung eines antriebsaggregates", issued 1992-01-16 
  27. ^ DE1286913B, Georg, Heidemann; Hans, Marschall & Joerg, Senger et al., "Steuereinrichtung zum Verstellen des Primaer- und/oder Sekundaerteiles eines hydrostatischen Wandlers zum Antrieb von Kraftfahrzeugen", issued 1969-01-09 
  28. ^ DE2335629A1, Marschall, Hans, "Antriebsvorrichtung, insbesondere fuer land- und bauwirtschaftlich genutzte fahrzeuge", issued 1975-01-30 
  29. ^ Ji, Jian; He, BoZhou; Yuan, Lei (8 October 2017). "A Comparative Study on Fuel Economy for CVT and 9-speed AT based Vehicles". SAE Technical Paper Series. Vol. 1. Warrendale, PA. doi:10.4271/2017-01-2435.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  30. ^ "Understanding CVT and powershift transmissions when buying a tractor". Farmers Weekly. 25 September 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  31. ^ FR2648085B3, Brock, Thomas & Rathke, Gerd, "Vehicule utilitaire notamment tracteur agricole a pneumatiques et installation de controle et de changement de la pression des pneumatiques pendant le deplacement", issued 1991-05-31 
  32. ^ US9045129B2, Brenninger, Martin, "Engine control system", issued 2015-06-02 
  33. ^ "History". www.fendt.com. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  34. ^ "Fendt introduces new high-horsepower tractors with low engine speed concept". OEM Off-Highway. 2 December 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  35. ^ "Episode 5, Series 9, Top Gear - BBC Two". Retrieved 24 February 2017.
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