What next from Mr Fendt?

PROFI TEST
Tractor test: Fendt 936 Vario
What next from
Mr Fendt?
With 360hp max power, a 60km/hr CVT box and a host of control
spec on the featured 936 Vario, it is quite tricky to see in which
direction Fendt can next progress its conventional tractor flag.
More muscle? More speed? Who knows? For now, though, we
must ‘make do’ with the current model, a tractor that pairs infield lugging power with a healthy dose of transport capability
F
rom a manufacturer that has traditionally wrapped its top-end tractor power
in a compact package, the Fendt Vario 936
is big. And we mean ‘big’. Standing well
over 3m tall, the 936 dwarves the firm’s
predecessor flag, the 221kW/300hp 930
Vario, in every dimension.
Big, of course, is not necessarily beautiful
in all respects, and criticism on this score
has been made of the tractor’s bulbous
nose. Here Fendt has gone for short and
wide rather than long and slim and, as a
result, visibility of the front linkage is not
perhaps quite what it could have been.
Countering this, however, the view to all
other tractor areas is pretty much beyond
reproach. Still, it’s a little premature to be
burying ourselves in panoramic detail at
this early stage of our assessment.
The pairing of engine and transmission is
where Fendt generally scores so highly,
and much the same applies here on the
936 model. First, that motor. Well, there’s
certainly no shortage of spec: Deutz’s TCD
2013 L06 4V provides six cylinders, fourvalve technology, turbocharger, intercooler, common-rail fuel injection, electronic
EDC control and Viscotronic cooling pack,
external exhaust gas recirculation and
Stage IIIa emission compliance.
And all of the above spec does a fair job
of converting itself into usable performance, as witnessed by the Deutz engine’s
returns at the DLG test station. At the lab,
the tractor developed 229.5kW at the pto
when the engine hit its rated speed of
2,200rpm, and this output figure then
climbed to its 256.5kW max as engine
speed dipped to 1,800rpm. Other results
extend to a constant power of more than
30% at 27kW extra power and a 45.5%
torque rise as speed drops by 36%. These
are all first-rate results.
The good news continues as we switch
attention to fuel consumption. Indeed, the
tractor set new Powermix standards at
the DLG, delivering some of the lowest
consumption figures we have seen from
any of the test units to date. Picking out
just one example, to plough a simulated
100ha of heavy land our 936 uses around
113 litres less fuel than the average rate
of the 29 tractors that have previously
been subjected to the same test.
So it will come as no great surprise to
learn that the 936’s Deutz motor scores
top marks for both output and economy.
As an aside, this was also the first tractor
to be supplied for test with an electronic
anti-theft system, which is designed to
make it far less likely that this expensive
chunk of metal should go mysteriously
and probably permanently missing. One
possible downside is that the starter key
moves to a less handy ‘dash post’ position. But, heh, if that means the tractor
foxes those rural undesirables and stays
with its rightful owner, it would seem to
be a small price to pay.
The Vario ML 260 transmission attracted
little in the way of tester comment; it is,
after all, tried and thoroughly tested fare.
Of greater interest is the way in which
this transmission now interacts with the
936 operator via the choice of two types
of joystick. The ‘Profi’ top-spec tractors
come with the option of a ‘Multifunction’
joystick, whereas the comparatively lower priced ‘Power’ models rely on a more
basic stick that offers just cruise control
profi 1/2009
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PROFI TEST
Powermix Fendt 936 Vario
-20 % -10 % 0 +10 % +20 %
Draft work: Average consumption 263g/kWh and 9.88l/ha
1 Heavy work Plough
(100% Load) Cultivator
2 Medium
Plough
(70% Load) Cultivator
Pto work: Average consumption 259g/kWh and 3.60l/ha
3 Heavy
Power harrow
(100% Load) Mower
4 Medium
Power harrow
(70% Load) Mower
5 Light
Power harrow
(40% Load) Mower
Mixed work: Average consumption 266g/kWh and 3.69l/ha
6 Manure spreader
7 Baler
8 Transport1)
The heart of the 936
Vario – powerful and
frugal. Photos: ST.
