Fendt may have reintroduced the 500 name, but the firm’s latest mid-hp line is a very different beast to the 500-series that ceased production 15 years ago. The four-model family spans 125-155hp and incorporates four-cylinder engines, Vario transmissions and VisioPlus cabs. So, it’s very much the modern-day Fendt. Test candidate here is the flagship 516
Although the new Vario 500 range replaces the Vario 400 in today’s stepless Fendt line, it does share some common traits with the old Favorit 500 series. For instance, even though the newcomers are all four-cylinder units, their wheelbase is more on a par with that of the older six-pot mechanical transmission tractors, measuring 2.56m rather than the 2.42m of Vario 400 models. The front axle is also fitted with 28in rims — again different to the 400s.
And the differences with the 400 don’t stop there. The front suspension boasts larger cylinders (70mm as against 65mm), and the front beam can carry a load of 4.8t, or even as high as 8t as long as the travel speed remains under 8km/hr. In many other respects Vario 500 is similar to the larger 700 series — similar styling, cab and control layout. In fact everything is almost identical, just as it was on the older 400, 700, 800 and 900 series, making life so much easier for operators to jump between different models. In other words, fleet friendly.
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