Fendt tractors have a long standing reputation as a premium tractor brand.

Excellent build quality, high specification with excellent levels of reliability commanded a high price tag for the German tractors, making them previously somewhat of a rarity in the farming landscape.

However, as 21st century dawned, Fendt released a new tractor range with an all new transmission, which put the brand in the spotlight for high end farming applications.

The 700 Vario range was launched by Fendt in 1998, spanning four models ranging from 115-160hp.

The straight line styling of the previous Favorit models was replaced by a new curvy looking tractor featuring a new engine, transmission and hydraulics.

The range was renewed as the Gen3 in 2006 with 24 valve 5.7l Deutz engine upgraded to a 6.1 litre unit mounted on rubber mounts in the chassis.

The new added 718 was the flagship of the line-up bringing horsepower to 180. Oil flow is an impressive 154l/min while 8.5tons can be hoisted at the rear.

However, it is the ‘Vario’ CVT (continuously variable transmission) that is the tractors trump card.

Initially appearing in the larger 926 tractors in 1995, Fendt quickly realised the potential of their Vario transmission.

While not pioneered by Fendt, Fendt were the first, and continue to be the only manufacture, to offer the a CVT gearbox as standard across all of its tractor ranges.

A seamless and stepless transmission, the Vario combines the benefits of powershift with variable speed control, moving gradually from full hydrostatic drive to mechanical drive as speed increases.

With two ranges, the tractor can be operated at any ground speed between 0-50kph, allowing the driver to find the optimum working speed for every task.

The in house designed ML180 Vario transmission is used in the 718.

The changed little from the first range of Vario 700 tractors is a pleasant working space with bright grey panelling, while large windows and sloping nose cone providing great levels of visibility, although it often receives criticism for being slightly smaller than other manufacturers

The driver is met with the Variotronic interface which includes a joystick, control screen and operating console.

The armrest mounted joystick controls all major functions of the tractor including speed, direction, cruise control, spool valves front and rear linkage and PTO.

The control screen allows the operator to further fine tune the engine, gearbox and hydraulics to achieve optimal performance.

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