A few weeks ago, a new „Fendt Efficient Technology“ product was unveiled in Lithuania – the compact, mid-range 500 Vario tractor. It replicates the technical solutions used in the „Fendt 700 Vario“ in the lower power range, in the 120-170 hp machine class.
The new Fendt 500 Vario is the ideal tractor for livestock farms, perfectly suited for front loader work. In terms of versatility, it’s an extremely flexible machine that can be trusted with any job on a small to medium-sized farm. Machine users can be confident that any job undertaken by the 500 Vario will be carried out most efficiently, with the lowest costs.
The 500 Vario is the latest representative of Fendt's Efficient Technology, adhering to the manufacturer's strategy which states: lower costs – greater added value. This means that with a Fendt tractor, you can now do even more while using fewer resources – time, fuel, and effort.
The 500 Vario replaces the previous „Fendt 400 Vario“ series tractors, which were launched back in 1999. The only things the 500 Vario shares with the outgoing model are its compact dimensions, while the cabin is entirely new and the transmission has been reinforced. The engine has also been modified. It is equipped with an external exhaust gas treatment device – a selective catalytic reduction catalyst SCR, which uses an AdBlue solution. Thus, it meets the strict transitional Stage IIIB/Tier 4 emission requirements.
„The Fendt 500 Vario range consists of four base models: 512 (maximum power according to EC 97/68 standard – 96 kW/131 hp), 513 (103 kW/140 hp), 514 (113 kW/154 hp), and 516 (124 kW/169 hp). The future user of the machine will be able to choose one of three equipment levels: Power, Profi, and ProfiPlus.
A very flexible engine with excellent torque reserves
The 500 Vario is equipped with a 4.04 l Deutz TCD 4.1 L4 series engine with SCR technology that does not affect its work process. Consequently, the engine's characteristics are optimal, allowing for maximum energy utilisation efficiency.
The engine is equipped with advanced and efficient technologies: 4 valves per cylinder, a fixed geometry turbocharger with an electric (mod. 512/513) or pneumatic pressure regulator, an air-to-air intercooler, and a high-pressure, 1600 bar common rail fuel injection system. Thanks to these measures, the 4-cylinder engine is extremely flexible, with a maximum torque of 687 Nm and a reserve of up to 42%. This ensures efficient and comfortable operation with units requiring high power and experiencing variable loads.
High-power tractor hydraulic system
The tractors are equipped with a more powerful load-sensing, variable displacement hydraulic system with a pump output of 75, 110, or 158 l/min. To ensure reliable operation with multiple hydraulic power consumers, the oil capacity in the tractor's hydraulic system, separate from the transmission, has been increased to 55 l. It is worth noting that even five years ago, not every tractor with a large capacity of over 250 HP could boast such hydraulic system parameters.
The increased versatility and enhanced capabilities of the machine are illustrated by the number of hydraulic connections (up to 7) and the greater lifting capacity of both linkage points: the front linkage has a capacity of up to 3.4 daN and the rear linkage up to 7.8 daN. The tractor is equipped with the most efficient continuously variable transmission on the market, the „Fendt Vario ML“ with split power flow. The highest efficiency is ensured by hydraulic machine blocks that can be swivelled by a large angle of 45°.
Reinforced, new-design stepless transmission and rear axle housings make the tractor frame even more resistant to bending and crushing. This is a considerable advantage when carrying out heavy agricultural work, including with a front loader.
A comfortable ride, even at the maximum speed of 50 km/h, is ensured by the dependent hydropneumatic front axle suspension with automatic level control. Cab suspension can be chosen from two options: semi-dependent mechanical or pneumatic. The latter is independent, completely separating the cab from the tractor's chassis. Efficient machine deceleration is provided by hydraulic multi-disc rear wheel brakes with a booster.
VisoPlus - Best-in-class cabin
The most striking feature of the 500 Vario is the new VisioPlus cab, which is already familiar and highly regarded by users of the Fendt 700 Vario tractor. The spacious (2,520 l), extensively glazed (6.1 m2) cab with a panoramic windscreen that extends over the front roof section ensures a 77° vertical field of vision. The front loader attachment is now clearly visible in any position, and the panoramic view of the front of the tractor ensures good visibility of any mounted implement.
Prospective users of the machine can choose between two VisioPlus variants: with a solid panoramic windscreen or one made of two parts, a panoramic side window or a door in its place. Two types of windscreen wipers are even available.
The cab interior elevates premium-class standards to a new level. All controls are concentrated in a meticulously designed control panel integrated into the right-hand armrest. Engine, transmission, hydraulic system, and PTO settings are executed remotely using shift-by-wire technology. A high-resolution 7″ or 10.4″ diagonal screen, featuring up to two camera inputs, is installed in front of the operator. The terminals have ISO-Bus interfaces, allowing implements to be controlled directly through them.
All operating systems are already familiar from other Fendt Vario tractors. For example, automatic load-dependent control, which allows the engine to always operate in the most efficient, maximum power mode. The TMS engine and transmission control system, by setting a constant speed, automatically selects the optimal lowest engine speed depending on the load, allowing for even more efficient and economical operation.
Among the new control systems, three of the most important can be mentioned: Fendt Reaction, VarioActive and PRC.
The Fendt Reaction steering system helps maintain the tractor's trajectory stability. After a manoeuvre, the hydrostatic steering system returns the steering wheel to its initial position more quickly, and improved feedback increases steering informativeness.
When the variable transmission ratio, the VarioActive speed steering system, is activated, the tractor's manoeuvrability is significantly increased, thus improving the speed and convenience of working with a front loader. The system is effective when turning the tractor in headlands or working in confined spaces.
The innovative PRC (Pressure Relief Control), contact pressure control system is integrated into the front loader's hydraulic system. The contact pressure of the implement (e.g., mower) on the soil surface always remains stable, regardless of terrain changes. Therefore, the implement follows the surface better when working on hilly fields.
As with all Fendt tractors, the 500 Vario impresses with its high degree of customisation. This means the tractor operator can select their preferred machine control strategy: using the accelerator pedal, like a car with an automatic gearbox, or the multi-function joystick, operating hydraulic valve sections with keys or buttons, and performing operations on the touchscreen via direct touch or using the buttons on the side of the screen.
„The Fendt 500 Vario, like its predecessors, are semi-frame construction machines, ideally suited for loader work as the latter are designed together with the tractors and installed at the factory. The Cargo series loaders are an example of perfect integration into the tractor's construction. At the 2011 Agritechnica international exhibition, the latest modification of the Fendt Cargo front loader was awarded a silver medal.
Two original Fendt Cargo front loaders are available for the 500 Vario tractors: the 4X75 and the 4X80. This is a well-thought-out design that is perfectly matched to the tractor: the front window can be opened in any loader position. The Fendt Cargo also ensures excellent access to all maintenance points on the tractor without having to remove it. High lifting power (up to 2620 daN) and excellent visibility of the implement are guaranteed by the compact Z-kinematics with side beams. The implement can be raised to a height of 4.16 m.
In the design of the engine hood and engine bay, considerable attention has been paid to the layout of components to ensure good access to essential service points.
When designing the fuel supply and exhaust system components, engineers aimed to ensure not only good visibility of the front wheels but also the greatest possible steering angle. The driving system parameters speak of exceptional manoeuvrability and driving stability: 52° front wheel steering angle, 8° transverse front axle articulation angle, 5° longitudinal wheel tilt angle.
