The 516 is the top model in the 500 range from Fendt in the 125hp to 165 hp bracket. The tractor replaced the 400 series and has developed from the old Fendt Favorit 500. However, it looks and feels a lot closer to its bigger siblings in the 700 series.

All four models use a four-cylinder 4.04-litre Deutz engine, equipped with SCR (Adblue) to meet Tier 4i emissions standards. The entry-level 512 has 110hp, the 513 has 120hp and the 514 provides 135hp, with the most powerful 516 model with 165hp.

All have Fendt’s own Vario transmission, giving speeds from 0.02 to 50km/h. Fendt’s tractor management system (TMS) allows the engine and transmission to work together to provide optimum efficiency. In recent years, Fendt has provided two basic specification levels, now the 500 Vario series has three levels of specification – Power, Profi and ProfiPlus. The model we had on test was the 516 Profi.

The VisioPlus cab

The cabin is common with the 700 series tractors. The windscreen, which curves at the top, forming the front section of the roof, provides excellent forward visibility, especially for loader work, which we really liked on test. The cab has a very spacious feel, helped by the fact there is so much glass and hence visibility. Two cab suspension options are available – mechanical front and rear, or mechanical front with hydraulic rear.

Fendt’s Varioterminal display is fitted; the 7in standard in the Power and Profi specification, with 10.4in an optional upgrade for Profi and standard for ProfiPlus.

All operating functions and controls are contained within the terminal and on the right armrest, which moves with the suspension seat for comfort. Variotronic implement control is provided through the screens and all provide up to four sequences of 22 steps to be implemented. Isobus implement control is standard on Profi and ProfiPlus versions.

Air conditioning is standard on all variants, but climate control is available as an option on Profi and ProfiPlus versions only. Other differences between the models include a more comfortable passenger seat on the Profi and ProfiPlus and additional storage space in the roof.

The cabin is extremely quiet when fully closed and the engine runs with very little vibration. It is an excellent place to be on a long working day.

The view to the back lower links is good for attachments and they have a clever attachment route for cables that have traditionally needed to come through the rear window.

Chassis

A half-frame chassis construction allows the integration of the optional front linkage and PTO, for added strength and better weight distribution according to Fendt.

The tractor we had on test had a 1,250kg weight block on the front linkage with no PTO. Front-loader attachment points are also integrated, again providing extra strength. The more capable 500 Vario has a higher unladen weight, 6,050kg for the 512 and 513, and 6,400kg for the 514 and 516, and a longer wheelbase than the 400 Vario, although it is 21cm shorter than that of the larger 700 Vario range.

Maximum gross vehicle weight is 10,500kg across the range, with maximum rear lift capacity of 7,780kg and 3,420kg at the front.

Hydraulic performance is enhanced for the 500 Vario Profi and ProfiPlus models, with 110- or 158-litre flow rates available, while the Power version has either 75 or 110 litres per minute.

Up to four ancillary valves can be fitted on the Power version and up to seven on the Profi and ProfiPlus models – five at the rear and two at the front.

In the field

On test, the tractor was used to pull a range of 3m disc cultivators at depth between 3in and 6in. The tractor was at its ease, with virtually no wheel slip and no problem with any of the weights for lifting.

The setup for work is simple on the screen, with two cruise options and dynamic cruise for the field. Dial in the forward speed and the TMS system will match the loading and speed requirement to maximise efficiency.

On test, the onboard fuel indication showed a consumption of 16 to 18l/ha or 6.5l/acre – not bad for the work involved.

For field operations, the tractor can be moved forward by the pedal or operated through the joystick controller as selected by the operator. The directional control switch is also available under the steering. The tractor has full Isobus control, making it an ideal partner for a wagon or baler with the Vario transmission

Fendt Cargo Profi loader

The front loader, designed for the 500 Vario, provides automation of many operations, including automatic return to saved positions and limiting of working range, for example maximum height and tilt angle.

An integrated weighing function can indicate and record weight of single bucket loads or compute total weight. A very clever feature on the loader is to select the weight needed for a total load of grain. The system will then beep for the driver when the last couple of buckets are needed.

The automatic height preset is ideal for low roof sheds; it will not allow the loader to rise above the set height.

Automatic shaking of the bucket is another feature to assist emptying. Damping is provided and can be linked to speed, or end position, minimising loss of material being handled.

All the settings on the loader are carried out on the tractor’s control terminal. The loader adds €13,000 plus VAT to the cost of the tractor if it is required.

Checks

Access for daily checks is good. The rear-hinged bonnet lifts easily to expose the engine and cooling package, and the side panels can be removed without the need for tools. The cooling radiators fold out, providing ease of cleaning.

Access to the cab was good, with decent-sized steps and a wide-opening door. A floor pedal locks and releases the steering wheel, providing plenty of space to get to the seat. The controls all fall naturally to hand and are logically laid out.

The main forward and reverse control lever is below the steering wheel to the left, while the transmission function buttons are on the right control panel. For most tasks, one simply selects TMS, which allows the tractor to decide for itself the combination of engine revs and transmission ratio most efficient for the operation.

Select forward or reverse and touch the accelerator, then press cruise control and the tractor adjusts to the preset work speed.

Visibility was good through the windscreen and to the rear to the implement, and the 10.4in screen made it easy to keep an eye on performance. The steering gave the right amount of feedback. On the headland, it was light, with a good turning circle to make manoeuvring for the next run easy.

Read more

To read the full Machinery Focus, click here.