Launched in 2010, the 280hp Stage IIIB Fendt 828 Vario SCR topped the then five model 800 range.
The range was subsequently pruned to four models in 2014 with the Stage IV 800 Vario S4 were introduced. Second hand values seem pretty solid and there is a nice selection of used examples in Fendt dealers yards, but what about the engine problems that are often mentioned? We lift the bonnet on the Deutz motor and kick the VarioGrip tyres to find out more.

KEEPING IT BRIEF

  • Stage IV Fendt 828 Vario S4 models could have engine problems. AGCO warranty covered the costs of a fix but check if this will apply to a used buy, even if the balance of the original warranty remains. 
  • A Fendt dealer service history is important with any used buy. Some S4 tractors had repeat problems.
  • A Plus in the spec package means guidance included.
  • ProfiPlus specification common, entry level Power will be rare.
  • PowerPlus from 2018 has guidance included but still a rare spec choice.
  • Numerous options can make getting the right specification complicated.
  • Early 828 SCR tractors now harder to find but can make a solid used buy.

Over the years, certain tractor models gain a reputation for having various problems that take time to resolve. Examples? Well, a 2002-2004 long wheelbase New Holland TM175 and TM190 or what about the John Deere 7R tractors of 2011-2014 vintage. Both had well documented problems areas, but once fixes were in place, they did go some way to redeeming themselves and used values have strengthened. 

Pictured power unit is from the less powerful 240hp Vario 824 S4 as it allows a better overall view of what lives under the bonnet of the 800 S4 series. The 828 has twin turbos and extra intercooler crammed under the same size bonnet. Pro-rata, the 828 offers a better power to fuel use than its less powerful sibling, but the smaller model is less known for engine problems.

Can the same be said of the 2014 to 2023 Stage IV Fendt 828 S4? Rumour has it that all these models are prone to engine trouble. Is that true? A bit of a yes and no here. The yes bit is that a good number of tractors did suffer, and it took a bit of time to get to the bottom of the key problems. The ‘no’ bit is that a Fendt dealer will be reluctant to retail a used 828 S4 that has not been well and truly sorted out. 

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Another point is that good 828 S4 models are starting to gain a firmer grip on residual values, with late used examples commanding strong money. NNo surprise as many of these tractors deliver a combination of a 60km/hr plus transport speed matched to a lot of power and performance packed into a manageable package.

Up to six remote valves are available at the rear, with pressure release levers an option (right as fitted to a 700 series tractor). The rear linkage and pick-up hitch can tell you a great deal about the tractor’s past use so look for heavy wear and play in the linkage and couplings. S4 tractors benefit from rear linkage suspension. HA220 rear axle allows a permissible gross tractor weight of 14,000kg.

In the know

Larger Fendt dealers will tend to only offer a used 828 they have known from new, with a cast iron record of any work done if the tractor was troublesome. Fendt specialist dealers, who have invested the time and money to really get to know these tractors, will also be a good bet. It is not in their interest to pass on a pup.

As late as 2022 there were Fendt dealers who were reluctant to move on even modest hour 828 S4 tractors unless they knew the tractors history but as engine problems were by this point getting resolved, used Fendt 828 S4 prices hardened.  As of 2026, a sound 828 S4 can make a good buy with main dealers retailing 2018 sub-8,000 hours 828 Vario Profi Plus models for north of £90K.

The rear pto runs at 540E and 1,000 or 1,000 and 1,000ECO speeds. The electrics to the right hook up to the solenoids that control pto and four-wheel drive engagement. Fans of a high-pressure washer need to steer their jet away from this area, a breech in the solenoid seals allowing in mischief making moisture.

Older S4 models are now getting thinner on the ground in the UK, but find a sound 2014 tractor, with a good history, and it can still command decent sums with entry level pricing of around £75,000 for good examples with a solid service record. As to the last 2023 Fendt 828 models, the bulk will be well specified Profi Plus models with examples with around 2,500 hours on the clock retailing for around £150K. These will have the balance of their warranty remaining, this typically being eight years or 8,000 hours from new. Back in 2023, many dealers were placing factory orders for 828 S4 tractors without having a customer for them. They had no trouble selling them, or at least that is the message we got when doing our homework on these models.

Hitting the spot

Fendt got so much right with the 828, the tractors having a good power to weight to size ratio not to mention a potential 60km/hr plus transport speed. In the UK, 828 S4 buyers increasingly opted for the VarioGrip tyre pressure system. On a used buy, this can be a real plus as it enables buyers to fit less expensive tyres and easily run them at lower field and higher transport pressures rather than opting for costly VHF high flexion tyres run at a fixed pressure. As a guide, VarioGrip will take around five minutes to reduce all four tyres to field pressures, inflation via the twin compressor system taking under eight minutes. If fitted, it is worth trying the system out when looking over a used buy.

Fendt VarioGrip was reintroduced in updated form on the 800 S4 range. Neat pipework with good protection of the front wheels (left) a plus. System works well and is a popular option as VarioGrip allows more conventional radial tyres to be easily run low inflation pressures for field work and then ‘blown up’ for fast road work.

What to look for

We can’t stress this enough, and it should apply to any used tractor given how prices have rocketed in recent years, but a solid service history and a warranty are good starting points. Secondly, do not overlook specifications. As previously mentioned, ProfiPlus models benefit from guidance but also have the option of 60km/hr plus transport speed that makes them popular load luggers. 

ProfiPlus spec brings guidance readiness as standard but this does not mean the tractor will be ready to self-steer so check. Glue holding the sticker in place can see the latter go AWOL.

