Fendt Customer Testimonials 2023

Fendt Testimonials 2023

Tractor Testimonials

Change in tractor brand proved even better than expected Cambridgeshire farmers, John and Nick Lee were so pleased with their first Fendt 300 Vario-series tractor and the back-up from their local dealer, that they went on to buy a second, similar model within just 18 months.

“We always regarded Fendt as the best tractor brand but doubted we could justify the higher initial purchase cost,” explained Nick, who farms in partnership with his father, John. “I drove an 800 Vario-series belonging to a friend when I helped on his farm and was very impressed by the whole package, so we borrowed a demonstration 415 Vario from TNS to try on our own farm. It was a lovely tractor, and the whole operating concept was like the bigger model but the difference in cost between the Fendt and competitor brands seemed too much at that time.”

Livestock breeding enterprise

Trading as AJ & NJ Lee, the Lee family farms at West Fen, near Ely, only a 10-minute drive from the dealer’s Littleport depot. Cattle are the main enterprise and a successful commercial breeding herd supplies calves for fattening to three main buyers all within the Eastern Counties.

The original herd was mainly Charolais, but now Limousin bulls are used – there are five on the farm, and the 140 breeding cows plus followers are a mix of Hereford-cross, Simmental and Simmental-cross, and some Angus-cross too. “We

changed breeds for easier calving and better temperament,” continued Nick.

“Progeny are sold for fattening as we don’t have the shed capacity currently, but we might fatten in future.”

As well as the large livestock buildings, the Lees own 40ha of grassland and rent additional land nearby. Some provides summer grazing, and the rest produces grass for silage. Straw is sourced from nearby arable farms and baled by the Lees using a Fendt round baler.

There are two tractors - one with a front loader, plus a telehandler.

Bales are loaded onto trailers and transported back to the yard by the loader tractor, then the telehandler loads them onto a wrapper, and then stacks them while the tractor and trailer returns to the field.

Fendt preferred

“The Fendt 415 Vario demonstrator was borrowed in 2008, and at that time we had been using a competitor brand for quite a few years,” explained Nick. “Having decided we preferred but couldn’t afford the Fendt, we changed to another brand which remained in use until 2017 when TNS Area Sales Manager, Jim Sculthorpe,

who looked after our account at that time, suggested that we considered Fendt again.

“We agreed a deal to purchase our first 313 Vario. It was a factory order and arrived in October 2018.”

The Fendt proved even better than expected and the dealer’s back-up was excellent, so when the loader tractor was due for updating 18 months later, it was also replaced by a Fendt. “We didn’t set out to buy a Fendt loader tractor and were considering other options, but when we were at the TNS depot we noticed the 313 Vario in stock. We negotiated a price with our new Area Sales Manager, Jason Jolley - who replaced Jim Sculthorpe when he retired, and took delivery of our second Fendt 313 Vario complete with a Fendt front loader.”

The Fendt Vario CVT transmission is considered an advantage for

all operations. “For grass cutting, tedding, raking and baling we can optimise the travel speed to match the conditions. For loader work, very fine adjustments are possible, and shuttling between forward and reverse is incredibly smooth,” highlighted John. “We’ve always preferred tractors on reasonably large wheels, and the Fendt ride quality and comfort is amazing – especially considering the compact size and relatively short wheelbase. I’ve operated many brands of tractor, but never experienced cabs which are so quiet before.”

Ideal loader tractor

John is the loader tractor’s main operator, and he said that the Fendt design makes it especially easy to use. The ability to use the foot throttle and steering column-mounted shuttle lever leaves the right hand free for loader control, and for transport only hand control through the joystick is needed.

Fast loading cycle times are provided by the capable hydraulic system and the tractor’s tight turning circle, while the curved windscreen allows a clear view of the loader and attachment when working at maximum height.

Nick said third-party loader options weren’t considered. “We had been so impressed by our first Fendt tractor that we decided the loader had to be Fendt too. They are designed to work together so it just made sense.”

Great dealer back-up

Since the first 313 Vario tractor arrived just over four and a half years ago it has worked 1,100 hours. The loader tractor has clocked up similar hours in just three years. Both tractors were purchased with 1,500-hour, 5-year warranties, and negotiations are in progress to extend these. Both tractors have been very reliable and similar hydraulic linkage issues which affected both tractors early on were quickly rectified under warranty by the dealer. A loan tractor was provided while the work was carried out.

Servicing is carried out by the TNS team, and routine maintenance and daily checks are described by Nick as ‘minimal’. Because the use is so varied, he said it is difficult to accurately measure fuel consumption, but he and John agree that the Fendts are very economical. AdBlue consumption is also low, and the tank is filled once for every two tanks of diesel.

Because the newer of the two tractors was already in stock at the dealer, it came with an optional front linkage.

“It’s handy for carrying a box of tools as well as supplies for baling, but apart from that we don’t use it a lot,” stated Nick. “There is no front PTO, but if it had one then we would probably invest in a front mower although for the area we farm it would be hard to justify the cost.

“When it’s time to upgrade the loader

tractor then we will probably not bother with a front linkage again.

Our previous balers needed frequent repairs in the field so having tools with us was essential, but since changing to the more reliable Fendt baler a few years ago, breakdowns have become rare.”

Pleased with decision

Asked whether the current Fendts will eventually be replaced by similar models, Nick and John confirmed that this is likely. “Everything about them is superb. They are easy and comfortable to operate and using them means we get everything done so quickly. We believe they save us money in terms of fuel consumption and maintenance, and we expect high retained values when it’s time to trade them in,” said Nick. “The back-up from the TNS team is great too, especially Jason Jolley who looks after us well and provides honest advice when we call, and engineer, Robin Sugg who is usually our first point of contact when anything service-related is needed.

We remain very pleased with our decision to change to Fendt tractors supplied and looked after by an excellent local dealer.”

Kirton Farming share their experience after one year with the Fendt 724 A year after the first Fendt tractor arrived on a large East Suffolk estate, the farmer and the tractor’s operators remain very happy with their buying decision.

The Fendt 724 Vario Gen 6 was purchased by Kirton Farming Ltd in autumn 2022 and supplied by Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS). It met the farm’s requirement for a highly versatile tractor with a low unladen weight but that could also be ballasted to increase traction and for working with heavy implements.

It replaced a slightly less powerful tractor of another brand.

“Last time we changed tractor brands was in 2009, and since then we have owned a succession of tractors of the same make all from the same local dealer, and received back-up that was second to none,” explained farm owner and manager, Michael Paul.

When the farm’s mid-sized tractor was due for updating last year, a consultant friend of Michael’s suggested that he should consider a Fendt. “I had always considered the brand too expensive to justify, but when we compared the Fendt price and specification with that of the newer version of the tractor we were replacing and then added on all the extras needed, the Fendt surprisingly cost less.”

Fendt’s reputation for fuel economy was also an attraction. “Our diesel

costs have increased significantly in recent years, so we are always keen to consider anything that uses less diesel and could save us money,” pointed out Michael.

Unbeatable warranty

The manufacturer warranty was considered another major advantage.

“We could buy it with a full five-year warranty, with the option to pay to extend it to eight years at any time,” continued Michael. “I was confident that the Fendt would be reliable, but that sort of manufacturer guarantee provides extra reassurance. Whether we keep the tractor for longer protected against the cost of repairs, or sell it with its remaining warranty for a higher price, it’s definitely worth having.”

References sought

The Fendt 724 Vario Gen 6 was trialled and compared to the farm’s existing tractors, and quickly proved popular with the experienced operators. Before committing to the Fendt and placing his order, Michael also spoke with several farmers already using Fendt tractors supplied

by TNS. “In recent years we had bought several smaller items from TNS, but nothing significant requiring

immediate back-up. The feedback from everyone we spoke to was extremely positive regarding both the Fendt brand and the dealer, so we placed our order and the Fendt 724 Vario Gen 6 arrived last November.”

Ideal drilling tractor

The Fendt’s primary role is drilling.

A 4m Vaderstad drill establishes most crops, and a Claydon directdrill has recently been ordered from TNS, replacing a 6m mounted tine seeder. Michael explained that the Claydon drill has been ordered for use within the existing min-till crop establishment regime. “We drill later in the autumn to give grass weeds and volunteers time to chit before being sprayed off ahead of drilling. If conditions turn wet before drilling is finished, then we believe the Claydon drill will continue performing successfully and allow us to work for longer when our main drill would struggle. It will also penetrate effectively to establish wheat into land which has been left to weather, without needing additional pre-cultivations. We are interested in the possibility of direct-drilling when conditions are right in future, so this year we are planting some second wheat and beans direct into stubbles and we will monitor the crops’ progress and yields next harvest.”

