Soil preparation (III). Fendt 942 Vario

After a few autumn weeks, we continue with soil works before the sowing days. This time we went to Campo de San Pedro (Segovia) to see one of the giants of the field, the new Fendt 942 Vario Gen7 (7th generation of the 900 Series with Vario transmission). We were also able to see a very interesting implement, a Väderstad tine cultivator. 

If we talk about the new Fendt 942, we are able to write hundreds of lines to describe all the technology and features, but if we make a brief summary, we would like to highlight the specific ones: 

• MAN engine of 9 litres and 415 HP (maximum power at 1,600 rpm) and maximum torque of 1,970 Nm at 1,450 rpm. 
• Engine speed from 650 rpm to 1,700 rpm. 
• 1,000 PTO at 1,280 rpm. 
• New axles allow larger tyres (R44 rim on the rear tyres). 
• Vario Drive transmission with variably distributes traction. 
• Maximum authorised weight of 20,000 kg. 
• Homologated maximum speed of 60 km/h (at 1,450 rpm) for countries that allow it. 
• Vario Grip tyre inflation system integrated into the terminal. 
• Hydraulic system up to 430 l/min (with two tandem pumps). 
• New cab with FendtONE operator environment. 

Despite the fact that we only worked with the tractor for a few hours, our feelings were very positive. It is a real pleasure to work with, as you can automate almost everything: headland management, autoguidance, working speed, etc. We were able to work with the Väderstad tine cultivator at 12 km/h and the tractor really worked at around 1,200 rpm and the comfort in the driver's seat was absolute. 

In terms of transport, on the road or off-road, the feeling you get is that you are in an off-road car or even in one of the best saloon cars on the market because you have inside the cabin a great comfort... a real advantage for farmers who need (and can afford) such tractors.   

To conclude our review of the Fendt 942 Vario tractor, this tractor has verified every single capability we have read about - a tractor like this never disappoints. 

Versión en español.

​Four jobs at once and ​slip rate of 0%

​Our follower Jesús Contreras, from Algeinsa Company (which is an AGCO Group authorized dealer) together with the Agrometálicas Arecha Company (which is a Väderstad authorised importer company for Spain) sent us a few pictures and comments about their demonstrations that were carried out in Villamanrique de Tajo (Madrid) a few weeks ago. Thank you very much for your information. It is very interesting to see this machinery working ​s​ince it is really unusual in our area.

Some tests were carried out with Challenger MT775E (438HP) tractor and TOPDOWN Väderstad implement. The aim of the demonstration was that farmers could know and see the high capacity of the tractor working at 16 km/h with a big implement of 4 and 6 meters working width. Consumption data per hectare were lower than consumption of conventional tractors, as well as enabling more hectares per hour of work.

Another important advantage of these tractors is high traction. On one hand they have a ​​slip rate of 0%, which means 100% effective by HP generated and transmitted to the ground. Any conventional tractor has a slip rate of 10-15% even if the implement needs more speed to work, it increases the slip rate... generating fuel efficiency loss, mechanical and tyres wear...

Soil compaction is also reduced with this type of tractors. Besides, it avoids the installation of twin wheels on conventional tractors in order to reduce their compaction, which in irrigated fields reduces production and makes more difficult the natural drainage of the soil, leaves aerate roots or positive organic life (as earthworm).

Furthermore, they used a Väderstad implements called TOPDOWN, that is a multitool machine and it can perform four tasks in only one pass. It has a fast disc harrow what mixs shreds and remains of previous crop and performs a first shallow work. After that, it has a chissel with hydraulically preloaded arms, which can be configured to change the pressure in the arm, for more or less deep. In testing, they mounted special tines that allow work up to 40 cm deep. You can mount tines of 80 mm, or 120 mm wide, in addition to incorporating wings to transform it into cultichissel. After the chissel mounted a row of levelling discs and finally a roller to compact and break clods (you have an important variety of rollers to install in this implements). The most important feature of this implement it is that you can work with all at once or independently with each one.

All attendees were impressed with the both facts, the performance of the tractor and the capabilities and possibilities of the implement, which allows in one pass to have the soil ready for sowing.

Versión en español.

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