“The 936 is conveniently responsible for the work and offers the same productivity.” “The numbers are so good that I buy a new 828 for myself,” he says. “I added LED headlights and work lights, as well as an Evo Active seat and a front PTO to power a mattress topper.” He reports that the dealer support provided by TNS is excellent, and Ford is convinced that Fendt tractors are now the key to greater efficiency for his business. “I wasn`t disappointed with my previous tractor decisions, but the dealer had become complacent and I thought there might be an alternative,” he says. “Since he joined Fendt, there has been no turning back.” “My eyes were open – not only with the fuel, but also with the operator`s comfort, ease of use and versatility,” he says. “I like the fact that you can also make a powerful tractor profile very light and quickly add ballast if needed.” “It takes a few minutes to remove 4,500 kg of ballast from the 936, which immediately means a much smaller footprint and increased efficiency,” he says. This first Fendt 820 has since been replaced by a newer 820, and the arrival of the 930 Vario and 936 Pro Plus models has now created a pure Fendt fleet in Ashwellthorpe. With the exception of the 936, the others were purchased second-hand through TNS, with extended warranties to ensure safety. But with 5,500 hours under its belt, the model`s 930 is expected to be replaced in 2007 with an 828, which represents Ford`s second new Fendt purchase. The Ashwellthorpe, Norfolk-based entrepreneur bought his first Fendt, an 820, in 2008 after he had concerns about the reliability and fuel economy of his existing tractor fleet. “Diesel prices always seem to go in one direction,” notes Richard Ford.
“And with tractors that run about 800 hours a year, we need to make the most of every drop of diesel.” Energy efficiency is an observation shared by its operator Simon Peacock, who spends his days behind the wheel of the contractor`s latest purchase – a 936 Pro Plus. SIC (GB 2007): Post-harvest harvest activities (01630). “When we bought our first Fendt six years ago, I was overwhelmed by the purchase price,” he says. “But when you factor in fuel savings and residual value, my Fendts turn out to be the best tractors we`ve ever owned. “I use the pedal for road work and the joystick for field work,” says Ford. “And when the tractor doesn`t need all its power, the engine slows down while maintaining the lead speed you choose. With fully adjustable remote valves, hydraulic performance doesn`t suffer either. For Richard Thorpe Agricultural Contractors, the sustainability of the tractor fleet meant a gradual exit from one shade of green to another. He explains that operating a mixed fleet in recent years has been an opportunity to put cards on the table with local traders. Stanley Bridge Farm, Bencroft Hill Stanley Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 3RQ For Richard Ford, the switch to Fendt with its integrated Vario transmission allows tractor electronics to control engine speed and power based on load and speed. “On a typical 15-hour day when a 4.5m sumo trio is pulled, the 936 consumes 120 litres less diesel than the tractor it replaced,” says Peacock.
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