Fendt introduced the “ff” tractor series in 1958 with three types: Favorit, Farmer, and Fix. These models offered engine power ranging from 11 kW (15 hp) to 60 kW (80 hp). The Favorit 1 was notable for its transmission design and construction.
The Favorit series represented Fendt’s entry into a structured model range, establishing naming conventions that would continue for decades. The series was part of a broader expansion strategy following the company’s growth in the 1950s.
Evolution Through the Decades
1970s-1980s Development
The Fendt Favorit 600 SL Agricultural Tractor was produced between 1978-1979, equipped with a KHD F6L 912 engine with a displacement of 5652 cm³. The six-cylinder engine generated a maximum power of 85 HP at 2300 RPM and a torque of 310 Nm at 1450 RPM. This model featured a gearbox with twelve forward speeds.
1990s Technological Advances
The Favorit 500 C series was introduced in 1994, offering 95 to 140 hp. This series incorporated features such as a top speed of 50 km/h, suspension, and turboshift transmission in the mid-sized class.
The 1990s marked a significant period for the Favorit line with the introduction of larger, more powerful models. The Fendt Favorit 800 Turboshift LSE was constructed from 1993-1997, offering power ranging from 165-230 PS across models 816, 818, 822, and 824.
Late 1990s and Vario Technology
The Fendt Favorit 900 Vario series was produced from 1997-2000, featuring power outputs from 170-260 PS across models 916, 920, 924, and 926. These tractors used Vario automatic transmission technology.
Technical Specifications and Features
Transmission Systems
The Favorit series used multiple transmission technologies throughout its production run:
- Manual gearboxes in early models.
- Turboshift technology in 800-series models.
- Vario stepless transmission, first introduced in the 926 Vario model at the 1995 Agritechnica exhibition.
Power and Performance
The series covered a wide power range:
- The Favorit 511 C provided up to 85kW or 113 horsepower from 1995-2000.
- Mid-range models offered 95-140 hp.
- High-end models reached 260+ horsepower.
Construction Features
- Four-wheel drive capability across most models.
- Cabin construction as standard equipment.
- Top speeds reaching 50 km/h in later models.
- Suspension systems in advanced variants.
Key Models of the Fendt Favorit Series
Favorit 1 (1958)
- Engine: 11-60 kW (15-80 hp).
- First model in the Favorit line.
- Transmission focus on design and build quality.
Favorit 500 C Series (1994)
- Power range: 95-140 hp.
- Top speed: 50 km/h.
- Features: Suspension, turboshift transmission.
- Target: Mid-sized tractor market.
Favorit 511 C (1995-2000)
- Power output: 85kW (113 hp).
- Configuration: 4WD with cabin.
- Classification: Medium-sized machine segment.
Favorit 600 SL (1978-1979)
- Engine: KHD F6L 912, 5652 cm³ displacement.
- Power: 85 HP at 2300 RPM.
- Torque: 310 Nm at 1450 RPM.
- Transmission: Twelve forward speeds.
Favorit 800 Turboshift LSE (1993-1997)
- Models: 816, 818, 822, 824.
- Power range: 165-230 PS.
- Transmission: Turboshift (gear shift).
- Construction period: Four years.
Favorit 800 Turboshift (1997-2002)
- Models: 816, 818, 822, 824.
- Power range: 170-230 PS.
- Updated version of the LSE series.
- Extended production run.
Favorit 900 Vario (1997-2000)
- Models: 916, 920, 924, 926.
- Power range: 170-260 PS.
- Transmission: Vario (stepless automatic).
- Advanced technology integration.
Production Timeline
- 1958: Introduction of original Favorit series.
- 1978-1979: Favorit 600 SL production.
- 1993-1997: Favorit 800 Turboshift LSE series.
- 1994: Launch of Favorit 500 C series.
- 1995: Introduction of Favorit 511 C.
- 1995: First high-horsepower Vario model (926).
- 1997-2000: Favorit 900 Vario series.
- 1997-2002: Updated Favorit 800 Turboshift series.
Legacy and Impact
The Favorit series established Fendt’s position in multiple market segments from compact to high-horsepower tractors. The series introduced transmission technologies that became standard across the agricultural industry. The naming convention and power classifications developed for the Favorit line influenced subsequent Fendt model ranges.
The transition from manual transmissions through turboshift to Vario technology demonstrated the series’ role as a testing ground for new developments. Many features first implemented in Favorit models later appeared across Fendt’s entire product range.
