All new Fendt 800 Series Gen5 tractor
The Fendt 800 Vario Gen5 series is a completely newly developed series of tractors and covers a performance range of up to 343hp.
For the first time, the series will receive technologies such as DynamicPerformance added power concept, VarioDrive, the low-speed Fendt iD concept and the self-cleaning engine air filter.
The new cab and innovative lighting concept increase work comfort throughout the working day.
The fifth generation of the 800 Vario, with three models (Fendt 826, 829 and Fendt 832 Vario), sits at the power range from 260 to 320 hp (191–235 kW).
The Fendt DynamicPerformance (DP) added power concept provides an additional 23hp (17 kW) when called upon by additional power requirements such as the cooling fan, oil pump or air-conditioning.
Designed to meet the requirements of contractors and large agricultural farms worldwide, the focus of the new development was on a powerful and manoeuvrable package with a high payload, low fuel consumption and comfortable operations.
Some of the features of this series are outline below.
Manoeuvrable thanks to Fendt VarioDrive
The single-stage Fendt
VarioDrive drivetrain with permanent, independent four-wheel drive was first introduced in 2014 with the Fendt 1000 Vario and is now available for the first time in the Fendt 800 Vario series. This enables maximum tractive power with high soil protection on different subsoils. In addition, there is no need for manual shifting when switching between field and road.
VarioDrive drives the front and rear axles independently of each other and distributes the power dynamically. Another advantage is the so-called pull-in turn effect.
Thanks to the pull-in turn, the independently driven front axle actively pulls the machine into the turn without torsion and the Fendt 800 Vario achieves a particularly small turning circle.
Fendt iD low speed concept saves fuel
The Fendt iD low-speed concept allows the Fendt 800 Vario to achieve high torque and saves fuel at low engine speeds. The rated engine speed is only 1,700 rpm.
High payload for teams
The payload of a tractor decides which implement combinations are possible with the tractor.
The low operating weight of 9.9t with a permissible overall weight of up to 17.5t with an approval for 40 and 50 km/h results in a payload of 7.6t.
This enables legal work in the team with a precision seed drill with a front tank or the legal transport of a front-rear mower combination.
Brings light into the darkness with up to 114,700 lumens
With the Fendt 800 Vario series, Fendt is presenting the new tractor cab with exclusively developed lighting concept for the first time. If the work lasts until night due to a threatening weather swing, the tractor's lighting can decide whether the work can continue.
The LED spotlights are available in two equipment variants: Vision and UltraVision.
All spotlights, including the rotating beacon, are firmly installed in the cab roof and placed in agricultural use for optimum illumination and glare-free working. This increases comfort and safety.
Up to four individual profiles can be stored for convenient and quick operation of the work lights.
Also new is the independent control of the
individual spotlights, and the new, optional Fendt GroundVision drawbar lighting illuminates the area directly at the rear of the machine.
More comfort in the cab
Long working days place high demands on the driver, which is why the tractor cab offers numerous equipment options for greater working comfort.
All equipment lines have the FendtONE workstation with armrest and up to three display areas (Profi and Profi+). Optional footrests are even added on the steering tower and the side console for relaxed leg position.
If the Fendt 800 Vario is used in winter service, the optional, heated laminated safety glass (LSG) front window makes visibility easier.The laminated glass front window also dampens noise particularly well.
The new, electrically adjustable ‘Super Comfort Seat Titanium Leather’ has numerous options for high seating comfort.
Drivers can create personalised seat profiles and call up these user profiles in the FendtONE onboard.
Even when used at high outside temperatures, the performance of the air-conditioning system as standard, provides automatic comfortable temperatures in the cab. There is also a new compressor cooler with a volume of 12 litres. Drinks
and food can be cooled (0-16°C).
For high air quality in dusty operating conditions, the optional automatic dust extraction provides for the cab air filter.
Another new feature is the integration of Apple CarPlay. The software will be rolled out in June 2026.
High hydraulic power for use with complex implements
The Fendt 800 Vario now has a maximum of six hydraulic control units in the rear and two in the front (6+2). A maximum of four control units in the Power+ equipment line are available in the rear and one in the front (4+1), or five control units in the rear (5+0).
Customers can also choose between three hydraulic pumps. In the rear, the optional FFC flat-sealing couplings for control units and the Power Beyond connection prevent the dirt ingress into the system as well as leakage oil and reduce pressure losses.
The relieving rear power lift transfers weight from the implement to the tractor for optimum ground hugging, for example when working with milling machines or mulchers.
• For more information on the new Fendt 800 G5 Series, visit www.fendt.com/au/ or contact your local dealer - Cobram Farming Equipment.
The al new Fendt 800 Vario Gen5 series.
Show support for Finley team
Finley High School’s Show Team has secured another $5000 donation from the Finley Rotary Club to support their upcoming participation in the 2025 Melbourne Royal Show.
Barry Wilson, representing Rotary, handed over the donation during the school's recent Open Day.
It was in addition to $15,000 from the Tocumwal Lions Club, also donated on the day.