Light enough for top work

Fertiliser application is another of the Fendt’s main roles. For most of the spring and early summer the standard tyres are replaced by a set of narrow rowcrops. It cuts hedges in the winter and spends a lot of time fitted with a mower topping grass. It is also used for spring seedbed cultivations ahead of sugar beet and pea drilling and applies Avadex through a mounted 24m spreader. Its light weight and the narrow wheels also make it ideal for moving the farm’s irrigation system.

“We wanted a versatile tractor suitable for a wide variety of tasks all year around, and in its first 10 months, it has already recorded 780 hours,” continued Michael. “In contrast, the larger tractor is used only for heavy cultivations, and it works approximately 400 hours per year.’

Reduced fatigue

The Fendt 724 Vario Gen 6 has the FendtONE operating concept, allowing users to adapt the controls and display terminals to suit their pretences for a particular task. The tractor’s main user is John Tooley.

“I love the Fendt cab,” he stressed.

“It’s quiet and comfortable and the visibility is superb. The controls are excellent, and I quickly got used to them. It’s a rewarding tractor to drive and even after almost a year using it; I’m still finding new features. One I find particularly useful is ‘Angle to A-B’ in the autosteer menu. For jobs such

as stubble raking, we work at an angle to the tramlines rather than driving straight along them, and I can simply select and activate that guidance mode in the menu. Using my previous tractor for the same task meant setting up completely new A-B lines.”

Saving diesel

Pulling the Vaderstad drill across flat fields of dry, medium loam soils the Fendt easily maintains a 16kph working speed - equivalent to a spot hourly work rate of 6.5ha, while burring only 37 litres of diesel per hour. “It uses far less fuel than the tractor it replaced. Direct comparison is difficult and the Fendt design is newer, but we estimate average savings of 10 litres for every hour worked, and I can easily achieve two full days of drilling without having to refuel,” added John.

Excellent dealer

Back-up from the TNS Melton depot team has proved just as good as Michael had hoped. “There have been no reliability issues, but when the tractor is due for a service then the TNS engineer turns up at the time we agreed. The Area Sales Manager, Kyle Tew is always helpful and when we call for advice then he understands what we need and quickly finds a solution. His background working in the service department helps, as he knows the range of products inside out.”

Potential order for a second Fendt

TNS recently lent the farm a larger 728 Vario Gen 7 tractor to try, of which first customer deliveries recently started. “We are considering options for the future, and the 728 Vario impressed everyone who tried it,” confirmed Michael.

“When we bought our first Fendt, we invested in a brand we weren’t familiar with from a dealer we hadn’t worked with for a long time, so it was very much uncharted territory. However, TNS and the Fendt tractor have met and exceeded all our expectations so far, so if Kyle Tew can put together an acceptable deal, then it’s likely we will end up with a 728 Vario too.”

30 years of Fendt excellence on MacGregor farm in Norfolk Fendt tractors have formed the backbone of the machinery fleet for a North Norfolk family farm for almost 30 years. Brand strengths including superb reliability, high levels of comfort, low depreciation and excellent dealer back-up mean that the situation is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future.

Trading as the MacGregor Farming Partnership, and operating from Mill Farm, Great Witchingham, the mixed arable and livestock enterprise extends to approximately 500ha.

Organic crops grown for seed are a speciality; including wheat, oats, barley and Quinoa, while conventional crops include oilseed rape, beans, peas, wheat and barley, as well as grass for grazing the farm’s pedigree Poll Dorset sheep and Beef Shorthorn cattle. Organic vegetables are included within the rotation – grown on land rented by a local producer, and there is also a large area of the farm within Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship schemes too.

Busy tractor fleet

The farm’s busy machinery fleet includes three Fendt tractors. “We get on well with the brand and find the machines well designed and easy to use,” explained Farm Manager, Leigh Nobes. “The Thurlow Nunn Standen Fakenham depot team looks after us well - especially Area Sales Manager,

Josh Taylor who is our first port of call whether we need sales, servicing or repairs. He is friendly and helpful, and always answers his phone.”

The current Fendt line-up includes a 2007 162hp 716 Vario TMS – used mainly for hedge cutting and yard work; a 200hp 720 Vario - new in 2017 and which does most of the top work and a 724 Vario with up to 237hp which was purchased in 2023.

“The 700 Vario-series tractors are incredibly versatile,” continued Leigh.

“Dealers representing competitor brands have tried to tempt us away from Fendt by lending us models of similar power, but none came close to matching the performance in such a compact, lightweight and manoeuvrable package. Having used Fendt’s Vario CVT transmissions since 2003, we wouldn’t even consider a mechanical gearbox again.

We have plenty of experience of Fendt reliability too, as well as the low costs of ownership resulting from the

high retained values. There really is no reason to change the supplier or brand.”

Extra power and traction

The new Fendt 724 Vario replaced a 718 Vario. “In 2023, we invested in a wider, 6m Sky direct-drill, and wanted the extra power to achieve higher work rates and increase flexibility,” stressed Leigh. “We also upgraded from the Power Plus to the Profi Plus equipment level and, as well as adding extra comfort features, this includes a larger hydraulic pump with extra capacity to power the drill’s fan.”

User-friendly controls

The 724 Vario is a Gen 6 version with the latest FendtONE cab and controls.

Operator, Fergus MacGregor said that being able to create and save operating profiles for different users and implements is an advantage.

“My father, Duncan helps during busy periods, and although he isn’t as familiar with all the systems as Leigh and myself, he only has to select the saved profile, then the settings for the implement and task are automatically applied allowing him to get on with the work with minimal training. All the controls are extremely intuitive.”

The 720 Vario and 724 Vario are both equipped with high-performance VF tyres, capable of carrying 40% more load or operating at 40% lower inflation pressures than conventional radials of a similar size. The 724 Vario is on VF710/70R38 rear tyres, matched with VF600/65R28 fronts. “The large tyres achieve a big footprint to reduce the ground pressure and maximise traction,” explained Leigh. “Operating at lower pressures they protect the soils, and since we have been using this tractor for drilling it’s been very hard to see to see where the wheels travelled as crops emerge.”

Almost the perfect package Asked if there are any aspects of

the Fendt design that could be improved; Fergus commented that his only criticisms are minor. He pointed out that a pause button for the in-cab media system would be an advantage, to avoid missing musical or spoken content while on the phone or listening to the implement.

machine. It’s also exceptionally easy to clean between different crops and varieties which is a significant advantage for us because of the volume of seed we produce.

“We placed an order within two weeks, and the Ideal arrived in time to finish our harvest.”

Fendt Ideal joined the fleet

Competitors can’t match the package

During harvest 2023, a Fendt combine also joined the fleet. “We weren’t planning to replace our competitorbrand, straw walker combine yet, but when Josh offered to demonstrate the Ideal 7T rotary with a 9.15m SuperFlow header mid-harvest, we were keen to see what it could do,” continued Leigh. “Harvesting organic peas and organic wheat with high trash volumes it performed well, easily achieving an excellent sample with minimal losses, and I was immediately struck by how much more relaxed I felt after a day in the seat, compared to operating our own

The strong relationship between the farm, dealer and manufacturer teams means there is little chance of the farm changing brands. “We have complete faith in Josh and the rest of the TNS team, and on the rare occasions when breakdowns have occurred in the past then Fendt UK stood by the machines even after warranties had expired.

“We don’t believe that any other brand matches the Fendt package, and the excellent retained values means the tractors are a very cost-effective option too,” Leigh concluded.

Satisfaction with new tractor resulted in second of the same model

upgrades needed to bring their tractors up to a similar equipment level to the Fendt, the prices were surprisingly close.

A Norfolk farming family was so impressed by its first Fendt tractor, that another of the same model followed just 18 months later. David Williams visited the farm to find out more.

“We were confident that the Fendt would be reliable which would keep repair costs low and expect the retained value to be higher than other brands, so the attractive deal offered by the TNS team made sense. We ordered a 722 Vario Power+ that was in stock.”

Trading as CB Gay, John Gay and his son Tom farm approximately 260ha of land rented from Blickling Estate.

The farming enterprise is all-arable apart from a small amount of grass which is part of a livery yard, and the crop rotation includes oilseed rape, winter wheat, winter and spring barley and sugar beet. Wildfarmed grain is being grown for the first time this year as part of a strategy to farm more sustainably. Forty hectares of potatoes are grown too, on a subletting arrangement with a local producer.

