In 1996, deliveries began for the Fendt Favorit 926 Vario, which had been introduced the previous autumn. In the world’s first continuously variable transmission, mechanical and hydraulic power transmissions were combined with advanced control electronics. The transmission had two speed ranges: 0-36 km/h and 0-50 km/h. The tractor was controlled with a joystick, which increased speed when pushed forward and slowed down when pulled back. Direction was changed by moving the joystick sideways. Using electronics, it was possible to maintain a constant speed or engine RPM, for example. Acceleration could be adjusted according to the driver’s preference with four different options.

The biggest difference of the Vario transmission compared to competitors that came to market later is that it starts moving solely with hydraulic drive, the share of which decreases to zero as the speed approaches maximum. Thus, in the normal field work speed range, the traction is significantly more hydraulic than in the ZF and Steyr implementations.

At the beginning of 1997, smaller models 916, 920, and 924 were introduced to the market. The engines in the 900 series were 6.9-liter MAN units, just like in the 800 series. However, there had been slight improvements in power and torque figures. Torque increased by 35%, except for the 926, which saw a 30% increase.

In terms of other technology, the Varios were consistent with the Favorit 800 series. Due to the louder transmission, the noise level of the Vario models was 75 decibels.

From 1999 onwards, the power outputs were 180, 210, 240, and 270 hp. The engine specifications correspond to those of the later Vario 900 models.

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