Fendt produces 250,000th Vario transmission

It has taken Fendt just over 20 years to produce the 250,000th Vario transmission and to mark the occasion the company has a special promotion, launching 250, 500, 700, 800 and 900 Vario series models in the new colour, Fendt Nature Green, with a premium package of design features. Introduced at the 1995 Agritechnica (two years before the German tractor maker was acquired by AGCO), the world’s first high-horsepower tractor fitted with the stepless transmission was the 926 Favorit. Today, every tractor manufactured at Marktoberdorf is fitted with a Vario. Made at a dedicated manufacturing plant, the 880-staff involved in the building of the transmission and rear axle assembly produce around 100 units a day. Every six minutes a complete drive rolls off the production line. “The Vario is the only transmission solution for us,” said Fendt boss Peter-Josef Paffen, talking about the decision taken over 20 years ago to go with the stepless gearbox. “At the time, we consciously opted for the technology and now offer the solution for every power band from 50 to 500hp. There’s just no alternative for us.”