First Drive: Fendt 600 Vario tractor, 224hp from a four-cylinder?

The 150-200hp sector is one of Europe's biggest - and most competitive-tractor markets with virtually all manufacturers delivering a range, and in some cases multiple ranges in the category. Aiming to capitalise on the upper end of this, Bavarian manufacturer Fendt launched the 700 Gen7 Vario series in 2022. This range upped the top-end power of its flagship 728 Vario model but also left an obvious gap between the existing 500 Vario series with a maximum power of 163hp, and the bottom of the range 203hp 720 Gen7.

Slotting into this space, the 600 Vario gives a comfortable power overlap between the larger and smaller machines through a four-model range providing peak power outputs from 164 to 224hp. This new range will be offered as a 614 (164hp), 616 (184hp), 618 (204hp) and 620 (224hp).

Engine

The all-new tractor uses a unique-to-Fendt Agco power CORE50 engine. This five-litre, four-cylinder design is the second introduction into the manufacturer's CORE range, with the larger CORE75 used in the 700 Gen7.

The use of a four-cylinder engine in a power segment occupied by multiple six-cylinder rivals is an interesting choice and also positions the manufacturer as the supplier of the most powerful four-cylinder tractor currently available, knocking Agco rival Valtra with its 201hp N175 off the top spot.

Unlike the 700 Gen7 and 900 Series, the manufacturer's DynamicPerformance power increase will be offered across all models instead of the range flagship. This equates to a 15hp increase for each machine, effectively increasing the overall peak power output for each model.

Advantages of this engine layout include a reduction in the overall machine length with a wheelbase of 2.7 metres, a claimed reduction in equivalent fuel consumption, and an overall reduction in mechanical parts.

The new engine provides a claimed peak torque of 950N/m with maximum power delivered at 1,600rpm. This higher torque, lower rpm forms part of the Fendt iD low engine speed concept. Shared with its larger stablemates, the system is designed to increase power at much lower rpm, leading to a claimed reduction in fuel consumption, and an engine with gives improved performance through the typical working rpm.

Emissions are treated with a conventional DEF system but the CORE50 engine is fitted without an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The results in a lower engine temperature of 88 deg.C and a cleaner burn, however it does increase the overall AdBlue consumption. Fendt says the increased cost of AdBlue is comfortably overcome with a reduction in overall fuel consumption.

This equates to a claimed AdBlue consumption of 6.5 per cent of the total diesel usage, with EGR machines typically using 3.5 per cent.

Responding to increasing environmental pressures and CO₂ reduction requirements across multiple markets, the new engine is prepared to operate with HVO and RME diesel alternatives. The cylinder-head design has the allowance for the fitment of spark plugs for gas ignition, opening the door to methane -or potentially hydrogen- fuel in the future.

Transmission and drive

The new TA150 transmission has been developed specifically for the 600 Series and mirrors many of the features found in recently released TA transmissions. The twin speed-range has been removed with a complete stepless drive to a maximum of 50km/h. Although technically possible, greater forward speeds of 60km/h are still reserved for the larger, and heavier ranges. Aiming to improve trailed implement safety, a new trailer brake assistance system measures the thrust load of the trailer through the transmission when travelling downhill. If this exceed preset limits, the tractor will activate the air braking services to the trailer, reducing its speed. Currently, this operates when the tractor-trailer combination is travelling below 25km/h.

Four-wheel drive has also been replaced with the manufacturer VarioDrive system. This layout utilises a twin hydraulic motor for the front and rear drives supplied from a central pump. When turning, the front axle can be driven faster, pulling the front of the machine and creating a claimed turning circle of 10.1m when fitted with 540/65 R30 tyres.

In use, the system is impressive by virtually eliminating any surface scuffing even when turning at full lock on cultivated stubble. Operators of machines in vegetable beds or tight tramlines should find this feature very effective at keeping soil disturbance to a minimum, particularly in poor conditions.

Hydraulics and loader

Hydraulic capacity extends to two pump options of 152 litre/minute or 205 litre/minute, both operating at 200 bar. Mirroring the Gen7, flat-face hydraulic connections are offered front and rear, with up to five rear remotes plus power beyond and a maximum of two front connections. Loader users can choose to use a dedicated three-way proportional valve connection to allow loader functions without losing services front or rear.

The introduction of the 600 Series aligns with the launch of a new 3.4-tonne lift CargoProfi 5.90 loader. Designed specially to for the new model, the loader uses a new hydraulic and electrical multi-coupler, is supplied with hydraulic locking as standard alongside weighing and return-to-dig functions.

Cab and controls

The VisioPlus cab operates the same FendtONE control system which is now used on all models, with the exception of the tracked machines. Front and rear visibility, particularly to both sets of linkage have been prioritised. The bonnet profile allows a direction line-of-sight view to the front, and changes the position of the hydraulic and braking connections at the rear allows an improved view of the lower linkage.

Users of the range with sprayers can specify Cat.4 cab filtration, with Cat.2 offered as standard. Forward visibility through an arc of 77 degrees is claimed with the option to specify a right-hand window wash/wipe system. To improve demisting, the front screen can be ordered with an automotive-style laminated and heated windscreen.

The choice of operator seating has been expanded with six options including with the same multi-stage heated and cooled seat offered in the Gen7. This includes individual position memoires for different operators, and a massage function.

Available on a more compact tactor for the first time, the manufacturers VarioGrip central tyre inflation has been included in the options list. Initially launched on the 900 and now-retired 800 series in 2014, the system works with VF tyres to allow tyre pressures to be automatically adjusted between field and road application.

FG Verdict

The launch of the 600 Series fills a logical gap in Fendt's existing range and presents a different direction compared to its predecessor and competitive machines. Pushing nearly 230hp from a four-cylinder engine is not uncommon in marine or energy generation applications, but it is a first in agriculture. Buyers of six-cylinder tractors may present some valid concerns with this design, however during our use of the machine, we held no concerns on its ability to effectively deliver this power.

The approach of creating more compact tractor which can be ballasted to match the requirements is a common theme from Fendt. The base weight of a 620 is 7.7 tonnes, however the addition of front linkage and rear axle weights, the machine can be pushed to a maximum gross weight of 13.5 tonnes, with the rear axle allowing a maximum capacity of 10 tonnes.

Users will have little to complain regarding the choice of options in both cab and machine specification with many of the features and components brought from the 200-300hp 700 Gen7, however where a machine of this design fits for contractors and larger farmers unaccustomed to adding and removing ballast to adapt a machine for a specific task is somewhat unknown, however the overall dimensions and manoeuvrability of this machine in comparison to its wider competitors will win approval from many users.

Production of the 600 is planned to begin in July 2024 with machines arriving into dealer demonstration fleets from the autumn. Pricing for the range should be revealed in early 2024.