Wanted more technical capability

Tom has been running the farm with his father for approximately 12 years, and he is the third generation of the family to farm there, since the land was acquired over 50 years ago. “We are keen to use the latest technology where it’s appropriate to improve our operating efficiency and accuracy,” he explained. “We got on well with our previous tractors, but always felt limited by the level of technology. I could see that investing in a tractor with more advanced precision

farming capability would give us extra opportunities to improve our operating efficiency. We trialled a Fendt 700 Vario-series tractor loaned

by Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS), plus several competitor brand tractors from other dealers in our area.”

Strong dealer relationship

A shortlist of three tractors was created. “All the tractors we tried had their good points, but my father and I very much liked the Fendt,” expressed Tom. “We also knew that it would be very hard to fault the back-up from the TNS team; especially area sales manager, Paul Defew, and Philip Andrews in the workshop, as our previous tractors, combine harvester and many implements were all supplied and are looked after by the dealer.”

Surprisingly affordable

John said he had always assumed that a Fendt tractor would be out of the farm’s price range. “The standard specification is higher than other brands but includes many features we need. So, by the time the other dealers added the cost of the optional

The 222hp Fendt replaced a 200hp tractor, and its primary roles include drilling with a Vaderstad Spirit 3m drill, applying fertiliser through a Kverneland GeoSpread mounted disc spreader plus general tasks including grain carting, mowing and cultivations. The drill and fertiliser spreader both utilise the tractor’s Isobus connectivity, and spreading accuracy is enhanced using section control and variable rate applications.

The farm’s existing Trimble GPS terminal was retained for field mapping and guidance. “We get on well with the Trimble terminal and there was no need to replace it, so the TNS engineers helped us install it in the new tractor. It linked easily into the Fendt’s control system and provides the location reference for automatic implement control,” continued Tom. “The Trimble display is at the top of my right-hand window, and then I have the FendtONE terminal on the right-hand armrest and tractor performance and status settings displayed on the dashboard. “The main difference using the Trimble

terminal rather than a Fendt screen for guidance is that field maps can’t be transferred to the other two screens, but it’s not a problem.”

Immediately impressed

After having the Fendt for 18 months, during which John drove it occasionally, the decision was taken to replace the farm’s other, 180hp tractor with a second Fendt. “Being older, it takes me a little longer to get used to new technology and I thought that the Fendt was over-complicated at first,” John stressed. “However, with help from Tom we set up the tractor’s systems to suit our preferences and various tasks and then stored the operating profiles so that that they can be recalled and installed just by touching the screen.

“Within a short time, I had found out that driving the Fendt was actually very easy and enjoyable. The ride comfort is incredible, and I suffer less from back ache. We liked the idea of having two identical tractors to avoid complications when swapping implements, so we consulted Paul Defew again and agreed a deal to buy another new 722 Vario Power+ which was in stock.”

The only difference between the two tractors is the tyre sizes. Tom’s tractor is on 650/75R38 rears and 600/65R28 fronts and John’s is on 650/65R42 rears and 540/65R30 fronts. John does more road work as well as heavy cultivations and all the spraying – pulling a trailed 2,400-litre, 24m sprayer.

Diverse roles

John and Tom agree that the compact size and light weight of the 722 Vario is a significant advantage.

“For spraying, the ballast is removed, we drop the tyre pressures right down, and it just tiptoes across the fields,” stressed John. “But with ballast added for heavy cultivations, it lifts and pulls our 2.8m He-Va five-leg, disc and tine cultivator so easily that we sometimes wonder if it is set to work deep enough in the ground. We rarely plough now, but it handles our 5f reversible and furrow press no problem. We also have a 5m Kuhn cultivator and recently purchased a mounted 5.6m Major Cyclone heavy-duty rotary mower

to maintain 6m field margins within Countryside Stewardship schemes and for mulching cover crops, and the Fendt is ideal for that job too.

For grain carting we use 14t and 16t trailers and the tractors feel stable and secure with loaded trailers behind at higher speeds on the road.”

see the hitch means my weight on the seat is reduced and the alarm sounds,” he said. “It would be good to have an external mirror to view the hitch which would save leaning back so far, or a less sensitive seat switch could be added just to avoid the noise of the buzzer in that situation.”

Vario – efficient and versatile Fendt’s Vario CVT transmission has particularly impressed John. “Even when our first Fendt arrived, I still favoured the idea of mechanical powershift transmission, but I was quickly won over by the Fendt Vario system and its ease of use. Pulling heavy trailers out of road junctions, it just accelerates constantly through the speed range rather than pausing to find new gears. For manoeuvring around the yard and turning on headlands it’s extremely user-friendly and smooth, but the biggest benefits are for PTO work. I can set the engine revs to achieve the correct PTO speed, then control the travel speed independently. With the fertiliser spreader that’s a real benefit as we can slow down ahead of headland turns without dropping the revs and reducing the spread width, and it allows us to maintain the optimum fan speed on the drill at the headlands too.

Tractor and dealer create the best package

“It pulls well, including for heavy draft work, and the ability to maintain a constant speed in heavy working conditions means that we could easily upgrade our drill from 3m to a 6m model.”

No major areas of improvement

John and Tom agree that the Fendt tractors are proving ideal, and they have very few suggestions for improvements. “We could always do with extra cab storage space – especially for paperwork of which we seem to have increasing amounts for record keeping,” said John. “We had to pay to add toolboxes to both tractors, to avoid having tools and linkage pins rattling around loose on the cab floor.

However, for the cost of the tractors, I feel Fendt should include these as standard.”

John said that he finds the seat occupancy sensor annoying. “Backing up to a trailer and leaning back to

“We never wanted to move away from the TNS Fakenham team with who we have such a loyal and long-standing relationship, so we were extremely pleased when the Fendt proved so good and that the cost compared to competitor brands was so reasonable,” confirmed John. “Having started off concerned that the Fendt would be over-complicated, I quickly got used to it and now count myself as quite proficient. “Every time I use the Fendt I appreciate its quality – the way the doors shut and the absence of squeaks and rattles, the way the steering constantly self-centres on the road – everything about it is excellent. After using the previous brand tractors for more than 50 years on the farm, I believe we did the right thing changing to Fendt. The tractors are the ideal package – especially backed up by the team we rate so highly at TNS.”

Power and reliability: three generations of Fendt tractors in Essex After many years using competitor brand tractors, an Essex-based farming and contracting business purchased its first Fendt, from Thurlow Nunn Standen.

The decision proved so successful that when the Fendt was due for updating another Fendt followed, and now a third new Fendt has been supplied by the dealer, as well as a second-hand tractor of the same brand.

Trading as D McNair Ltd, Jim McNair farms at Mistley, near Manningtree, and provides an agricultural contracting service to farms in the area. Potatoes are the main crop, grown for a contract with Walkers within an extended rotation on the family’s own farm as well as on rented land. Other crops include wheat, flax, and spring barley, and some of the owned land is rented out to onion growers and for turf production.

First Fendt

Field operations for potato growers are the main contracting activity, but additional services include fertiliser applications, cultivations and a small amount of spraying. There are three tractors on the farm’s own fleet, with additional machines hired in as needed. “We bought our first Fendt in 2017,” explained Jim. “We used another brand previously, but when breakdowns occurred under warranty we were asked to pay an excess charge on every invoice, so we looked at what else was available.”

Versatile for year-around use

Among the brands considered was Fendt, represented by longestablished dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS). The 700 Vario-series appealed for its versatility. The line-up included models with the required power output, and a low unladen weight made them ideal for transport, top work and crop applications, but with ballast added and large tyres they were also suitable for heavier field work. This meant that they could be used throughout the year for tasks including potato land preparation and harvesting, as well as transport, estate maintenance, top work and primary cultivations.

A 718 Vario (186hp max) was selected to replace the existing tractor, with the reassurance of an extended manufacturer warranty and a service contract. “We didn’t even have a demonstration before placing our order,” commented Jim. “Previous experience operating Fendts on another farm meant I was familiar

with the performance and build quality, and we also liked the idea of a full manufacturer warranty which allowed us to fix the ownership costs and budget accurately. We knew that the TNS team would look after us too.”

The Fendt 718 Vario performed as well as expected, working almost 3,000 hours in two years before being replaced by a more powerful 724 Vario (246hp max). Jim had taken on additional contracting work and he wanted the extra power to operate wider implements and increase work rates.

Confidence in brand

An older Fendt 820 Vario has also joined the fleet. “We needed a powerful and reliable tractor for tasks including topping potatoes ahead of the harvester and for occasional use when the 724 Vario is busy elsewhere.