Powermix 261g/kWh
The Powermix figure is shown at the bottom to the left and is arrived at by averaging the seven individual tests,
recorded on 36 different test runs. The table displays average results for the categories of draft work, pto work and
mixed work, measuring fuel consumption in grams per kilowatt hour and in litres per hectare. As for the colours,
the yellow line marks the average of all results obtained from previous Powermix tests. Which just leaves the
length of the bars to indicate how much tractor performance in this specific type of work is better than (green) or
falls short of (red) the average result of all Powermix candidates tested to date. The average Powermix statistic,
obtained from the 29 tractors tested so far, currently stands at 302g/kWh. Fendt’s 936 Vario delivered aboveaverage Powermix results in nearly all applications, with its overall Powermix figure coming out at more than
13% below the average result obtained from all previous Powermix tests. 1) Transport cycle is not yet measured.
and engine speed memory selection. By
spending the extra money on the Multifunction stick design, the operator gains
Fendt 936 Vario: The stepless ML 260 Vario
gearbox has two travel ranges – field work
and transport work – offering speeds from
20m/hr to 60km/hr. It also boasts the most
comprehensive setting options on the market.
full access to auto functions as well as
linkage and hydraulic system operation.
The top-spec joystick is relatively easy
Infinitely variable in the main band
I
Stepless in forward
and reverse
II
Travel range I
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18km/hr
Travel range II
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50km/hr
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to master, particularly for those already
versed in the art of Fendt control, and this
progress along the learning curve is also
assisted by the clearly marked stick-top
buttons. Unfortunately the same clarity
star seems to bypass the 12 sets of buttons further back on the armrest, where
the user may struggle to pick out controls
for selection of travel ranges, switching
between TMS and pedal modes, and the
TeachIn headland management control.
Better identification here, please.
No argument, however, with the all-over
quality of transmission control. There is a
vast choice of settings, and only a modest
amount of tinkering is required to tailor
in-field operation to an individual driver’s
particular preferences. The drive pedal,
too, seems to be more effectively modulated than before.
Which brings us to the 936’s running gear.
Headline news here is that the tractor is
capable of 60km/hr, and with that lively
maximum speed comes a lengthy list of
associated spec sophistication – suspension, braking, steering. The independent
front suspension unit is especially clever,
in the main for its Fendt Stability Control
(FSC) system that kicks in at 25km/hr+
to counter suspension movement as the
tractor corners at speed. And even though
our tractor made do without ABS, we had
no complaint with its anchor power.
It’s when on demanding transport work
that these assorted spec goodies, including a modified steering valve, come into
their own. A couple of on-tarmac highlights: Either 60km/hr at a frugal 1,950rpm
or 50k at an even more relaxed 1,550rpm;
and that previously mentioned stick-tothe-road stability. Indeed, some testers
reckon the 936 feels far more ‘grounded’
at 50-60km/hr than other lesser specced
tractors at 40km/hr.
On paper, lift capacity is only
average for the power bracket.
But this low theoretical figure
is countered by an excellent
linkage geometry. As a result,
the linkage should be more than
capable of handling any lifting
task likely to be asked of it.
Not all 936s will be called on as highspeed haulers so, given this situation, it
may make sense to save some pennies
(about £5,000) and opt for a 50km/hr or
40km/hr single brake line model. Usefully, the other benefit here is that the gross
weight rating rises from 16t to 18t.
Around at the back, another of the 936’s
new features is a double-acting linkage.
This, in effect, means that the operator
can place a 2t down-force on the link arms
so that they lower into work much faster.
Main downside of this otherwise useful
double-acting feature is that the operator
must remember to switch it off – or he
could find himself powering an implement down into the yard dirt when he
drops off a mounted implement back at
the farm. Fendt needs to come up with
some sort of warning system.
Other neat back-end touches extend to
the lockable hydraulic stabilisers, which
are ingenious in their mode of operation
but, at £967, they’re likely to prompt some
buyers to splutter. We also like the way
that the external linkage control works –
no infuriating conditions of operation –
and the depth wheel’s adjustable stop
makes a welcome return to the spec lineup. Corrected continual lift of 7,460daN
looks remarkably average, although the
favourable linkage geometry does much
to compensate.
Hydraulic output? At 61.9kW, it’s colossal.
This is the max output that’s available
from the 215-litre/min pump (£736) –
a 160-litre/min pump is
standard – and it takes
several spool couplers
to unveil the package’s
full potential. On those
couplers, it’s worth noting that the 936
can be had with a total of eight spools –
two on the front hitch, six at the rear – all
of which are single-/double-acting and
offer float position as well as flow rate
and timed control.
