South Africa is a land of fantastic fruit, and is one of the main fruit-producing countries in the world. More than 50% of South African agricultural exports is fruit. Figures from Fruit South Africa indicate that more than 4.7 million tons of fruit are produced in South Africa each year, of which 59% is exported, 28% is used for processing and 12% sold locally.
“We at AGCO believe that specialist farmers in South Africa that have operations focused on exporting their produce ought to be able to compete with their international counterparts from a mechanisation point of view as well,” comments Ryan Clark, Product Marketing Manager, Lower Horse Power Tractors, Africa. “The technological solutions and innovations in these modern specialist tractors provide farmers the very best in productivity, efficiency and results-driven farming for the best job in the world,” asserts Clark.
The Fendt 200 VFPS Vario series of specialist tractors includes five models (Fendt 207 Vario, Fendt 208 Vario, Fendt 209 Vario, Fendt 210 Vario, and Fendt 211 Vario), with outer widths ranging from 1.07 m to 1.68 m. The maximum power range of this series is between 79hp (58kW) and 124hp (91kW), in accordance with ECE R120. All models are available as Power, Profi and Profi+ versions.
“It works quieter and saves fuel,” mentions Frans Cronje, Regional Sales Manager for Fendt, AGCO South Africa. Cronje continues: “Compared to the previous model, the new Fendt 200 VFPS Vario boasts a total of 33 innovations, with 21 of these packed into the standard Power configuration. Every farm is different, and therefore there are the three Power, Profi and Profi+ configurations, combined with the flexibility of over 160 options, as well as 70 tyres and tracks to tailor the tractor perfectly to specific requirements, and that makes this a very special tractor for the specialist farmer.”
Farming operations that own the Fendt 200 VFPS Vario Power models can enjoy a digital display area for the first time, with the 10″ digital dashboard fitted as standard. This makes it much easier, faster and clearer to configure engine and gearbox functions and working hydraulics, among other things. The multifunction joystick opens up new control possibilities in the Fendt 200 VFP Vario Power.
Smart farming
With Fendt 200 VFPS Vario Profi+, farmers can now boast the complete range of smart farming solutions adopted from the Fendt 700 Vario. In addition to the Fendt Guide lane guidance system (formerly VarioGuide), Fendt 200 Vario Profi+ is also available in the Agronomy module of Fendt Task Manager and Fendt Task Doc (formerly VarioDoc Pro).
With Fendt Task Manager, the farm manager can create job orders in the office or on the move and send them straight to the machine. Use Fendt Task Manager together with Fendt Guide and the RTK correction signal, and the Fendt 200 VFP Vario can drive down rows with centimetre-accuracy and process the fields even more efficiently.
With Fendt Guide, the machine operates steadily and accurately, even in poor visibility. Fendt Guide lets the tractor and equipment work at full capacity, because the Fendt 200 VFPS Vario stays on track without active steering inputs, even at night or with large working widths. With Fendt Guide, the tractor automatically maintains the ideal line so that the operator can concentrate fully on the implement and the job at hand. There is less overlapping and, depending on the work, farmers can realise savings of between 3% and 10%. Cronje comments: “When cover spraying, you can avoid going over the same spot twice. Once the work is done, Fendt Task Doc can automatically send the job order to the office. This makes it easier to document and measure the work carried out during the day, the entire season, and even by specific operators.”
Smart assist is a real benefit for repeat processes, especially headlands. The Fendt TI headland management system saves up to 1 920 daily hand movements in 160 turns. Both manually at a standstill and while driving, the tractor can record all the functions as a sequence and save them in the terminal. All it takes is a touch of a button to activate automated sequences when entering and coming out of the headland. Five triggers (route, time, front power lift, rear power lift and manual) and 13 function groups help control an impressive total of 74 functions.
Work or operator profiles can be stored for perfectly adjusted equipment and controls, even with different drivers working on the same machine. These work profiles save each implement with its own settings. This saves time and reduces complexity from having to enter the settings each time. Even if you have different drivers, they can then work efficiently and optimally without having to adjust any settings or parameters every time.
Fendt’s Dynamic-Performance
Lightweight and powerful, the innovative power-boost Dynamic-Performance (DP) concept on the Fendt 200 VFPS Vario releases 10hp more power on demand, just when it’s needed. It is not tied to driving speeds or special operational tasks, but works purely independently.
“The superior value retention of a Fendt 200 VFPS Vario is a solid building block for its overall economic efficiency because it costs less per hour in the long run, in addition to its cutting-edge solutions. It remains a great investment, even after many years, and has the superior performance and working comfort of the big Fendt tractors that South Africa has already come to know and love. The intelligent combination of these systems guarantees maximum performance, machine safety, and the most advanced precision technology that South Africa has ever seen in this class of specialist agricultural tractors.” mentions Cronje.
In support of the farming community, Fendt has a nationwide dealer network covering the whole of South Africa, offering service, sales and support. For further information, and to get in touch with your closest dealer, visit www.fendt.com/za.
