When quizzed about what tractor he prefers, Jeff Endres from Waunakee, Wis., had a definite answer. He says the best workhorse for his operation is a Fendt Model 818 Vario.

Enders’ introduction to this machine was in 2005 when he rented it as a demo from McFarlane Manufacturing in Sauk City, Wis. He was satisfied with its overall performance, so decided to purchase the tractor a year later. His operation, Berryridge Farms, spreads across a 6-mile radius in Dane County. Besides raising corn, alfalfa and grass hay, the dairy operation includes 550 Holstein cows and heifers.

The main chores for the 818, which has a rating of 180 hp, are operating the 12-row Case IH planter, John Deere 1560 grain drill and feed mixer, hauling grain and forage boxes, spreading manure, and chopping and shredding cornstalks. With a ground speed of 34 mph, the tractor efficiently moves loads across several miles.

This tractor was manufactured by Fendt from 2006 to 2016 in Marktoberdorf, Germany. Features include four-wheel drive, wet disc brakes, load-sensing hydraulics, power steering, 4-by-4 chassis, 89.8-gallon fuel tank, continuously variable transmission, plus infinite forward and reverse (two-range) gears. It weighs 15,480 pounds and has a Duetz TCD 2012 LO6 4V turbocharged, intercooled, diesel, six-cylinder, 24-value, liquid-cooled engine.

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“I really didn’t know what to expect with this machine, and it took me a while to get a feel for the overall operation,” Endres says. “It creates high efficiency in fuel savings, which computes to 25% less when transporting loads and moving equipment on the road. Primary maintenance over the years has been adding three new sets of tires and redoing the transmission and brakes.”

1 Fendt leads to 4

Because this line of equipment is price competitive, Endres now owns four Fendt tractors. They include a 2012 Model 920 used for turning compost and hauling forage trailers, and two 2021 Model 724s that primarily operate the feed mixer, manure loader and planter. He also has four Magnum Case IH tractors.

“The 818 Vario is my favorite tractor because it has good maneuverability, is well-balanced and offers a smooth ride, whether pulling the feed mixer or spreading manure. When going uphill, it won’t spin out,” Endres says. “Other perks that are conducive to my operation are the overall fuel efficiency and variable transmission. In my book, it’s the best tractor I’ve owned and will never leave the farm.”

To have your favorite tractor featured, email or send in a photo of yourself with your tractor, along with a 300-word write-up about the tractor, to: [email protected] or Wisconsin Agriculturist, P.O. Box 236, Brandon, WI 53919.