Later this year will see the arrival of Fendt’s flagship 939 Vario. With power peaking at 287kW/390hp (metric hp), it’s the strongest yet; here we look at the technology and take a brief early drive
IThe New Year brings even tougher emission standards to Europe in the shape of Stage 3b regs, which in turn means another round of reworked tractor engines. Fendt will be taking the chance to reshuffle its model deck, winding horsepower up another notch at the 900-series top end while sliding out the entry-level 922 Vario from the bottom. Key to meeting the new regs, at least in the Bavarian camp, is SCR (selective catalytic reduction) of the exhaust gas using AdBlue, a solution of urea in water. The alternative approach — exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a particulate filter — is being held in reserve by Fendt for the 2014 appearance of Stage 4, when both technologies will come into play.
Main attraction of SCR is that the engine can be set up for optimum fuel consumption rather than being partly hobbled by the suboptimal injection rates and timing needed to make EGR work effectively. The end result for the farm should be a more flexible engine with lower fuel bills, even given the add-on cost of AdBlue solution. On the power and economy front we can’t wait to see the results of a formal test; until then, here’s some detail on Fendt’s methodology and a taste of what the new 939 Vario will be like to drive.
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