Launched in mid-2022, the Gen7 700 series promises to deliver the proven performance of the existing 700 series range, but with greater power, manoeuvrability and payload. Toby Whatley had a first drive in the range-topping 728.
You dreamt it, we built it is how Fendt describe the generation seven iteration of its 700 Vario Series, giving an indication on paper at least that they expect this model range will propel them to a wider position of market competition in the well-supplied 200-300hp sector. With a product which delivers for cultivations, haulage, crop applications, crop establishment, green harvest and the numerous other more specialist applications Fendt find their products in, they have set a serious precedent to fulfil.
Developing the existing 700 series, which includes Fendts most popular model the 724 by some significant margin, it was not a particularly unexpected choice. Its complete tractor offering covers about 46 different machines, so investing in the most popular product is not such a bad idea.
Currently, the Bavarian manufacturer has yet to announce any changes to the existing 700 series range, so buyers currently have the option to order a 720, 722 or a 724 in either a Gen6 or Gen7. From an operator perspective, there is little difference between the two machines, with both utilising the FendtONE operation system.
Supplied across all models (except the 800 and both crawlers) the FendtONE operation system has scored well, with a wider range of machine adjustments and control configurations than most other manufacturers. We tested this system in a 516 Vario tractor test in December 2022, with all of our team finding it a well-built, adaptable place to work.
Changes to the cab for the Gen7 are modest and include Cat 4 filtration with a revised air circulation system, offering a claimed 30 per cent increase in cooling capacity, an upgraded heated/cooled massage seat with position memory, an offside window wash/wipe, and an optional refrigerator in the offside footwell.
The major changes from the six to the seven generations are mechanical. A new AGCO Power 7.4 litre engine is unique to the Gen7 and replaces the 6.1 litre Deutz unit of the previous iteration. It is professed to offer improved fuel consumption with the peak torque of 1,220nm delivered at 1,300rpm.
Engine cooling has been revised and utilises a hydraulically-driven fan design lifted from the 1000 series. The design is said to be 40 per cent more economical than a conventional assembly, but crucially the system requires a 560mm diameter fan, creating a much narrower front end design with improved visibility of the front linkage.
The largest 728 model includes the brands dynamic performance system, which offers a 20hp power increase. Operating in a similar manner to a boost, the system is designed to deliver an overall increase in available power for all tractor systems driveline, hydraulics, pto and cooling as it is demanded.
The system is not dependant on a specific pto or transmission load before the increase is introduced. In operation, the new engine did appear to run comfortably at a lower rpm, even when working with a six-metre power harrow on heavy, sloping land.
Working with the new engine, a revised version of the trademark Vario transmission now includes the manufacturers VarioDrive system, which is currently offered on the larger 900 and 1000 series. The system effectively changes the tractor from four-wheel drive to all-wheel drive, where two swash-plate motors deliver drive to the front and rear axles independently, with oil supplied from a central hydraulic pump.
Apart from the obvious engineering complexity, the system allows for some clever drive divisions which allows the front axle to effectively pull the vehicle into a tighter turning circle, and also removes the two-range transmission and manual four-wheel drive engagement.
During the launch, Fendt proudly demonstrated the machine operating on a comparable turning circle to a much smaller four cylinder 500 series. In practice, the system is noticeably effective in changing the handling characteristics of the tractor, which was particularly recognisable when pulling away from a junction, where significantly less steering lock is require to align the machine onto the carriageway. For vegetable and root growers, this steering improvement could be a great advantage for bed and row-crop tasks.
Machines destined for high-hours carrying out haulage may benefit from the top speed increase to 60kph, delivered at a frugal 1.450rpm. For a machine of its size, the unit handled well at higher speeds, however its capability to travel at this speed should be matched with a suitable trailer, tyres and brakes, and also may not be legal on the public highway.
Despite a top-end power increase of nearly 70hp to 303hp, the overall machine wheel base has increased by 117mm to 2,900mm. This dimension matches its competitive stablemates well, including the 301hp John Deere 6250R which shares an identical wheelbase dimension.
Options originally found on the larger models have been moved onto the Gen7, including VarioGrip central tyre inflation, which was a popular feature on the 800 series. This system allows varying tyre pressure between field and road and can take full advantage of VF tyres in reducing compaction and potentially improving on-road productivity.
FG Verdict
The 700 Series Gen 7 builds on what is an already highly accomplished and popular tractor range. Fendt says some customers, particularly vegetable growers, have built their fieldwork activities around the capabilities of the existing 724. The new range appears to have maintained the features buyers liked while enhancing others; the addition of more top-end power, higher road speed and a factory-fit tyre inflation system.
The fact that the machines dimensions and maximum power now match a key competitor is not a coincidence compact 300hp tractors are an increasing must-have for some contracting businesses.
Where the range sits within the wider Fendt offering is currently less apparent, as the Gen7 closely matches some of the specifications of the larger and heavier 800 series, while the existing Gen 6 700 series remains available to order.
With Agritechnica taking place in November, buyers can expect a realignment of the available models to potentially remove some of the range overlap.
