Tractor test: Fendt 718

It may look like a compact and dainty tractor, but the 718 tips the scales close to 7t, which is much on a par with the rest of the group.

Transmission set-up options are simple. Range one (0 to 30kph) is for draft work while two (0 to 52kph) is for transport. While all other CVTs here have four mechanical gears with a hydro variator filling in the gaps, Fendt takes a different approach.

The tractor relies on the hydrostatic element from start-off and, as speed increases, this progressively transfers to a mechanical drive by the time it reaches the upper end of each range.

While competitors raise the point of less efficient hydraulic drive, it remains a simple system which works very well – more than 100,000 Varios have been produced since 1996.

With a seven-furrow Lemken Vari-Tansanit weight-transfer plough and 2,240kg on the front links, the 718 was more than happy at 7kph even with the plough set to its widest furrow setting of 60cm. It also worked well on the 4.6m Cultipress and we were able to use the hydraulic spool joystick to alter the levelling paddles on the move and raise the tines out of work for headland turns where we also used the travel pedal to control the speed.

Once back in work, the cruise control meant forward speed was maintained over rough ground.

Engine

THE 718 uses a Deutz 6.1-litre motor with four valves for each of the six pots and the common rail injection system working at pressures of up to 1,600 Bar. Unlike the other tractors here, the Fendt does not have a power boost. Its rated figure of 181hp at 2,100rpm grows to a maximum output of 186hp at 1,900rpm and 780Nm of torque at 1,450rpm.

On the dyno, our model found a few extra horses and pumped out 177.4hp at the shaft, suggesting it’s a tad stronger than its on-paper figures when losses are taken into account.

The front nosecone hinges up once the top link bracket has been removed to reveal the cooling pack. The rear half of the bonnet hinges forward to access the rest of engine and air filter.

Armrest controls and console

LIKE the New Holland, Fendt operators can change direction using either steering column shuttle or the joystick, unlike the Deutz, where you’re more committed to one system.

Cruise control is engaged by nudging the lever to the right, but if you want second cruise, you must reach for the side console buttons to alternate.

With the seat turned slightly for field work, the armrest can clash with the console too, highlighting the lack of space in the Fendt cab. We also found if you were using the hydraulic spool joystick and suffered a bounce, your fingers could get bruised.

There is a sliding lever to limit travel speed when in foot pedal mode over rough ground, it is easy to accidentally move this setting with your palm when using the spool joystick.

Despite this, we found the rest of the buttons and controls reasonably well laid out.

Cab access

THE shallow steps with filled-in backplates make it hard to clean muddy boots properly before entering the six-post cab. The bulky dash surrounding the steering column also eats into cab space and the reach and rake adjustment on an overly-large diameter steering wheel isn’t perfect.

There is not enough room in the cab for one man and his dog. With this in mind, we remain optimistic about when the 700 series gets the new X5 style cab.

The training seat is also poor when compared to others in this group.

Although it is not the worst, taller operators will feel they are on a make-shift perch.

There is a reasonable amount of in-cab storage space with two bottle holders under the armrest - not ideal, but better than nothing. There is a chilled bottle compartment in the left-hand B-post but this has a flimsy plastic door.

Despite its age, the Fendt cab does keep its operator in a reasonable degree of comfort and it still filters a lot of the noise out. It would be much quieter with a fixed front screen, though.

Fresh air is plentiful – there’s a sunroof and side opening windows, too.

Monitor

THE now familiar Vario terminal is, we reckon, one of the easier systems to use, although the touch screen on the New Holland is easier than flicking through menus.

At 12.5cm across, it’s one of the smaller screens here, but it is the only one which was not heavily affected by glare – Valtra and New Holland have to be the worst offenders for this.

The Vario terminal allows you to set engine speed droop, and pre-select cruise control speeds, too. It’s really quite an easy system. While there is a wealth of information on offer, the small screen proved difficult to read quickly.

Up to 13 functions can be controlled using the Go/Stop joystick buttons, making headland turns easier.

We used this feature to raise and lower the plough at headlands and liked its convenience.

Rear wing controls

THERE are the usual buttons for raising and lowering the rear linkage and engaging/disengaging the pto conveniently positioned on the rear wings. There is a choice of three pto speeds (540, 540E and 1,000rpm). These are selected with buttons in the cab.

A hydraulic push-back pick-up hitch makes drawbar or hitch work pretty easy. The drawbar is stored in a bracket by the rear wheel which can be a little difficult to get at but is close to where it is needed.

Durable dust caps keep dirt out of the spools - up to four can be specified on the rear of the 718. If the output of the standard 110 litres/minute load sensing pump is not enough for demanding operations, there is also the option of a 154-litre pump. The transmission and hydraulic oil are separate in this design of tractor, so there’s no fear of cross-contamination.

The rear lift is capable of raising 8,340kg while the front linkage is rated at 4,440kg. Both the front and rear linkages are controlled by Fendt’s Electric Position Control. The depth control is on the side console and within easy reach.

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