We couldn’t justify a brand-new tractor for the role but came across the Fendt 820 Vario which was ideal. It had worked 8,000 hours but that didn’t worry us as the model is considered ‘bomb-proof’.

The specification includes Vario CVT transmission which we consider essential for all our own tractors, but there is much less technology than on later machines. Working just a few hundred hours per year we expect it to hold its value well, which means ownership costs will remain extremely low.”

724 Vario Gen6

Last year, at three years old, the 724 Vario was traded in for another tractor of the same model. “Again,

we didn’t consider alternative brands as we remained so happy with Fendt and back-up from the TNS team,” continued Jim. “Area Sales Representative, Kyle Tew looks after us well. His previous role as an engineer at the dealership means he knows the products inside out and understands the technology. He’s friendly and easy to deal with and we value his advice. He always answers his phone too, even out of working hours and we appreciate and value that sort of service.”

FendtONE

The 724 Vario Gen6 has the latest FendtONE operating concept which allows users to customise the controls to suit the task and driver preferences.

“We chose the top ProfiPlus specification as we felt it would improve our operating efficiency,” continued Jim. “It took a while to get used to the FendtONE controls after using the previous model, but they really are brilliant. For drilling with our Isobus-linked Horsch Pronto, I use the roof level terminal to control the seeder. I rarely touch it once it’s set up, but it’s easy to glance up and check that the drill is performing correctly, while the GPS guidance map remains on the dashboard screen. I use the terminal on the right-hand armrest to set up tractor functions and monitor performance.

“With Isobus-compatible implements there is no need for an additional display with extra wiring, so it’s a tidier and more convenient solution too.”

Jim added that the FendtONE multifunction joystick is comfortable and easy to use, and the second, smaller joystick is perfect for working with a side-arm mower. “It has buttons to

shift between forward and reverse so I can operate the mower and tractor without swapping controls when I’m working.”

Capable and versatile

The new 724 Vario was ordered with large 650/65R42 rear tyres and 540/65R30 fronts. “With ballast added it puts the power down to the ground very effectively,” stressed Jim. “On our heavier land the semi-mounted 7f plough takes a lot of pulling, but we can add an eighth body on lighter soils, and it still pulls it without a problem. We also use a 3m, 6-leg Sumo Trio stubble cultivator and a heavy Tim Howard 5-leg subsoiler and it handles those well too. For operation with our 6m seedbed cultivator, and 4.6m Cultipress we remove the ballast and fit dual wheels all-around, and it just floats across the fields.”

The Fendt tractors have lived up to the brand’s reputation for fuel efficiency, confirmed the operators.

During a full day working with a George Moate two-bed Tillerstar bed former the Fendt used an average 44 litres per hour of diesel, which they say is considerably less than other tractors they have used performing the same task.

Telemetry

The Fendt has Fendt Connect telemetry which allows the owner and authorised users to view information including the tractor’s location and working status remotely though a smartphone app. “It’s a useful management tool as I can monitor work rates and fuel use, and it also helps me plan work schedules and

check work records when invoicing customers,” said Jim. “The TNS service team can access the technical data, and they contact us when services are due to arrange a suitable time.

“Unless we are under severe pressure due to weather, we try to ensure everyone has at least one day off per week. On one occasion the TNS engineers came out on a Sunday to carry out a service to avoid interrupting our work. They really are brilliant and we couldn’t ask for more than that.”

Will a fifth Fendt follow?

Jim said he can see no reason to change brands or the supplying dealer when the 724 Vario is due for replacement in two years’ time.

“The power-to-weight ratio makes it the best all-round tractor in terms of versatility, and it carries out all the tasks we need it to with ease.

“I also like the look of the latest 728 Vario Gen7 which became available last year, but whichever model we select it will almost certainly be ordered through Kyle at TNS.

A Markillie Ltd testimonial: growing success with Fendt 900 tractors A Norfolk-based farmer who started changing his main tractor fleet from a competitor manufacturer to Fendt backed up by Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) eight years ago, says that there is no reason to run any other brand.

Trading as A Markillie Ltd, the Markillie family has farmed between Wisbech and Kings Lynn since 1943.

Over the decades the business has grown, and now approximately 1,200ha is farmed which is a mix of the family’s own land and some which is contract-farmed. Soils are mainly silty clay loams and cropping includes potatoes, sugar beet and cereals.

Lower cost of ownership

Of the current six-tractor fleet, four are Fendts and the farm also relies on a Fendt Rogator self-propelled sprayer. “Our wheeled tractor fleet was made up of just one competitor brand for many years,” explained Sam Markillie. “There were various reliability problems, some of which weren’t covered by the warranty, so we had a casual look at Fendt instead. Attractions included the reputation for reliability and strong resale values, and when we looked at adverts for used Fendts of similar age and specification to tractors we were running at that time, it was clear that the Fendts were worth a lot more. We also asked the opinion of friends and neighbours already running Fendts,

and the positive response encouraged us to contact the TNS team to request a demonstration. We traded in our previous main wheeled tractor for a new 366hp Fendt 936 Vario, in 2015.”

Progressive change to Fendt

The 936 Vario performed well so, a year later, a 237hp Fendt 724 Vario joined the fleet followed by a 415hp Fendt 942 Vario in 2022. An additional Fendt 942 Vario is currently on order, to replace the last of a long succession of crawler tractors used on the farm since 1945. Sam explained that investment in the second 942 Vario and an additional 6m disc drill will improve timeliness when weather windows are limited.

“We will have extra opportunities to prepare land with one of the tractors while the other does the drilling, or to use both tractors and drills simultaneously to maximise work rates,” he stressed. “The older 936 Vario is being retained as it remains reliable and won’t reduce in value, and it is ideal for operating our tine drill when conditions require it.”

The Fendt 942 Vario is the current flagship model in the latest generation

900 Vario-series, with a completely new cab and FendtONE controls, plus Fendt’s exclusive VarioDrive transmission concept which automatically adjusts the proportion of drive delivered to the front and rear wheels to optimise traction and working efficiency. VarioGrip central tyre inflation was also specified.

Protecting soils

“Our silty soils are prone to compaction, and for many years we relied on crawlers for our main cultivations, especially for working land that had been ploughed. It’s

becoming more difficult to move crawlers on the road and we plough less now too, so we prefer wheeled tractors for their extra versatility.

Tyre technology has improved, and the Fendt VarioGrip system allows selection of optimum pressures for field work or road travel at the touch of the in-cab terminal. Previously, adjusting pressures meant spending extra time in the yard so they didn’t tend to get altered, but with VarioGrip there is no excuse for not selecting ideal pressures for every task. I really wouldn’t buy a tractor for field work without it now.”

Care is taken to ensure only the minimum ballast necessary is added for each task and a selection of Fendt front weight blocks from 600kg to 2.5t are used. Sam said that the 942 Vario is far superior in terms of ride comfort and performance to the similar sized 936 Vario. “It’s so different that comparison is difficult.

Power is transferred more efficiently to the ground through the VarioDrive transmission and because the tyre pressures are always correctly adjusted. The balance is superb, and if the front end starts ‘nodding’ when heavy trailers are being pulled at high speeds then the operator simply adjusts the tyre pressures to increase stability and achieve a smoother ride.

Trusting the automation

“Usually, we just enter details regarding the task, the conditions and the implement into the FendtONE terminal in the cab and allow the system to select and adjust the tyre pressures automatically to suit. That works well, but we have an excellent team of keen operators and have arranged a course this winter to help them understand more about the factors involved in selecting ballast and tyre pressures so that they can get even more out of it.”

The 942 Vario is on Michelin VF 750/70R44 rear, and VF 650/65-38 front tyres, and Sam commented that although wider tyres could be fitted, there is no need. “The tyres achieve excellent traction, and when we check crop emergence after using the 942 Vario with our 6m drill, there are no visible wheel marks and there is negligible impact on the crops.

“As far as I am concerned; setting the tractor up correctly means we can get away without having the inconvenience of extra wide tyres.”

Asked about fuel consumption, Sam said that he believes that the Fendts are reasonably economical, but he also believes that attention to detail when setting the tractors and implements up for each task is much

more important. “Larger fuel tanks would always be useful though,” he stressed.

Everything thought of

Fendt reliability has proved as good as Sam had hoped. “Our previous tractors often needed attention from the dealer to keep them working, but apart from a few AdBlue system issues that briefly affected the 724 Vario, our Fendt’s have been faultless.

“We have a great relationship with the TNS workshop and sales teams and always appreciate the engineers’ efforts to fit in with our work requirements when servicing is due.”

Sam said that every time he uses the Fendt tractors, he is amazed by the design and build quality. “There is nothing Fendt hasn’t thought about,” he stressed. “Why would anyone have anything different?”

