A year on from its launch, the flagship Fendt 728 Vario (Gen7) has come out top in an independent DLG PowerMix test which measured the performance, efficiency and fuel consumption of the 303 hp tractor.

AGCO, the tractor's manufacturer said, when results were compared with previously tested tractors in the 240 to 305 hp sector, the 728 Vario proved to be the most economical. With a consumption of 242 g/kWh (+ 24.2 g/kWh AdBlue) in the field, it consumed 15 g/kWh less than the comparable competitor machine at 257 g/kWh (+16 g/kWh).

During transport work at a speed of 40 km/h, the 728 achieved a peak value of 332 g/kWh (+ 33 g/kWh AdBlue), a saving of 16 g/kWh when compared to other brands in the segment.

Moving at 50 km/h, it consumed 336 g/kWh (+ 33 g/kWh AdBlue), just 4g more than at 40 km/h. And at a maximum road speed of 60 km/h, this only increased by 2g to 338 g/kWh (+ 33 g/kWh AdBlue).

“For operators covering high road miles the fuel efficiency of the 728 Vario will mount up and, with fuel prices rising, this will provide significant savings. For contractors harvesting and transporting crop long distances it represents a sound investment,” said Fendt’s Richard Miller.

To test a tractor the DLG evaluates fuel and Adblue consumption under typical workloads on a rolling test bench to demonstrate energy efficiency. It also uses 12 field-based load cycles, including draft work with a plough or cultivator, PTO and mixed work. This, combined with two load cycles during transport work on the road, provides an aggregated total score.