Last up on physical test performance, we
should point out that the 936 returned the
highest drawbar power figures that we’ve
ever recorded on a wheeled tractor. That’s
an output of 199.4kW at rated speed and
FURTHER DETAILS from our field test
This is not a summary of overall assessments
but a list of positive and less positive details.
- Wrong place:
Rear wiper motor
falls directly in
the line of sight
when, for example, side loading
from a forager.
Plus
+
+
+
+
+
Double-acting linkages
Exemplary coupler labels
Wide and protected access steps
Plenty of electric sockets
Large, dust-tight stowage boxes
+ Secure: Coded key makes life more awkward for
tractor rustlers - reassuring in the current climate.
+ Air seat with plenty of adjustment in
every direction
+ Well laid-out light switches
+ External controls front and rear
Minus
+ Accessible: The cab filter mounts on the step
beneath the cab, where it is convenient to access.
— Impaired view of front linkage
— Toolbox is not easy to access
+ Keep cool:
Long overdue
Fendt climate
control system is
simple to use.
- Spartan: Original
unforgiving passenger
seat is now available
with more padding,
says the manufacturer.
profi 1/2009
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—
—
—
—
—
Cab trim quality (now upgraded)
No provision for installing a CB
Radio slot requires quite a stretch
Right window does not open
Warning lights (eg. cruise control)
are difficult to read in sunlight
- Less convenient: Three small dials have
been replaced by one large knob that scrolls.
This isn’t ideal when concentrating on driving.
PROFI TEST
The joystick in the foreground operates the
tractor’s gearbox, linkage and hydraulics. To
its right are the additional linkage (at the
back) and hydraulic controls (at the front).
Keys are uniform in shape and feel, so are
difficult to operate without looking at them.
Within the new X5 cab, all main controls reside on the right
armrest. For reverse-drive, all controls turn including the
dash and steering console, while any additional monitors
can be slid along their substantial offside mounting rail.
The ‘Profi’ version of the Vario 936 control terminal
provides a vast choice of data and setting options – in
an uncluttered and relatively easy-to-fathom fashion.
a max of 214.6kW. Over the scales the 936
weighed in at 10.3t, to give a payload of
5,700kg from its 16t gross rating, while
the 14.35m turning circle rates no better
than average (600/70 R34 and 710/75 R42
tyres, 3,050mm wheelbase, 2,090mm and
2,000mm track width).
previous 900-series accommodation was
its lack of space, and that is certainly addressed on X5 which, as well as boasting
more volume, is also modern in appearance and has decent suspension travel.
Yet there’s still room for improvement:
■ No roof vents, so there is little chance
of achieving what we feel is the optimum
– cool head, warm feet.
■ Tested noise of 76.6dB(A) – average.
■ Variotronic terminal is less convenient
to operate than its predecessor unit.
Climate control, space, most of the cab
ergonomics and its all-round feel gain
the X5 a plus on our profi score sheet –
but only just. Fendt has some tweaks to
On maintenance, there is nothing too
dramatic to note: 38 litres of engine oil
come up for change at 500 hours and 109
litres of hydraulic oil at 1,000 hours. The
transmission (67 litres) and transaxle oil
(17 litres) remain in situ for 2,000 hours.
Fuel tank capacity, at 650 litres, should be
sufficient for 12 hours of relatively hard
labour. And then there’s the tractor’s X5
cab, of which so much was expected prior to its launch. The main criticism of the
Fendt 936 Vario: Lift power and requirement
Lift capacity (daN)
12,000
11 000
10 000
9 000
5,000kg cultivation combination
8 000
7 000
6 000
2,000kg plough
5 000
4 000
Bezeichnungen
nachtragen!
Long lift arms: Continuous 7,460daN; bitte
84.4cm
lift range
Short lift arms: Continuous 8,690daN; 74.1cm lift range
Front linkage: Continuous 3,930daN; 60.0cm lift range
3 000
2 000
1 000
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
Lift range (cm)
Fendt 936 Vario: The red curve shows the recorded lift capacity (90% of maximum lift) as continuous lift power
on the link ends, whereas the yellow curve illustrates lift capacity with the lift arms shortened. Shortening the
arms increases the lift capacity by 1,230kg but reduces the lift range by 10cm. There is excellent lifting power in
all conditions, so this is not an area of tractor performance in which the 936 Vario is likely to struggle.
profi 1/2009
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carry out if it is to nudge the X5 cab into
double plus territory.