Fendt 1167 MT proves its worth in varying on-farm conditions The flagship challenger tracklayer left a long shadow – can fendt’s mt provide a worthy successor which also meets the needs of today’s farms?

Fieldwork at G’s Norfolk Farms’ Wissington site presents an unusual challenge for a high-horsepower tractor.

The largest cropping areas are 520 hectares of Romaine lettuce and 150ha of celery drilled and harvested through most of the year, followed by break crops, including 300ha of wheat, all grown on black fen soil.

It is a diverse rotation which also includes onions, potatoes for packing and sugar beet, which goes ‘next door’ to British Sugar’s Wissington factory.

General Manager Martin Hammond says: “The aim is to keep the soil covered as much as possible. While salads take priority – including 70ha of Chinese cabbage, which is shallowrooted and needs careful production – we have to establish crops after potatoes and sugar beet.

“We are looking at lower disturbance cultivations, but currently have to plough after every crop of lettuce.”

The 1,400ha of land is ringfenced and bordered by the Wissey and

New Cut rivers, with the packhouse at its centre, providing facilities to take crops from the field to customer depots via vacuum cooler, cold store and fridge lorry.

Fields, which average 7ha, are enclosed by hedges to counter erosion and watercourses – some 50 miles in total.

The traditional fen drainage system is used in reverse to bring the water table up under the crop via a system of pipes at 10-metre intervals, holding water at 60cm below the crop.

Mr Hammond says: “This ensures crop quality and means we do not have to add water to harvest, improving food safety. We do still need to irrigate if it is particularly dry and for crops such as celery, which have a high water content.”

He adds that on such delicate soils, a tracklayer gives the ability to travel through a long season with minimal soil compaction, thus bringing versatility.

At the end of 2021, Fendt’s MT 1167

tracklayer replaced a Challenger 845E, which had 9,000 hours on the clock.

Operator Paul Lloyd says: “We were ready to change, but needed to stick with a tracklayer to work on the fen.”

The 673hp MT 1167 is deployed for cultivations tasks, including pulling a nine-furrow Gregoire Besson plough and press, an Agrisem disc combination and a range of subsoilers up to an 8m TWB model used for shallow work.

It is also used for land levelling with a laser-guided scraper.

Mr Lloyd says: “We saw it on demo and bought the demonstrator, which had about 250 hours on it, and we have since put almost 2,000 hours on the clock.

“It is not difficult land compared to some of the heavier soils this type of tractor might work on, but it does plenty of work.” Having absorbed the Challenger range into its line-up in 2017, Fendt brought the smaller MT 900s to market fairly quickly, but took more time over the 1100 series.

One important revision was to separate the cooling pack from the engine, introducing a hydraulically driven fan with its own circuit, which pushes hot air to the vents in the bonnet for improved cooling.

Mr Lloyd says: “It is very effective and the gap between the fan and the engine has reduced the noise

levels significantly. I have had a lot of Challengers over the years and this makes the Fendt a lot more pleasant to drive.”

Another major update is the swap from a powershift transmission to the Vario Drive stepless system also used on the wheeled Vario 1050 tractors, but adapted for tracklayers.

Mr Hammond says: “It is very good in changing conditions as it works to select the correct gear ratio for the engine revs.

“I always feel on top of the work and I can set the required speed for an operation, such as subsoiling, and the engine and transmission will work together to travel at that speed.

“We are impressed with the combination of the latest engine technology and the Vario Drive. Even though it is more powerful than the Challenger, it is more economical – we are saving about one-third on fuel.”

shaft and force is transferred to the tread by friction – the idler wheel is driven by the movement of the tread.

Mr Lloyd says: “There is no gearbox, so the tractor is not as heavy on the rear end. It pivots more on the front end, which lets the tracks steer more easily.

“On the Challenger, you would get a build-up of soil on a turn, but the rear of the tracks now release the soil.”

He adds that the more balanced geometry of the tractor also helps on deep going.

Mr Lloyd says: “We do not need weight on the back end – on more difficult ground you may need more, but I understand it is possible to have idler weights fitted if necessary.”

The pivoting drawbar, which cuts the traction needed on turns, reducing fuel consumption, is integrated with the rear power lift.

A new track system benefits from a suspended chassis, which Mr Lloyd says makes for a more comfortable ride on the road, while the longer tracks give more grip and a smoother ride in the field.

Mr Lloyd says: “The hitch has to be fully down before the drawbar will swing, which takes time. It definitely improves the steering, but would be better if it came into play more quickly.”

A significant development in the small fields and light soils is the way the tracks perform and steer, he says. The drive wheel is powered by the drive

A camera is needed for hitching up.

Mr Lloyd says the bulk of the tractor inevitably compromises visibility.

Camera monitoring is just one of the many functions of the Vario terminal in the cab, which Mr Lloyd says has been straightforward to set up for his requirements.

He says: “You can automate operations as much or as little as you want. I prefer to carry out headland turns myself, for example.”

The business has added Trimble GPS rather than using the terminal for guidance, in order to work alongside Trimble-based software for surveying, on a 42m Agrifac self-propelled sprayer, for a 6m power harrow and three specialist salad-planter systems.

Mr Hammond says: “We have got 2cm accuracy and, once the A-B lines are put in during ploughing, all the other operations follow that.”

A longer route to market also looks to have ironed out many of the teething problems usually seen on new machines and Mr Lloyd reports no issues, apart from a couple of oil leaks which were quickly sorted by dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen.

The Challenger has been a hard act to follow and, while this business possibly does not punish machinery in the way some heavy land farms will, it will be interesting to see how the MT 1167 fulfils the legacy over time.

Rogator Testimonials

The Fendt Rogator sprayer: A gamechanger for arable farming in Norfolk A Norfolk-based arable farmer who describes his Fendt Rogator sprayer as the most important machine on his farm, has no doubts that he has selected the best make and model for the demanding spraying role.

Trading as Avocet Farming Ltd, Mark Gill grows approximately 900ha of cereals and 560ha of maize on a mix of owned, rented and contract-farmed land, near Norwich. The Gill family has farmed at Coston Hall for three generations, and the family mixed farm was recently split between Mark, who manages the arable farming business and an AD plant, and his brother John who runs a successful dairy operation.

The brothers still work together. The arable division supplies straw and machinery to the livestock enterprise when required, and manure from the dairy unit is applied to the arable crops and fuels the AD plant.

Diverse cropping

Mark’s team includes two full-time and two part-time employees. The land is mainly classed as medium loam, but there are also areas of lighter and stronger land within the farmed area. Crops within the rotation include wheat, maize for grain and forage, oilseed rape, barley, vining peas, trailing sunflowers, and potatoes grown on land which is owned but rented out on short-term agreements. Approximately 90ha is

within environmental stewardship schemes, and the team also manages 280ha of grass and a similar area of woodland.

Techniques including under sowing, companion cropping and cover cropping are used to maximise productivity, and using strip-tillage has allowed double-cropping of maize behind rye which allows two crops to be harvested in a season. The rye is either combined for grain or harvested as forage for the AD plant.

Most of the digestate is applied to the land to optimise soil health and provide organic fertiliser, but a successful business has also been established selling it in bags as green compost for gardening under the Grow Greener brand name.

Change to self-propelled

The wide variety of crops provides a large workload for the sprayer.

Trailed sprayers were used until 2018, when a wet season created mobility problems and resulted in deep wheelings. “I did most of the spraying that season and became very aware of the mess created by the tractor and sprayer combination,”

Mark explained. “It tracked well, but having three axles meant a lot of crop was run down when reversing into corners and negotiating obstructions. We tried several selfpropelled machines before deciding on an AGCO Challenger Rogator from Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS).

It was the ideal package, especially with hydraulic-adjustable axle widths which allows us to optimise wheel to crop clearance whether working in cereals, root crops or maize.”

The sprayer also had optional OptiRide height control, enabling the chassis to be raised 45cm for working in taller crops. “The adjustable height is a real advantage as it gives us up to 120cm clearance for late applications to oilseed rape and maize but allows a standard ride height on the road and in conventional crops. The sprayer also came with a very attractive warranty which is something we value highly,” Mark added.

The Rogator’s specification included a 5,000-litre tank and 36m booms and, although the trailed sprayer it replaced had a larger 6,000-litre tank, the work rates achieved by the Rogator were 15–35% higher. “It revolutionised our spraying, and also made it practical to use two sets of wheels,” explained Mark. “Previously, we had just one set for the trailed sprayer as there was little point in changing them without doing the tractor wheels too. Putting narrow wheels on the tractor would have made it unsuitable for other field or transport work, so the wheel width was always a compromise. For the self-propelled sprayer, we have two sets – narrow rowcrops and

wider flotation. This means we can minimise rutting on wet ground and then reduce the amount of crop that is run down in the spring.