Of that, $5000 was for the Melbourne Show trip, and $10,000 was to help finish classroom upgrades at the ag plot.
Rotary’s contribution continues its strong support of the program, having provided more than $21,000 in funding over the past four years.
The Show Team will showcase their rising two year-old bull, FHS Unstoppable, in Melbourne.
He will be Lot 18 in the
Royal Rumble auction on October 4 at 3.30 pm, following the shorthorn judging on October 2.
Finley High teacher
Robyn O’Leary said the funding support will assist in covering the growing expenses of transport, food and accommodation, ensuring the program remains within reach for all students wanting to participate.
Mrs O’Leary said the Melbourne Royal Show provides an opportunity
for Year 11 Primary Industries students to demonstrate their capabilities for the Prepare Livestock for Competition unit.
It also allows them to gain more than 35 hours towards mandatory work placement.
Students develop crucial skills in teamwork, responsibility and communication through the experience.
“We are envied by many other schools for our ability to support students in
attending these events at reasonable cost to families,” Mrs O’Leary said.
“This is only possible because of the outstanding generosity of organisations such as Rotary, and we are thrilled to receive this donation.”
There are 45 students expected to attend the Melbourne Royal Show as part of the Show Team this year, which fellow teacher Gary Webb believes is a testament to the passion
and enthusiasm of the students when it comes to agriculture.
The school’s ag open day was held at the start of September, and was a chance to show the community the program in place at Finley High, but also thank supporters and sponsors.
During the open day, animals were being washed, brushed, trimmed and dried, and visitors were welcome to watch and ask the students questions.
spray liquid generates larger droplets making them sensitive to wind, reducing drift by up to 75% over standard nozzles.
Gary Webb and Robyn O’Leary accept a donation from Rotarian Barry Wilson, on behalf of the Finley Show Team and principal Jeff Ward (back, right).
Dates: Wednesday 1st & Thursday 2nd October, 2025
Time: 10AM – 3PM
Location: Closes Road, Finley.
Off Newell Hwy. Follow signs. Food & drinks provided
Try before you buy
By Eamon Kurta
Farmers and machinery enthusiasts are invited to get behind the wheel at the upcoming PetherAg Ride and Drive Days.
Hosted at Closes Rd, Finley, the offer is available for two days - from 10am to 3pm on both October 1 and 2.
The event offers a hands-on opportunity to test-drive some of the latest agricultural equipment, including:
• Versatile 620 Delta Track
• Versatile 570 4WD
• Versatile 400 Front
Wheel Assist
• Maschio Veloce 10m Speed Tiller
• Auscut 6.5m TruTill
• Auscut Stubble Cruncher
Whether you're looking to upgrade your gear, or simply curious about how these machines perform in the paddock, the Ride and Drive Days are a chance to experience power, precision, and innovation first hand.
Food and drinks will be provided, making it a great day out for you or the whole team.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with industry experts, explore new
technology, and enjoy a relaxed, informative day in the field. RSVPs are encouraged. Use the QR code in the advertisement on the opposite page.
Back with new skills
In a full-circle moment for Jerilderie’s trusted irrigation specialists, Pine Rise Pumps has welcomed back its very first apprentice, Brodie Newton, after a decade away.
Brodie, a qualified welder, rejoined the business earlier this year, bringing with him years of experience and a deep understanding of the company’s values and craftsmanship.
Operated by husband-and-wife team Kevin and Janine A’Vard, Pine Rise Pumps has been a cornerstone of the broadacre irrigation industry in southern NSW for over 22 years.
The business recently expanded its shed to accommodate growing demand, continuing its commitment to Australian-made and designed irrigation systems.
Specialising in large-scale commercial operations, Pine Rise Pumps serves a wide range of agricultural clients, including dairies, piggeries, truck wash sumps, tomato waste, cotton, corn trash, and more.
Their pumps are engineered to handle everything from sludge and mud to industrial impurities, offering reliable solutions across diverse terrain and applications.
Kevin has qualifications in welding, fabrication, and manufacturing, and leads the evolution of the company’s pump designs
to meet changing customer needs.
The team supplies and installs:
• Irrigation Pumps
• Floating Pumps
• Pipes and Motors
• Poly Pipe (200mm-1000mm)
• Honda, Hatz, and Yanmar Motors
• Plastic Welding and Hire Pumps
Beyond products, Pine Rise Pumps offers design, planning, installation, and project management services, ensuring tailored solutions for every client.
The flexible pricing model reflects their belief in personalised service, with quotes available upon request.
Visit them at 121 Coreen St, Jerilderie or call on 0428 998 80.
PetherAg’s range of machinery on display at the recent Finley Show.
Pine Rise Pumps has hire pumps available for fast watering.
Schulz's stud adventure in NSW
By Zoe McMaugh
Terri and Buzz Schulz are no strangers to the Southern Riverina region.
They both spent between three and five years working in the district “as young folks, gaining life knowledge and experience”.
Both originally from Devenish in Victoria, they originally invested in the area when buying property on Broughans Rd Finley in 2015.
