DRIVING IMPRESSION: On the back of the move to Stage IV emission targets, Fendt has subjected the Katana 65 to its first major revamp. Detailed fettling is based on feedback from existing users
Fendt’s motivation for updating the Katana 65 was clearly the need to meet Stage IV exhaust emission regulations, which simply wasn’t possible with the existing eight-cylinder engine. To solve the problem Fendt has moved to the MTU six-cylinder 6R1500 for the 2016 crop harvesting campaign.
The MTU motor is good for 460kW/625hp according to the spec sheet. When in power mode the rated speed drops to an economical 1,900rpm (in eco mode it is 1,520rpm). As for stamina and quiet running we were pleased at how the engine could pull back to 1,500rpm and was still able to pick up again after the load peak had passed.
Our brief time in the field with the new 65 took place in the Italian Po Valley, where the MTU motor was typically running at 1,700-1,800rpm. Using a Kemper 460 Plus header to cut an average crop of maize with chop length set to 5mm, the chopper worked at a steady rate of 6.5km/hr and delivered both good output and chop quality.
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