Fendt price tags have long had a propensity to make the eyes water, yet many owners argue the marque’s strong residuals mean that owning a Fendt is no more expensive than any other premium-brand tractor. To maintain those healthy used values, Fendts need to perform and, just as crucial, be reliable. We see how one 4,400hr 724 is faring.
When it eventually broke cover at the Cereals Event in June 2011, Fendt’s third generation 700-series signalled a big step forward for the Bavarian tractor maker. Since the original Vario range was launched in 1998, it was these middleweight prime movers that had proved to be the biggest sellers in the company’s line-up. For contractors, mixed farms and, in particular, owner/operators, the original 700 and 800s hit the sweet spot in terms of a balance between weight, power and technological sophistication. Originally the 700 range stretched from 120hp up to 180hp, all models kitted out with the firm’s stepless Vario ‘box, which at the time led the field.
But, despite phenomenal sales success, over a decade on the late ‘90s line-up was beginning to appear dated. The bulbous, bug-eyed nose cone looked out of place alongside Fendt’s recently revamped 800 and 900-series tractors, and the cramped cabin was becoming a consistent grumble from operators who saw what drivers of different coloured machines were being treated to.
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