Base specification tractors were offered with a 50km/hr transport speed as standard. This will be rare in the UK but worth a check.

As to other specification elements, the standard build on these tractors is comprehensive but be aware of subtle changes between each model year. Local variations will also apply. Tyre size can also trip you up. The most popular rears are 710/70 R42 but 650/85 R38 are popular in some areas. Front tyres for both are likely to be 600/70 R30, with 540/65 R34 also quite common, particularly on tractors fitted with a loader. 

Any other known problems?

Key points to consider can be attributed to general wear and tear. The front axles work hard, so check for play in the track rods and all pivot points may need to be sorted out. Also look for front hub seal and differential leaks. The front suspension system also needs to be in good order so look for leaks from the rams. The accumulators will lose pressure over time, a ‘hard’ front end suggesting new spheres may be needed.

On a test drive, check the brakes pull the tractor up straight. The brakes need a firm press to deliver, incidentally, so try them a few times to get used to the pedal feel. In our profi test of 04/2015, we listed a pedal pressure of 27.2daN which is simple terms is around 27kg of pedal pressure. If you are less than happy with the brakes, make sure they are properly checked over as these tractors can really fly down the road even when towing a hefty load.

Most noticeable differences between SCR and S4 models are slightly different bonnet vents and the more obvious bulky exhaust base of the Stage IV models. The windscreen wiper on S4 models is a 360 degree unit, with a switch to change to180 degrees for transport. From 2017, the change to Nature Green was made, with some of the first tractors with the new finish having problems with corrosion around the edges of painted surfaces.

The dual range Vario ML220 transmission in S4 models (ML200 in the SCR) are robust with few reported problems. The key is to ensure they are serviced with 123 litres of fresh transmission oil every 2,000 hours. If you are familiar with Vario transmissions, you will possibly be better placed to pick up anything amiss while taking it for a drive, but the real test will be to put the transmission under load. A point to remember is that the tractor should be stopped when manually switching between transport and field.

What goes into the fuel and AdBlue tanks can have an impact upon how well the tractor performs. Diesel and DEF fluid qualities obviously vary, with poor storage of both potentially leading to problems with any modern engine.

The hydraulics are robust, with a choice of 152 or common 205 litre/min pump. Oil capacity is 102 litres (separate from the transmission) with a 1,000 hour change interval. Up to six rear and two front valves can be specified. As with any tractor, look for leaking valves. Pressure release levers are not standard, incidentally, but are a popular option.

The rear linkage on S4 models benefitted from suspension damping, but otherwise the system on S4 and older SCR generation models remained much the same. Lift capacity is up to 10 tonnes, with around 8 tonnes through the lift arc. Front linkage capacity is up to 4.8 tonnes, with around 4.0 tonnes rated. In both cases, the linkages are rugged but pivot wear is something to look for. Hydraulic rear top links are a common but by no means universal fit. 

Front linkage and pto with two remote valves are almost a default UK fit but check. Reverse drive was an option on the 824. Note model ID plate. The serial number will be needed if you buy from a non-Fendt dealer and are delving into the tractor’s warranty history.

The lighting packages on offer can be a bit bewildering but as most tractors will have the top ProfiPlus spec expect a good range of work lights. These can be a mix of halogen and LED, with newer tractors more likely to have the latter. You clearly get what is fitted. Check every light works and look for damage. 

Take time to look over the front axle, the hub brakes, suspension, track rods and accumulators (right) all needing to be in good shape. On a test drive, listen out for any noises from the front end and be wary if the steering is vague. Do repeated stops from speed to check the brakes. A firm pedal pressure is normal.

Solenoids look after the electronic engagement of drive to the front axle and pto and are positioned next to the latter. It is worth engaging drive to these features as the solenoids are exposed and the seals can fail. Other details can include hardened motor mounts, leaky hoses and cooling fan bearing wear. 

The cooling fan bearings can start to wear at high hours. Check for play. Look for evidence of coolant leaks and damage to the radiators. S4 engines run hot.
Age hardened engine mounts will transmit more vibration back to the cab. New replacements are not expensive and are not difficult to fit.

A final point is that the paint finish on some tractors was not up to Fendt standards. This was typically around 2017 when the 800 series was moved from traditional Fendt Green to the current Nature Green. Key areas to check are around the edges of the bonnet and cab frame. 

Workmanlike Fendt cab can scrub up well, with hard wearing materials ensuring even a high hour used buy should present in good order. Check the seat adjusts fully and does not make noises when travelling over rough ground. Also crank up the air conditioning. Wear in the cab door hinges worth a check but not a problem area.

See picture captions for further detail.

Summary

There are not many tractors out there that can offer the balance of performance, size and weight of a Fendt 828 S4, hence they sold in decent numbers. That said, there is no hiding the fact that a good number of these tractors had engine problems, but in fairness AGCO and its dealers did look after customers, replacing engines if necessary. If a used buy has a solid dealer service history and remaining balance of its original warranty remaining it is likely to prove a solid bet.

Those familiar with Fendt tractors will feel right at home at the controls of an 828. Subtle developments of the Vario terminal aside, there is little to choose between late and early models but do your homework as the guidance systems on offer evolved.

What about older, higher hour 828 S4 tractors with a solid service record but no OEM warranty? Main dealers will typically offer these tractors with a three month, 100 hour warranty with the option of purchasing extended cover. If no warranty is offered or you are considering buying outside the Fendt dealer or specialist network, tread with care. 

With thanks to: Howard Sherren, RVW Pugh, Holmes Chapel, Ben Shacklock and Rob Immink, Chandlers Farm Equipment, Belton and Ed Dennett, AGCO.

James de Havilland

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