And then there’s the price tag. Well, it’s
certainly quite an investment, yet the reality is that there are plenty of punters out
there prepared to take the 936 plunge. In
the UK, for example, it’s already the firm’s
second most popular model alongside
the 270hp 930, albeit still lying some way
behind the best-selling 190hp 820. Retail
price of the 60km/hr Profi version starts
at £165,141, the 50km/hr Power tractor
listing at £160,001.
Summary: When faced with such an array
of sophistication, it’s tempting to forget
that the 936 Vario model manages all of
the basics with credit, too. Excellent output relative to fuel consumption, proven
stepless transmission, user-friendly linkage and a first-rate hydraulic system. Add
these traits to a stable and comfortable
road ride, plus a 60km/hr top speed, and
the 936 makes for an awesome package.
But don’t be misled into thinking Fendt
has got it all right. Because it hasn’t. They
may be relatively minor points, yet there
are some details that the firm could do
with sorting such as the current absence
of a 1,000rpm economy pto. The cab requires some attention, too, in terms of its
passenger seat, noise levels and certain
elements of the trim quality.
Overall, though, it’s difficult to deny that
the 936 represents a hugely impressive
piece of ag engineering and more than
merits its status as a premium product in
the marketplace. Fendt’s heritage would
seem to have been upheld.
MN, HW
Fendt 936 Vario
Technical data
The test results
Output and Torque
Output (kW)
Torque (Nm)
300
250
kW
200
150
1,600
100
1,400
50
0
1,000
1,200
Nm
1,500
1,000
2,500
2,000
Engine revs (rpm)
Engine: ++
Performance characteristics
Fuel economy
Pto output/Drawbar power
324cm
Engine: 243kW/330hp at 2,200rpm, max 265kW/
360hp at 1,900rpm; turbocharged, intercooled
and water-cooled six-cylinder Deutz TCD 2013
L06 4V engine (Stage IIIa), external exhaust
recirculation and electronic control; 7,142cm³
cubic capacity; 650-litre fuel tank capacity
Gearbox: Infinitely variable Vario ML 260 with
powershuttle, cruise control and TMS; 60km/hr
(‘Profi’) or 40 or 50km/hr, from 20m/hr creeper
speed. Two travel ranges with up to 34km/hr
(in reverse up to 20km/hr) and up to 60km/hr
(reverse up to 33km/hr)
Brakes: Wet multi-plate brakes, dual-line air
brake with independent brake in each wheel
and Fendt Stability Control (FSC) system.
Optional single-line 50km/hr spec
Electrics: 12V, 170Ah battery, 2 x 150-amp
alternator. 4.7kW/6.4hp starter motor
Linkage: Cat III linkage; ELC with draft link
control, double-acting functions and vibration
dampening; optional slip control. Standard
front linkage and optional front pto
Hydraulics: Swash plate pump of 160 or 216
litres/min, 200 bar, four double-/single-acting
spool valves (maximum of eight spool valves).
Available oil for external use by trailed and
mounted implements is 87 litres
Pto: 540E/1,000rpm; 1 3/4in with 6-spline
profile, electrohydraulic engagement
Axles and running gear: Axles with planetary
drives and multi-plate full differential locks,
transverse arm axle with independent wheel
suspension, tested tyre equipment extends to
600/70 R34 front rubber, 710/75 R42 rears
Service and maintenance: 11 litres engine oil
(500-hour intervals); 67 litres transmission oil
(2,000 hours), 109 litres hydraulic oil (1,000
hours); 30-litre cooling system
Price: 60km/hr base specification model
£165,141 without VAT; 50km/hr ‘Power’ version,
18t gross weight £160,001
586cm
with fro
nt linka
ge
Excellent performance and strong power curve;
no power boost. Optimum fuel consumption
results across all types of work. Powermix stats
represent a 13% improvement on the average.
Approved for 100% biodiesel.