“We sold one tractor as it was no longer needed for spraying, and now we just hire an extra machine when necessary.”

Nimble and light-footed

Mark said that although the Rogator looks a large machine it is extremely nimble. With all four wheels driven and tracking perfectly during turns there is very little ground damage, even in the wet, and especially when it is running on the wider tyres. For early season and stubble applications, the wheels can also crab-steer to spread the load over a wider surface area.

“Our trailed sprayer wouldn’t have travelled in some of the conditions where we have used the self-propelled machine,” he stressed. “Owners of the land we contract-farm are very happy with its performance and light footprint.”

Although the Rogator sprayer has one main operator, Mark and another employee also drive it when needed. “We all appreciate the cab comfort and the ease of operation,” Mark continued. “Compared to other sprayers, it’s much quieter, and standing outside there is significantly less noise from the Fendt transmission.

“Several farmers have watched with interest and asked what we think of the Rogator, and we expect to see more operating locally as a result.

The back-up from the TNS Fendt Area Sales Manager Jolly Bullen, and from Gareth Bell and Ben Miller who specialise in sprayer service from the TNS Littleport depot, is exceptional.

They often provide solutions by phone, and if we need them here then they are waiting in the yard when we arrive in the morning. Fendt telemetry allows remote fault diagnosis through error codes and technicians can check the sprayer’s location before visiting.”

Obvious replacement

The Challenger Rogator was replaced by a new Fendt Rogator 645 this spring. “We started discussions regarding updating the machine in

early 2022 and ordered the Fendt without hesitation and without considering anything else, as we knew it was the best machine for the job,” continued Mark. “We have lots of small fields and an average size of only 9ha, so the booms are folded and unfolded frequently but showed little sign of wear, never giving us any problems, right up until the five-year old sprayer was traded in.

“The Rogator is far superior to anything available elsewhere, and the TNS back-up couldn’t be better.

The new Fendt version features specification upgrades and design improvements over earlier machines, and these have been appreciated by the operator.”

Neil Mendham is the Rogator’s main user. “Like the previous AGCO Rogator, the new Fendt version is exceptionally smooth and quiet,” he said. “The sprayer suspension and boom suspension are extremely effective, and the boom height control is reliable, although I always lift the ends during headland turns just to make sure that they can’t strike the ground.”

Improvements over the previous version include extra automation, including automatic tank rinse and cleaning. The larger 60-litre chemical induction hopper has new OptiFlow electronic valve control from an external terminal beside the filling point, or from duplicated controls in the cab. Automatic tank fill control allows the user to set the required liquid volume with a pause before the full amount is added, giving time to add complex mixes.”

Neil’s only suggestion for improving

the design concerns in-cab storage.

“There is space for odds and ends, but it would be good to have somewhere secure for paperwork.

That’s just a minor criticism though – I love the machine. It’s easy to set up and operate, with controls like Fendt tractors; the ride comfort is far superior to any tractor, and I can work all day without feeling tired. It has everything needed to optimise performance and achieve accurate applications for consistent crops.”

Plenty of capacity

“Our previous Rogator sprayer comfortably completed 8,500ha of crop treatment and fertiliser applications last year,” said Mark. “We use liquid fertiliser throughout the season for our maize, and apply preemergence sprays with the fertiliser while achieving effective coverage.

“The sprayer gives us such high work rates that we can usually complete the workload without starting early or finishing particularly late, and without needing to work seven days per week.

It’s reassuring to know that we have plenty of spare capacity for a fourth application of liquid fertiliser if its needed, and for additional land.”

The new sprayer was purchased with a 5,500-hour manufacturer warranty.

“The previous Rogator worked 4,000 hours without any major problems, but we like to have all our main machinery protected by manufacturer warranties,” Mark concluded. “We will probably update the Fendt machine at 5,000 hours while it still has full cover, and there is no question at all in my mind – we will stick with what we are doing and have another Fendt Rogator from Jolly Bullen and the team at TNS.”

Driving efficiency: The Fendt Rogator 655 sprayer at South Pickenham estate in Norfolk Norfolk-based, South Pickenham Estate Farm Manager, James Brown says that even though he and his team have a strong preference for AGCO products, the main reason that they are used on the large farm is the excellent back-up provided by the Thurlow Nunn Standen team.

Diverse cropping

The estate, near Swaffham, comprises approximately 3,000ha of owned land, most of which is farmed in-hand by James and his team.

Some 600ha is rented out, mainly for carrot, onion and potato production which helps provide an extended rotation. Most of the soils are light, but there are areas of heavier land further north. Irrigation is available for vegetables but can also be used on the farm’s own crops which include winter wheat, winter barley, oilseed rape, sugar beet, winter beans and maize for a local AD plant.

The farm recently invested in its first Fendt Rogator 655 self-propelled sprayer following demonstrations of the Fendt plus three competitor machines. “We always shop around, and the price and specification are major factors,” explained James. “We tried the latest version of the sprayer we owned previously, and two others.

As we expected, they all had good and bad points, but part of the Rogator’s appeal is that it is a premium product which shares the cab layout and operating logic with our Fendt tractors, so it is home from home for operators moving between tractor operations and spraying.”

Increased work rates

Previous spray systems included a pair of 4,000-litre sprayers, one self-propelled and one trailed, with 32m booms. In 2015 a single 6,000-litre, self-propelled sprayer was purchased and, at the same time, the farm changed to a 36m spray width. The new Rogator 655 also has a 6,000-litre tank and 36m booms but, with superior ride suspension as well as extremely effective boom suspension and height control, it achieves higher work rates and is expected to complete the annual spraying workload in 1,000–1,200 operating hours per year.

As well as spraying crop treatments, the Rogator also applies fertiliser. “We use liquid fertilisers throughout the year, except for the last dose when we apply granules instead. This helps us avoid risks of flag leaf scorch and reduces pressure on the sprayer when fungicide applications are the priority,” said James.

Improved accuracy and spray efficacy

The farm’s previous sprayer had spray control in three-metre sections, but the new Rogator has individual nozzle shut-off and QuadSelect nozzle bodies which each have four nozzles.

The optimum nozzle or two-nozzle combination is automatically selected to maintain the ideal droplet size

while application rates adjust relative to travel speed. “We immediately saw an improvement because of the individual nozzle control,” said James.

“Spraying around obstructions; there used to be triangular chunks where overlaps or misses occurred, but now we have perfect circles and more consistent crops.”

Adjustable wheel track

The Fendt Rogator came with OptiRide hydro-pneumatic suspension which allows the machine height to be raised by up to 45cm, giving 120cm under machine clearance for working in tall crops including maize and oilseed rape. It was also specified with OptiTrack hydraulicadjustable track width which allows the wheel spacing to be altered between 1.80–2.25m from the cab.

James explained that an alternative option would have been to change the track width used in the farm’s cereal crops to match the sugar beet and maize, and save money by purchasing the sprayer with standard fixed axles. However, he believes that the convenient adjustment gives the farm additional options for the future and will also allow the Rogator’s use for applications to vegetable crops grown by the farm’s tenants, if needed.

There are two sets of wheels for the sprayer. Wider flotation tyres are used on stubbles and during the early growth stages. Later – narrow wheels are fitted to reduce crop damage. The Rogator’s wheels are 2.05m diameter, and this means that even on the narrow row crops there is still a large footprint, and the sprayer travels well on soft, wet ground.

AGCO telemetry

Like the farm’s AGCO tractors, the Fendt Rogator sprayer has telemetry

as standard. “Using the AGCO Connect smartphone app: we can view the locations and work status of all the tractors and the sprayer in real-time,” commented James. “It’s a definite advantage of operating machines which are all from the AGCO family. The app is a useful management tool and being able to monitor task progress remotely helps us plan our activities.

“The TNS workshop team uses it too. The diagnostics function allows technicians to check remotely for errors and, if a visit to the farm is needed, then the engineers can check the machine’s location. AGCO Connect is reassuring when it comes to operator safety; particularly if people are working alone. If we can’t contact an operator, we can check whether the machine is still working, or see if it has returned to the yard.”

Best cab on the market

David Dye is the sprayer’s main operator. “I believe the Rogator’s VisionCab is the best on the market, but it’s a Fendt so that is expected,” he said. “The ride quality and comfort are very good. Even with a full load, the engine runs at only 1,200rpm so it’s particularly quiet. It’s a pleasant place to spend the day.”

