Fendt celebrates 30 years of Vario transmission

Fendt celebrated the 30th anniversary of the launch of Variogetriebe, its continuously variable transmission system. The celebration took place during the fourth and largest meeting of the Fendt Classic Club International in Marktoberdorf, with over 300 attendees.

Launched at the 1995 Agritechnica with the Favorit 926 Vario tractor, the Variogetriebe was the first transmission of its kind in a series tractor. The innovation eliminated the need for manual gear shifting. Since 2009, all Fendt tractors have been equipped with this system. In 2025, VarioDrive marks the next generation of the component, debuting in the Fendt 500 Vario series.

Engineer Hans Marschall, a central figure in the technology's development, dedicated more than three decades to the project. In 1981, he created the "Tristat" prototype, which underwent rigorous comparative testing over the following years. Comparisons with conventional tractors demonstrated improvements in comfort and control.

Production required an internal revolution at Fendt. New machining centers, measuring tools, and employee training became essential. Wilhelm Rehm, former production director, recalls the team's mobilization to bring the system to market.

The tractor with Variogetriebe also underwent independent evaluations. During four months of testing by the DLG, the transmission impressed experts with its robustness and efficiency.

The technology also won over farmers due to its reduced diesel consumption. The slogan "Fahren Sie schon oder schalten Sie noch?" (Are you driving or still shifting gears?) helped popularize the new technology. The system is now available on all of the brand's models, from the compact Fendt 200 V Vario to the powerful Fendt 1167 Vario MT, with 673 hp.

At Agritechnica 2025, Fendt will present five new lines featuring the Variogetriebe: 300, 500, 700 Gen7.1, 800, and 1000 Vario. A model of the historic Favorit 926 Vario will be on display at the Fendt Classic Club booth, symbolizing the beginning of a technological revolution that shaped the future of agricultural mechanization.