267cm
Results from the
Transmission: ++
Gearbox ratios/functions
Shifting
Clutch/throttle
Pto
test station
Pto output:
Maximum (at 1,800rpm)
256.5kW
At rated speed (2,200rpm)
229.5kW
Fuel consumption:
Specific at max output
214g/kWh
Specific at rated speed
225g/kWh
Absolute max/rated speed
65.74 and 61.75l/hr
Torque:
Max
1,450Nm (1,400rpm)
Torque rise
45.5%
Engine speed drop
36.0%
Start-off torque
Not recordable
Gearbox:
No. of gears in 4-12km/hr range Infinitely variable
Rear lift capacities: (90% max oil pressure, cor.)
Bottom/middle/top
7,460/9,500/10,280daN
Lift range under load
84.4cm (23-107.4cm)
Front lift capacities: (90% max oil pressure, cor.)
Bottom/middle/top
3,930/4,290/4,890daN
Lift range under load
60.0cm (15.4-75.4cm)
Hydraulic output: (via three spools)
Operating pressure/max flow 209 bar/222.2l/min
Max output
61.9kW (205.9l/min, 181 bar)
Drawbar power:
Max (1,800rpm)
214.6kW (268g/kWh)
At rated speed
199.4kW (275g/kWh)
Noise level: (Under load at driver’s ear)
Cab closed/open
76.6/83.3dB(A)
Braking:
Maximum mean deceleration
5.8m/s²
Pedal force
50daN
Turning radius:
4WD disengaged
13.75m
4WD engaged
14.35m
Test weight:
Front axle
4,400kg
Rear axle
5,920kg
Unladen weight
10,320kg
GVWR
16,000kg
Payload
5,700kg
(at 50km/hr, 18t GVWR, 7,700kg payload)
Power-weight ratio
42kg/kW
Wheelbase
305cm
Track width front
209cm
Track width rear
200cm
Ground clearance
38.0cm
1.0
1.5
1.3
2.0
60km/hr, infinitely variable box with high efficiency. Two travel ranges, only two pto speeds.
Axles and running gear: ++
Steering
Four-wheel drive and diff lock
Hand/foot brake
Front axle/cab suspension
Weight and payload
2.0
1.1
1.5
1.0
1.8
Reassuring ride and stability. Positive braking,
comfortable suspension. Downgraded at 60km/hr
as 12.6t dead weight limits payload to 3,350kg.
Linkage/hydraulics: ++
Lift power and lift height
Operation
Hydraulic output
Spool valves
Hydraulic couplers
3.0
1.4
1.2
1.1
1.1
Average lift capacity, large lift range, excellent
level of specification and operation. Fully specified hydraulic system has colossal output.
Cab: +
Space and comfort
Visibility
Heating/ventilation
Noise level
Electrical system
Build quality
Maintenance
1.7
1.6
1.8
4.1
1.7
2.7
1.7
Good visibility, though slightly impaired by wide
bonnet. No vents in roof area. The noise level is
sub-average at 76.6dB(A). Accommodation much
improved on that of predecessor 900 range.
Fuel economy at typical performance
Fuel Consumption
2.9
1.1
2.3
Ability:
Basic standards
Average standards
High standards
Field work
Grassland work
Transport work
Loader work
–– – o
+ ++
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Working areas
Standard speed pto 540rpm
Output
100%
Speed g/kWh l/hr
–
–
–
100%
1,600
213
62.3
£128,000 to £132,000
60
Economy speed pto 540Erpm
Standard speed pto 1,000rpm
100%
2,030
227
68.2
Economy pto 1,000Erpm
100%
–
–
–
Typical farmer buying price after discount excl
VAT for base specification ‘Profi’ version of
Fendt 936 Vario
Engine in top speed range
80%
Max
230
51.5
Grading system:
High output
80%
90%
225
50.1
Transport work
40%
90%
253
28.2
++ very good
+ good
Low output, 1/2 speed
40%
60%
225
25.1
High output, 1/2 speed
60%
60%
–
–
Absolute (l/hr)
Relative (g/kWh)
l/hr
45
300
30
15
0
1,000
g/kWh
1,500
2,000
250
200
2,500
Engine revs (rpm)
profi 1/2009
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Price:
Low
o average
– – poor
– below average
The individual marks are extracts from our
assessments and do not necessarily result in
a mathematically conclusive overall mark
High
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