A story of 2 Fendt tractors – Jonathan Sharpe, Ireland

What started with a 1954 manufactured Dieselross ended with a 2023 manufactured Fendt 728

A story of 2 Fendt tractors – Jonathan Sharpe, Ireland

What started with a 1954 manufactured Dieselross ended with a 2023 manufactured Fendt 728

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A story of 2 Fendt tractors

The first tractor: A Fendt Dieselross

This story commences in the early part of this century. Peter Wolfe, managing director of Irish Fendt dealer Atkins Farm Machinery at the time, and his wife Angela went to the scenic town of Killarney in the southwest of Ireland for a weekend to celebrate a big number wedding anniversary. What Peter didn’t reveal until the Sunday whilst they were there, was that a vintage machinery collector lived nearby and wouldn’t a stop there make an interesting diversion on the way home. At this stage in his career Peter was dabbling in buying and selling vintage tractors, “Peter’s Pets” they were called. Peter spotted a 1954 Dieselross F12 in original condition. Nothing would do Peter but to add this F12 Fendt pet to the collection and a deal was done for the tractor there and then.

Dieselross in front of the Atkins Farm Machinery

The journey of the Dieselross

The Dieselross took pride of place in the Parts retail shop at Atkins Farm Machinery until circa 2008 when a decision was made to sell it. Following the death of Peter Wolfe, his son Mark who had took over the reins of Dealer Principle at Atkins Farm Machinery by then, decided it would be nice to find the Dieselross and buy it back if possible. This started an exhaustive search by Mark and staff member Trevor Richardson via the internet and contacts within the farm machinery industry.

Eventually the tractor was discovered on the east coast of Ireland in Co Wicklow in the ownership of an arable farmer called Jonathan Sharpe. An approach was made by Trevor from Atkins Farm Machinery to Jonathan explaining that they would like to buy back the tractor as it had sentimental value to the business. On hearing this and in the true spirit of goodwill, Jonathan agreed to sell back the tractor at the price he had originally paid Atkins Farm Machinery for it several years earlier.

The second tractor of this story: Fendt 728 Vario

The second tractor in this story is a new Fendt 728 Gen 7 which has just recently been delivered to Jonathan Sharpe from his local dealer in the Southeast of Ireland, Kehoe Bros Machinery. Jonathan is a long standing customer of Fendt stretching back to 2002 where he runs an arable farm with his wife Muriel just outside the picturesque village of Avoca in Co Wicklow. The Fendt 728 will be tasked with a mix of work like primary cultivations, spraying and haulage duty at harvest time. Jonathan wanted a tractor that was an all-rounder specifying Variogrip to improve traction and reduce compaction on the hilly terrain of his farm. The ability to get work done quickly due to the unpredictable nature of the Irish weather is important to Jonathan and was another determining factor in purchasing the Fendt 728.

While the Fendt 728 has just recently arrived at Jonathan & Muriel Sharpe’s farm, power and torque have impressed along with traction in cultivation duties. Also some other highlights to date for Jonathan have been the new FendtOne operator station, compact size and narrow turning circle all come in for praise.

So what started with a 1954 manufactured Dieselross ended with a 2023 manufactured Fendt 728 Gen 7, nearly 70 years of a difference! While these two tractors are very different they still share the Fendt philosophy of quality and innovation.

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More customer voices

If you only drive Fendt, you don't need anything else.

Johan Rap, Forest-, nature- and landscapemanagement, Netherlands — Fendt 700, 600, 500, 500, 200 Vario

If you only drive Fendt, you don't need anything else.

Heather Hall, contractor, breeding ewes and suckler herd, England - Fendt 312, 516 Vario, Fendt Slicer, Fendt Former

We’re improving our own flock using AI and the new tractor and machinery are giving us more time to do this.

Heather Hall, contractor, breeding ewes and suckler herd, England - Fendt 312, 516 Vario, Fendt Slicer, Fendt Former

We’re improving our own flock using AI and the new tractor and machinery are giving us more time to do this.

Jeremiah O'Donovan in front of his 516 Vario

Jeremiah O'Donovan, contractor and farmer, Ireland - Fendt 313, 516 Vario

There are two standout advantages of having Fendt tractors in my fleet, the fuel efficiency and due to driver comfort it is easier to get drivers, which is a major advantage in the current tight labour market.

Jeremiah O'Donovan, contractor and farmer, Ireland - Fendt 313, 516 Vario

Eoin Ryan, contractor and farm manager, Ireland - Fendt 412, 516 Vario

There are a number of reasons I am still driving a Fendt 12 years on.

Eoin Ryan, contractor and farm manager, Ireland - Fendt 412, 516 Vario

There are a number of reasons I am still driving a Fendt 12 years on.

