AGCO’s new Fendt 828 Vario tractor just earned Europe’s prestigious “2011 Tractor of the Year” award. The announcement was made in early November at the global farm show called EIMA International 2010. The 828 Vario is equipped with the new Interim Tier 4-compliant SCR engine. It also features a new electronic control system with a 10.2-in. touch-screen display. Farmers have at their fingertips the ability to control all functions of the tractor and any attached equipment.

New Holland’s T7.210 won the “Golden Tractor” award in this same contest. This award is based on tractor design. The other finalists in the contest include: Claas Xerion 5000, Deutz-Fahr 430 TTV, John Deere 8345R, Ladini 7-230, and Massey Ferguson F.7499 Dyna-Vt.

The Tractor of the Year contest is judged by a panel of journalists on European farm publications. Twenty journalists nominate, field test and score tractors for the awards. Tractor manufacturers do not pay a fee to be in this contest.

During judging, the journalists must take into account the engine, transmission, standard on-board electronics, hydraulics, cab comfort, innovative technical features, design, horsepower-to-price ratio and options.

Last year, New Holland’s T7070 Auto command won the top award.

EIMA International is held in Bologna, Italy, every two years.