David describes the tank filling system as excellent, and he likes the large 60-litre induction hopper which handles two bags of powder at a time with ease. “I usually set the automatic tank filling system to stop early, giving me time to add the chemicals before topping up with water,” he explained.

“The pause function is handy for filling fertiliser too. We use a three-inch hose, and the 785 litres/min pump fills the tank in just over five minutes.”

The automatic boom height control system is reliable although it can be over-sensitive to crop density which means it drops in areas of thinner crop. “It is very reactive, but even where crops are uneven, the automatic mode works well,” he stressed.

Work rates

Average work rates are approximately 180–210 hectares per day. “It achieves that very easily, even though many of our fields are quite small,” David continued. “It’s got everything I need to do a good job and allows me to take pride in the results.”

Dealer back-up key to buying decision

The farm’s current tractor fleet includes five AGCO brand tractors, three of which are Fendts. They were all supplied and are looked after by the TNS team. “The tractors perform well, operators like them and they are reliable,” James stressed, “but we still wouldn’t consider them without effective back-up. “Area Sales Manager, Jolly Bullen is based at the Attleborough depot. He’s our main sales contact and always friendly and helpful. He’s familiar with our business and knows what we need.

The workshop team at Attleborough have looked after our AGCO tractors for many years and are excellent. The sprayer specialists, Gareth Bell and Ben Miller are based further away at the Littleport depot, but when help is needed they are always available by phone and use their experience as well as remote access to the sprayer’s telemetry to resolve issues quickly.

The Rogator has been almost totally reliable since it arrived in January, but we know that even if something major goes wrong, we won’t be without the machine for long.”

Baler Testimonials

Fendt large square baler: The obvious choice for extensive farming enterprise in Norfolk Priorities including reliability, ease of use, consistent bales and back-up from a dependable dealer mean that Fendt large square balers are the obvious choice for a Norfolk family’s extensive mixed farming and contracting enterprise.

Trading as Beard Farms Ltd and based at Great Hockham, near Norwich, farmer Alex Beard and his family have built up an impressive 40,000-head pig fattening enterprise which utilises breaks in the arable cropping rotation to provide approximately 120ha of owned and rented land.

The family has farmed at Great Hockham for approximately 30 years, since Alex Beard’s father, Mike, set up the traditional mixed farming enterprise. Pigs were always a significant part of the business, and when Alex returned home in 2005 after working elsewhere, he invested in tents and brought in additional pigs on a bed and breakfast fattening arrangement. Pigs now come in as weaners at 10kg and are fattened to 110kg at which point finished pigs are destined for the supermarket trade.

Huge demand for bales

Traditional arable crops are grown.

Wheat dominates the rotation which also includes barley and oilseed rape. The huge demand for straw

bedding for the pigs is met by baling straw on the family’s own farm, and through muck for straw swapping arrangements with local farmers which works well. Approximately 18,000 large 4 x 3 square bales plus 14,000, 70 x 80 mini square bales are needed annually, the smaller bales used where manual handling is involved.

“We used only mini bales at first, but when we started with the field-based pigs we had fewer space restrictions, so we moved to larger square bales distributed to the pens through straw choppers,” explained Alex. “Bigger bales were an advantage as the same volume of straw was baled in half the time. Clearing the fields was much quicker too.”

Fendt hard to beat

Hesston balers were used initially, and AGCO brand balers have been used since 2017. The current fleet includes four machines; two make larger 4 x 3 bales and the other two produce 70 x 80 mini bales. “We tried a 4 x 4 baler but struggled to achieve the density

we wanted when the straw was dry, for efficient storage and transport,” Alex continued. “The 4 x 3 balers pack better, and when we are carting bales up to 20 miles from fields to the farm, being able to add one extra layer means we get half as much again on each load.”

The latest Fendt 1290 N XD baler was purchased from main dealer, Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS), and arrived just in time for the 2022 harvest. TNS also supplied and looks after the farm’s other AGCO balers.

“We’re happy to look at other brands as I believe it’s important to be aware of what is available, but the service from TNS Area Sales Manager, Jolly Bullen and the rest of the TNS team is excellent and it would be hard to beat the latest Fendt product,” Alex continued. “We had a demonstration of a competitor brand which claimed to offer even greater bale density, but the straw was packed in so hard that we struggled to separate and spread it, and bales made when the straw was slightly damp were like layers of cardboard. It just wasn’t suitable for

livestock. It worked side by side with our Fendt baler in the field, and the Fendt bales were much better – still very dense for efficient transport and storage, but the straw remained in much better condition.”

In particularly hot and dry weather, the cereal straw can become brittle and shiny, then the baling team works at night when moisture contents are higher. The balers have moisture meters which monitor the condition of bales as they are made, and users are alerted when the straw becomes too damp. Bales are stacked under cover and outside, and Alex described the Fendt bales as ‘building bricks’ – dense with a consistent shape and easy to handle.

Reliable design

Alex said that the Fendt balers are easy to look after and reliable, and he likes the simple chain drive arrangement. “Each baler makes up to 500 bales per day, and the Fendt design works well and we like it,” he said. “Running two balers the same helps. We are used to them so checking them over at the start of day takes very little time. We just blow them down, grease the few points needed and fill the twine boxes which hold enough for a full day’s work. The knotters are reliable and equipped

with fans to keep them free of dust and debris. Very little maintenance is needed.”

Minimise downtime

After each season, the balers are serviced and checked by the TNS team. “We are meticulous with our maintenance,” stressed Alex. “Our machinery operators have a varied role including livestock-associated tasks throughout the year, so we can’t afford to lose potential baling time due to breakdowns, so reliability is a priority. We know that landowners want their fields cleared of straw quickly too, so we keep a modern and efficient fleet of tractors, balers, handlers and trailers.”

All the balers have twin axles, large flotation wheels and tyres, and rear wheel steering. Alex explained that this makes the balers easy to pull, reduces wheel marks in the field and means they tow well on the road. The Fendt balers are operated using the tractor controls through an Isobus link, and almost every setting except bale length is easily adjusted from the seat. Straw from both rotary and straw-walker combines is baled, and the balers cope easily with the swaths, even from wide 45ft headers.

Contracting operation

A sizeable machinery fleet supports the pig enterprise and ensures the farm team can make the most of working opportunities at busy times.

Modern tractors from 200–300hp pull livestock trailers, move and spread manure and transport the bales; and there is a fleet of materials handlers, plus all the implements needed to grow, look after and harvest the Beard family’s own arable crops. To get the most from the machinery investment, a contracting operation has developed through which services offered to local farms include grass and straw baling.

Full confidence in brand and dealer

The balers are usually kept for five seasons and then replaced, by which time they will have made approximately 70,000 bales. Alex commented that the AGCO balers are so reliable that he considers the standard one-year manufacturer warranty to be adequate. He doesn’t invest in optional extended warranties but has full confidence in the TNS Attleborough service team to maintain his balers in peak condition.

“I like Fendt balers and even though we watch what else is available, we are unlikely to change brands or suppliers,” Alex concluded.

A reliable partner in baling: Jack Byford’s Fendt Rotana experience A Fendt round baler, supplied by Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS), was the obvious choice for an expanding Essexbased farming and contracting business when its ageing Welger baler was due for replacement.

Operating from a base near Clacton and trading as J Byford Agricultural Contracting, Jack Byford started offering his contract baling service in 2020. He had worked on a large livestock farm in the area previously where much of the summer was spent baling, and he was guaranteed plenty of work in his new venture making bales for his previous employer. Starting out on his own, he needed a baler which was both affordable and reliable and he purchased a used Welger RB435 plus a Massey Ferguson tractor. “Previous experience working with Welger round balers meant I was confident of the build quality and long-term reliability, so I felt it was a safe investment,” explained Jack.

The contracting venture proved successful and quickly attracted additional customers so, with the workload increasing, in 2022 Jack upgraded to a new baler. The Welger had performed exceptionally well during its two years making hay, haylage, silage and straw bales, and Jack knew that Fendt Rotana round balers retain the original Welger design with some additional improvements. He approached his

local main Fendt dealer, TNS, to check availability and request a quotation.

Confidence in dealer and brand

Being familiar with the basic baler design, Jack didn’t feel that a demonstration of the latest Fendt baler was needed, but he did check what was available from competitor brands. There are plenty of good dealers nearer to us than the TNS Melton depot which looks after most of our machinery,” he explained.

“However, it would be very hard for other dealers to beat the back-up from the TNS team however close they are, and none of the other balers we considered were as well made.