Their daughter Taryn and partner Maggie live at and work the block.
Buzz and Terri have now also taken up land in Mayrung, and are in the process of relocating their Wongabby White Suffolk Stud.
“Due to family circumstances and suitable land availability, we decided to broaden our horizons and possibilities to NSW, bringing us closer to our Finley farm,” Buzz said.
“We’ve always enjoyed the friendly and welcoming type of community in this area.
“In the past we have
farmed some 800ha of crops and livestock in Victoria.
“As our stud stock has grown, we have both felt the need to descale the cropping side of life a little and put more time into our passion of the stud stock.
“So we embarked on the search to find something suitable up here (in the Southern Riverina).
“When we found ‘Eddington’ was available, we both were attracted to the house, garden feedlot and position, being at the gateway of the outback.
“The property ticked several boxes for us to expand on our business, and so a new adventure begins.”
Buzz said there is still a little work to do before they can host their first Mayrung sale, including engaging with NSW regulation and breeding requirements.
He’s aiming for spring next year.
This year, the sale will go ahead at Benalla as usualon Friday, October 3. It will be held at the Benalla Showgrounds, with inspections from 11am, and
a barbecue lunch before the sale begins at 1pm.
The Schulz’s delved into White Suffolks in 2007 when they purchased 30 head from Merriwa in Lalbert, Victoria.
“It was an exceptionally dry year, and a mate spoke of a chap selling a lot of surplus stock.
“So I went out to buy half a dozen ewes and came home with a trailer load of 30. From that, 28 survived the season.”
The pair bought in more flocks over the next few years, and by 2013 they had 80 ewes and their flock started to resemble breed characteristics.
The number grew with more purchases to 100 ewes by 2015 and 150 by 2017, when they registered the flock with Australian White Suffolk Association and became flock number 917.
In 2020, Terri and Buzz introduced Charollais blood via Rene Stud, purchasing a top end flock ram to cross, improving muscle, shape and depth with “terrific results”.
“This brought us closer to what we believe the
industry requires - ease of lambing, high growth rates, high yielding, succulent eating and well conformed terminal sheep that just do well in adjusting climates.”
Steady progress and careful selection of stock to add to the flock has yielded great results for the couple, who now have about 400 ewes.
For more information about the Wongabby ram sale at Benalla, see the ad on this page.
Buzz Schulz rounds up some sheep on his ATV.
Terri and Buzz Shulz already have land in Finley, and have now bought more land at Mayrung for the White Suffolk sheep stud.
Taking farming to new heights
By Eamon Kurta
In the heart of the NSW Riverina and North Eastern Victoria, Chris Thorburn is revolutionising the way farmers manage their land through his business.
With a background in global commodity trading and over a decade of handson agricultural experience, Chris is now harnessing cutting-edge drone technology through Thorburn Drone Solutions to deliver smarter, faster, and more sustainable farming solutions.
Operating out of Tocumwal, he offers aerial spraying, spreading, and mapping services, using the powerful DJI Agras T50 drone.
Capable of flying at 36km/h and servicing up to 14ha/h on a good day, the drone provides unmatched access to difficult terrain, making it ideal for areas where traditional machinery struggles.
Chris says the main reason for aerial application is access - drones can reach places that ground equipment simply can’t. But the benefits go far beyond reach. Drone spraying reduces chemical drift, minimises waste, and eliminates soil compaction, all while delivering precise, targeted coverage.
Whether it’s weed spraying, urea
“Drones are becoming more and more common in agriculture. They’re efficient, cost-effective, and safer, especially when working on uneven or inaccessible terrain,” Chris said.
He now also offers high-resolution multispectral imaging, generating NDVI maps that reveal crop health, drainage patterns, and soil variability. These insights allow farmers to create prescription maps for variable rate applications, helping them reduce costs, increase yields, and make informed decisions.
As a CASA-certified drone pilot and chief remote pilot, Chris combines technical expertise with a profound understanding of farming.
Chris Thorburn and his drone could be your answer to inaccessible crop.
Cobram Farm Equipment Proud
Mowers, mower conditioners
Tedders, rotary rakes
Round balers, square balers
Windrowers
Combine harvesters
Tractors
Vario tractors
Specialist orchard and vineyard tractors
Automatic Steering, Correction Options, Spraying and Spreading Controllers, Seeder Controllers, Cropspec – Onthe-Go Crop Sensor, GPS Landlevelling/Surveying
Trailer, Linkage, 12 Volt Sprayers
Round balers
Combi wrappers
Silage handling equipment
Compact Disc Harrows, Heliodor, Rubin 10, Rubin 12, Tine Cultivators, Karat10, Karat 12
Mowers, mower conditioners
Tedders, rotary rakes, silage wrappers
The spare parts, service and engineering divisions of Cobram Farm Equipment meets the needs of their valued customers by stocking all anticipated replacement machinery parts. Our after hours numbers are constantly manned by our trained and accredited staff.
Valley Highway, Cobram
Phone: (03) 5872 1722
(03) 5865 8262 or (03) 5874 5552