Fendt has introduced four new models in its 500 Vario Series that the company claims is a brand new vehicle class in the compact standard tractor segment. These new tractors offer numerous technical features that were limited to the firm’s top tractor class until now.
Versatile innovations and equipment options give the 500 Vario unrivalled competitive advantages in the performance range from 125-165hp that the new 512 Vario, 513 Vario, 514 Vario and 516 Vario models cover. Their power comes from a 4.04-litre, four-cylinder-Deutz engine with four values per cylinder and common-rail injection.
The engines rely on SCR technology to comply with the European Stage IIIB emissions standard. This technology, familiar from the 700, 800 and 900 Vario high-horsepower tractor series, has already proven its superior fuel economy in neutral PowerMix tests on the 800 and 900 Varios. Since exhaust after-treatment with AdBlue urea solution takes place after the combustion process, and external exhaust gas recirculation is not required, the engine can be optimally tuned. In addition to improving fuel economy, therefore, it also increases power and makes handling livelier.
The engines on the new 500 Varios combine exceptionally low fuel consumption with tremendous performance. This makes the 500 Vario a new representative of Fendt’s Efficient Technology. The high effectiveness of the time-tested ML90 Vario transmission ensures an efficient drive train. Stepless speed adjustment provides enormous potential for savings in time and money. With the TMS tractor management system, the tractor is always working at an economic optimum. Operators only need to enter the desired speed; then the activated TMS controls the engine and transmission – that means efficiency fully automatically. A brand new TMS feature available from the 500 Vario is the automatic maximum output control.
The new Fendt VisioPlus cab, familiar from the 700 Vario tractor series, offers maximum comfort and exceptional visibility. The windscreen curves up into the roof and provides a full view, for example, of the raised front loader. More room and nearly six square metres of glazing make the cab feel very spacious.
When developing the 500 Vario, special focus was placed on an ergonomically designed operating environment. All functions are optimally placed in the new Varioterminal and the right armrest, which moves along with the driver seat.
Together with the intelligent control concept and the high-quality workmanship, you experience the kind of comfort that significantly increases performance. The interior boasts impressive high-quality workmanship. As is typical for Fendt, the controls are logically placed and well thought-out and the Vario is easy to control.
As part of the new Varioterminal, the Variotronic, VarioGuide automatic steering system, camera function, VarioDoc documentation system and Isobus implement control have found their way into this power class. Thanks to the VarioGuide automatic steering system it’s possible to work longer periods of time in the tractor, whether day or night, and to concentrate fully on the implement. Precise driving is possible, even when visibility is very poor. Precise work in the grassland and field boosts area coverage.
The 500 Vario offers the ideal automated functions for pass-to-pass work. The powerful hydraulics allows a wide range of applications for implements designed for this power class. The right armrest is the central operating element. Even during turning manoeuvres, there’s no need to switch between controls in the 500 Vario because operators can comfortably rest their arm on the right armrest and control the tractor and implement with the multi-function joystick and the Varioterminal.
An average of six per cent less overlapping, as well as savings in fuel and applied materials such as seeds and fertiliser, are possible with VarioGuide. In addition, with the VarioDoc documentation system all relevant data can be logged with the lowest effort possible and in the shortest amount of time, and then documented in the field record and analysed.
The Fendt 500 Vario offers many more interfaces than any other tractor in its power class: up to five electro-hydraulic double-acting valves at the rear plus two separate one in the front, power beyond, Isobus connection and much more. Overall, the 500 Vario has more than 22 connections that are all practicably located at the front and rear. That guarantees versatile operations and trouble-free connection of implements.
The compact 500 Vario is also fast, flexible and manoeuvrable in transport work. A top speed of 50km/hr at a reduced engine speed enables swift and, most importantly, economical on-road driving. The self-levelling front axle suspension, Fendt Reaction steering system, shock load stabilising, cab suspension, seat suspension and automatic steering axle lock, ensure the best ride comfort and safety on the road as well as ideal ergonomics.
Thanks to its high performance combined with a compact and manoeuvrable vehicle design, the Fendt 500 Vario permits a wide range of applications in the field or farmyard. The new 500 Vario is exceptionally well-suited for front-loader work with the Fendt Cargo. The upward viewing angle has tripled thanks to the new windscreen, and operators now have a full view of the raised front loader. The windscreen on the 500 Vario can be fully opened at any time during front loader operation. The Fendt Cargo can be easily controlled with the standard specification crossgate lever.
The legendary reputation of the Fendt 500 series began in the 1990s when the flagship Favorit 515C was especially popular with farmers and agricultural contractors. The new 500 Vario was developed by building upon this expertise. It represents efficiency, compactness, reliability and low fuel consumption with high performance. The Fendt 500 Vario is available in the 500 Vario ProfiPlus, 500 Vario Profi and 500 Vario Power equipment levels. In terms of technical features, the 500 Vario Power is a modified vehicle and cannot be upgraded to the higher equipment levels.
The 500 Vario ProfiPlus and the 500 Vario Profi will be available from the end of 2012, with the 500 Vario Power coming in January 2013.
For more information visit: www.fendt.co.uk.