“TNS Area Sales Manager, Kyle Tew offered an attractive deal to trade in our Welger baler and purchase an ex-demonstration Rotana 180V with an XtraCut chopper, so we placed our order in autumn last year and the baler was delivered in early September in time to complete the last of the season’s straw baling.”

Range of crops

As well as the Fendt Rotana, Jack also owns a Welger conventional small baler which operates with a flat-10 bale accumulator making hay bales for equestrian use. The Rotana round baler has a variable chamber and can produce bales from 0.7–1.8m diameter. Hay, haylage, silage and straw bales are made. The hay and haylage bales are mostly for equestrian customers, the silage bales are for cattle consumption and straw bales are for livestock bedding and feed mixes. Approximately 4,000 round bales were made in 2023, of which 3,000 were grass. Most of Jack’s work is in small, irregular shaped fields but even so he has made up to 300 round bales in a day

with the Fendt baler.

Soft core hay bales The XtraCut chopper hasn’t been used, but Jack is pleased to have it. “Because the Fendt baler was a dealer demonstrator, it was equipped with options including the XtraCut chopper,” he explained. “As a contractor, it’s an additional service to offer customers, and it will also add value to the baler when it’s time to update it.

“The baler also has a soft core mode which achieves a softer bale centre while keeping the outer layers firm for weather protection and ease of stacking and handling. It’s proved very successful when baling hay.”

Excellent crop feeding “We operate within approximately 25 miles’ radius of our base, and although we are in a dry part of the

UK in terms of annual rainfall, a lot of our grass baling is on ground with plenty of moisture including The Naze, and the Brightlingsea, Walton and Holland marshes. There is always plenty of grass so swaths are large and haylage yields were particularly high this year, but the baler coped well.

“We bale straw behind several different combines with headers up to 35ft, but the 2.4m pick-up with a crop roller to compress the swath ensures a smooth delivery. The drop-floor protection system wasn’t used once during the whole season, even though some straw swaths were so lumpy that they blocked under the tractor.

We have only lowered the floor to clean the baler.”

User-friendly

Jack said that one of the biggest

improvements over his previous Welger baler is the Fendt’s in-cab control terminal. This allows almost all the settings to be made from the seat and performance can be optimised on the move. Net-wrap application can be monitored and programmed through the userfriendly display. The baler is also Isobus-compatible although Jack’s current tractor isn’t equipped to take advantage of this feature.

Looking after the baler has proved easy and daily servicing and checks are minimal. An automatic lubrication system keeps the chains oiled and a bank of grease nipples requires one pump of grease every 24 working hours. Loading net rolls is easy and up to three can be carried including the one in use, providing enough capacity for two days’ work.

Superb back-up

Since it arrived the baler has been almost completely reliable and minor teething issues were quickly sorted by the TNS workshop team. The baler will be fully serviced by the dealer before next season. “Service Engineer Dean Day is always helpful, and a problem with the lubrication system was quickly sorted through a temporary fix suggested over the phone which kept me working, while a replacement part was ordered and then fitted a few days later,” confirmed Jack.

First point of call

As well as the Fendt baler, Jack also purchased his current Massey Ferguson 6480 Dyna-6 tractor from the TNS team, replacing the tractor he bought with the original Welger baler.

“I think TNS is a very good dealer and I enjoy dealing with the sales and service teams, so it’s now my first point of call when anything is needed.

“As a recently established contractor I have to offer a reliable service to customers, and I’m always confident that if problems occur then the service department will get the machine working again quickly. My decision to buy a Fendt baler was based on previous experience of the Welger design as well as confidence in my local Fendt dealer, and I’m 99 per cent certain that when I update the baler again in another two years, then it will be for a similar machine.”

Fendt round baler advantage: Enhanced performance and reliability on a Cambridgeshire farm A Fendt round baler which replaced a competitor brand machine on a Cambridgeshire livestock farm two years ago, is making better bales and proving much more reliable, says its owners.

Trading as AJ & NJ Lee, John Lee and his son, Nick farm at West Fen, near Ely. The main enterprise is a commercial herd of breeding cattle.

The 140 breeding cows are a mix of Hereford-cross, Simmental and Simmental-cross, and some Anguscross, and these are put to the farm’s five Limousin bulls. Limited shed capacity means that progeny are sold as stores to three regular buyers all within the Eastern Counties, but possible investment in additional buildings might see calves kept and fattened in future.

The cattle are brought in for the winter, and graze outside when the land is dry enough which is usually from mid-April. As well as their modern livestock buildings, the Lees own 40ha of grassland and rent additional land nearby. This provides the summer grazing, and grass for silage. Straw is sourced from nearby arable farms and baled by the Lees using their Fendt round baler.

Change to fendt

Approximately 4,500 round bales

are needed annually, including 2,500 straw, and 1,800–2,200 of grass silage. A Fendt 4160V variablechamber round baler was purchased from local dealer, Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) in 2020, replacing a competitor brand which had supplied the farm’s balers since the mid-1990s.

“We had a succession of balers of the same make, and changed them regularly,” said Nick. “We didn’t really consider alternatives until a breakdown occurred mid-harvest in 2020. Because the dealer couldn’t provide a loan machine or repair it quickly enough, we were unable to work.

“We already used a Lely mower, tedder and rake which all performed well, and being aware that Fendt Rotana balers share many aspects of the proven Lely baler design, we considered a Fendt baler instead.”

Superb dealer service

The farm is only 10 minutes from the TNS Littleport depot, which supplied and looks after the Lees’ two Fendt

tractors. Nick said that the sales and service teams are both excellent and when he asked to try the Fendt baler, they couldn’t have been more helpful. The Fendt 4160V arrived on a Saturday evening and was put straight to work baling straw. Nick was immediately impressed by its performance, so he confirmed an order. “It blew the socks off other balers I had tried, and I just wished we had considered Fendt sooner.”

Belts preferred

Nick said that although fixed chamber roller balers were operated in the past, since 2010 all the farm’s balers have been variable-chamber belt models.

“All our bales are 4ft diameter, as we find them best for transport, stacking and use. The reason we prefer

belt balers to fixed chamber roller machines is because the bales are tighter and denser all the way through.

Belt balers perform better in hot, dry conditions when the straw is brittle as the belts maintain constant rotation in the early stages of bale formation when rollers can slip. We haven’t experienced increased maintenance requirements or operating costs, and the Fendt baler is extremely reliable.

Making bales which are denser and contain more material means we have been able to reduce the number of bales we make and transport by several hundred per year.”

Chopped straw advantage

The Fendt baler is the first on the farm with a chopper. “I wouldn’t have specified a chopper if there had been an option, but this was the only baler available when we needed it and it had one fitted. After using bales made from chopped material for the past two winters; I’m very glad now that we had the chopper. The silage is better – cattle can digest the shorter material more easily, and it’s better for their health. Another advantage is that the pre-chopped material requires less processing in the mixer-wagon when making up the feed rations.”

The baler applies net wrap, and silage bales are also film-wrapped on arrival in the yard before being loaded into store. “The Fendt’s bales are consistent, and hold their shape very well during transport, stacking and

storage,” said Nick. “We stack silage bales three high, and the bottom row bales remain in excellent condition even after winter.”

parts with us, and that might mean that we can avoid the expense of a front linkage when we next upgrade that tractor.”

Productive and reliable

Pleased with decision

“The Fendt baler comfortably achieves much higher work rates than our previous machine, although we are rarely under much time pressure so prefer to work when conditions are dry. Sometimes that means that our silage is more like haylage, but when there are light showers we carry on, and if the rain is heavier then we stop. That’s best for our baler too,” he confirmed. “The 2.25m pick-up copes with large swaths behind modern combines, and the pick-up leaves very little material on the ground.”

The baler is easy to look after. Annual services are carried out by TNS, and Nick said daily checks take very little time. Grease points are easy to get at, and most are in blocks.

The Fendt’s reliability is a big improvement compared to the previous baler. “With our previous balers, we had to carry a large assortment of workshop tools in a box on the front linkage to keep us going,” said Nick. “This saved frequent trips back to the yard every time adjustments were needed, or the baler broke down.

“The Fendt is much more reliable, so we no longer carry so many tools and

“It was only because the previous dealer couldn’t lend us a baler when ours broke down that we considered the Fendt, and now I’m so glad that we did,” confirmed Nick. “We usually update our balers every five to six years, but that depends on the number of bales made and the reliability. Fendt bales are denser so fewer are needed, and we don’t expect the reliability to decrease. It’s likely we will keep the baler an extra year, but when it is changed then it will almost certainly be for another Fendt from TNS.”

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