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 in- field lugging power with a healthy dose of transport capability Tractor test: Fendt 936 Vario What next from Mr Fendt? F rom a manufacturer that has tradition- ally 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, four- valve technology, turbocharger, intercool- er, 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 perform- ance, 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’ posi- tion. 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 low- er priced ‘Power’ models rely on a more basic stick that offers just cruise control profi 1/2009 12 www.profi.com PROFI TEST
Transcript
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 in-field lugging power with a healthy dose of transport capability
Tractor test: Fendt 936 Vario
What next from Mr Fendt?
From a manufacturer that has tradition-ally 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, four-valve technology, turbocharger, intercool-er, 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 perform-ance, 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’ posi-tion. 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 low-er priced ‘Power’ models rely on a more basic stick that offers just cruise control
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PROFI TEST
and engine speed memory selection. By spending the extra money on the Multi-function stick design, the operator gains
full access to auto functions as well as linkage and hydraulic system operation.The top-spec joystick is relatively easy
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 but-tons 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 modu-lated 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 – suspen-sion, 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, includ-ing a modified steering valve, come into their own. A couple of on-tarmac high-lights: Either 60km/hr at a frugal 1,950rpm or 50k at an even more relaxed 1,550rpm; and that previously mentioned stick-to-the-road stability. Indeed, some testers reckon the 936 feels far more ‘grounded’ at 50-60km/hr than other lesser specced tractors at 40km/hr.
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PROFI TEST
-50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50km/hr
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18km/hr
Travel range I
Travel range II
II
I
Infinitely variable in the main band
Stepless in forward and reverse
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.
-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)
Powermix 261g/kWh
Powermix Fendt 936 Vario
The heart of the 936 Vario – powerful and
frugal. Photos: ST.
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 above-average 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.
Plus+ Double-acting linkages+ Exemplary coupler labels+ Wide and protected access steps+ Plenty of electric sockets+ Large, dust-tight stowage boxes
This is not a summary of overall assessments but a list of positive and less positive details.
FURTHER DETAILS from our field test
+ Air seat with plenty of adjustment in every direction+ Well laid-out light switches+ External controls front and rear
Minus— Impaired view of front linkage— Toolbox is not easy to access
— 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
Not all 936s will be called on as high-speed 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. Useful-ly, 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 imple-ment 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 line-up. 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
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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.
+ Accessible: The cab filter mounts on the step beneath the cab, where it is convenient to access.
+ Keep cool: Long overdue Fendt climate control system is simple to use.
+ Secure: Coded key makes life more awkward for tractor rustlers - reassuring in the current climate.
- Wrong place: Rear wiper motor falls directly in the line of sight when, for exam-ple, side loading from a forager.
- Less convenient: Three small dials have been replaced by one large knob that scrolls. This isn’t ideal when concentrating on driving.
- Spartan: Original unforgiving passenger seat is now available with more padding, says the manufacturer.
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).
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 pri-or to its launch. The main criticism of the
previous 900-series accommodation was its lack of space, and that is certainly ad-dressed on X5 which, as well as boasting more volume, is also modern in appear-ance 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
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 re-ality 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 out-put relative to fuel consumption, proven stepless transmission, user-friendly link-age 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 re-quires 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
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Bezeichnungen bitte nachtragen!
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00 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
Lift capacity (daN)
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.
Long lift arms: Continuous 7,460daN; 84.4cm lift rangeShort lift arms: Continuous 8,690daN; 74.1cm lift range
2,000kg plough
5,000kg cultivation combination
Front linkage: Continuous 3,930daN; 60.0cm lift range
Fendt 936 Vario: Lift power and requirement
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.
Technical dataEngine: 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 capacityGearbox: 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 specElectrics: 12V, 170Ah battery, 2 x 150-amp alternator. 4.7kW/6.4hp starter motorLinkage: Cat III linkage; ELC with draft link control, double-acting functions and vibration dampening; optional slip control. Standard front linkage and optional front ptoHydraulics: 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 engagementAxles 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 rearsService 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 systemPrice: 60km/hr base specification model £165,141 without VAT; 50km/hr ‘Power’ version, 18t gross weight £160,001
Results from the test station Pto output:Maximum (at 1,800rpm) 256.5kWAt rated speed (2,200rpm) 229.5kWFuel consumption:Specific at max output 214g/kWhSpecific at rated speed 225g/kWhAbsolute max/rated speed 65.74 and 61.75l/hrTorque:Max 1,450Nm (1,400rpm)Torque rise 45.5%Engine speed drop 36.0%Start-off torque Not recordableGearbox: No. of gears in 4-12km/hr range Infinitely variableRear lift capacities: (90% max oil pressure, cor.)Bottom/middle/top 7,460/9,500/10,280daNLift range under load 84.4cm (23-107.4cm)Front lift capacities: (90% max oil pressure, cor.)Bottom/middle/top 3,930/4,290/4,890daNLift range under load 60.0cm (15.4-75.4cm)Hydraulic output: (via three spools) Operating pressure/max flow 209 bar/222.2l/minMax 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/s²Pedal force 50daN Turning radius:4WD disengaged 13.75m4WD engaged 14.35mTest weight:Front axle 4,400kgRear axle 5,920kgUnladen weight 10,320kgGVWR 16,000kgPayload 5,700kg(at 50km/hr, 18t GVWR, 7,700kg payload)Power-weight ratio 42kg/kWWheelbase 305cmTrack width front 209cmTrack width rear 200cmGround clearance 38.0cm
The test resultsEngine: ++Performance characteristics 2.9Fuel economy 1.1Pto output/Drawbar power 2.3
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.
60km/hr, infinitely variable box with high effi-ciency. Two travel ranges, only two pto speeds.
Axles and running gear: ++Steering 2.0Four-wheel drive and diff lock 1.1Hand/foot brake 1.5Front axle/cab suspension 1.0
Weight and payload 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 3.0Operation 1.4Hydraulic output 1.2Spool valves 1.1Hydraulic couplers 1.1
Average lift capacity, large lift range, excellent level of specification and operation. Fully speci-fied hydraulic system has colossal output.
Cab: +Space and comfort 1.7Visibility 1.6Heating/ventilation 1.8Noise level 4.1Electrical system 1.7Build quality 2.7Maintenance 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.
Ability: – – – o + ++Basic standards �Average standards �High standards �Field work �Grassland work �Transport work �Loader work �
Price: Low High£128,000 to £132,000 �
Typical farmer buying price after discount excl VAT for base specification ‘Profi’ version of Fendt 936 Vario
Grading system: o average ++ very good – – poor
+ good – below average The individual marks are extracts from our assessments and do not necessarily result in a mathematically conclusive overall mark
586cm586cm 267cm267cm
Fendt 936 Vario
Fuel economy at typical performance Working areas Output Speed g/kWh l/hrStandard speed pto 540rpm 100% – – –
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