EW Davies in Thaxted, England - Fendt 700, 800 and 900

A move to de-risk a large arable business has resulted in a reduction in contract farmed land and a machinery fleet than now offers flexibility and a reduced long term cost of ownership

EW Davies in Thaxted, England - Fendt 700, 800 and 900

A move to de-risk a large arable business has resulted in a reduction in contract farmed land and a machinery fleet than now offers flexibility and a reduced long term cost of ownership

Geoff Collins stands in front of his Fendt tractors

Geoff Collins - Owner and founder of Sportfields Ltd., England, Fendt 211, 313, 516, 720, 724, 900 Vario

The 237 horsepower engine never seems to be under stress and the fuel economy is staggering for a machine of its size and capability

Geoff Collins - Owner and founder of Sportfields Ltd., England, Fendt 211, 313, 516, 720, 724, 900 Vario

The 237 horsepower engine never seems to be under stress and the fuel economy is staggering for a machine of its size and capability

John Whiteford stands proudly with his son and father in front of a Fendt 516 Vario.

John Whiteford - Owner of Hilltarvit Mains, Scotland, Fendt 415, 516 and 720 Vario

Effortless control is what I’ve gained with the Vario transmission – which comes back to safety

John Whiteford - Owner of Hilltarvit Mains, Scotland, Fendt 415, 516 and 720 Vario

Effortless control is what I’ve gained with the Vario transmission – which comes back to safety

David Ellin, farm manager, England

When I borrowed the Fendt 700 Vario-series demonstrator from the local Crawfords Billingshurst depot I didn’t expect to buy it, but within 30 minutes of it arriving on the farm I just didn’t want to give it back

David Ellin, farm manager, England

Stuart Ranby Agriculture - Contracter, England - Fendt Slicer

A key reason for the purchase was the Slicer mower produced a clean finish on some hilly ground we farm and didn’t leave any strips or wispy bits of grass, even when going up an incline.

Stuart Ranby Agriculture - Contracter, England - Fendt Slicer

A key reason for the purchase was the Slicer mower produced a clean finish on some hilly ground we farm and didn’t leave any strips or wispy bits of grass, even when going up an incline.

Luke Blackwell in front of his Fendt 516 Vario and Fendt Rotana 416

Luke Blackwell - Contracor - Fendt 516 Vario, Fendt Rotana 416 Variable chamber

We have been a fan of Fendt tractors for a long time, and still have a 2012 Fendt 716 that the farm has owned from new.

Luke Blackwell - Contracor - Fendt 516 Vario, Fendt Rotana 416 Variable chamber

We have been a fan of Fendt tractors for a long time, and still have a 2012 Fendt 716 that the farm has owned from new.

Richard Hibbard, Manager of E.C. Dummomd in front of a Fendt 200 Vario

E.C. Drummond - England - Fendt 207, 208, 209, 210 and 211 Vario

It is the only tractor that our operators want to sit in for 12-hour shifts. It is more comfortable, easier to operate, and we also make significant fuel savings over alternatives

E.C. Drummond - England - Fendt 207, 208, 209, 210 and 211 Vario

It is the only tractor that our operators want to sit in for 12-hour shifts. It is more comfortable, easier to operate, and we also make significant fuel savings over alternatives

John Dorey, family business, Ireland - Fendt 516, 716 Vario, 5255 L PL combine

The combine is compact and manoeuvrable, which is especially useful when negotiating narrow field entrances and country lanes.

John Dorey, family business, Ireland - Fendt 516, 716 Vario, 5255 L PL combine

The combine is compact and manoeuvrable, which is especially useful when negotiating narrow field entrances and country lanes.

Andreas Osters and Christof Voß are standing on a meadow. The one on the left is holding a tablet and looking at the screen. The one on the right is pointing straight ahead with his right hand.

Andreas Osters und Christof Voß, Contractor Company, Prignitz, Germany - Fendt 700, 800, 900 Vario, FendtONE

Digitalization is a new business field for our company. Here we have the opportunity to install a very strong customer loyalty tool and set ourselves apart from the competition.

Andreas Osters und Christof Voß, Contractor Company, Prignitz, Germany - Fendt 700, 800, 900 Vario, FendtONE

Digitalization is a new business field for our company. Here we have the opportunity to install a very strong customer loyalty tool and set ourselves apart from the competition.

Georg Wilhelm Völger is standing in front of his Fendt Vario wearing a Fendt sweater.

Georg Wilhelm Völger, Contractor and Farmer, Arheilgen, Germany - Fendt Cargo T 955, 516 Vario, 6355C

I am glad that the Fendt Cargo T955 has found its way from the Allgäu to the Main.

Georg Wilhelm Völger, Contractor and Farmer, Arheilgen, Germany - Fendt Cargo T 955, 516 Vario, 6355C

I am glad that the Fendt Cargo T955 has found its way from the Allgäu to the Main.

Mark Cessford is standing in front of his Fendt Cargo T 955

Mark Cessford, family business, Montrose, Scotland - Fendt Cargo T 955

This machine is unique. The elevating cab gives the operator an unparalleled view of the loader and the material being processed.

Mark Cessford, family business, Montrose, Scotland - Fendt Cargo T 955

This machine is unique. The elevating cab gives the operator an unparalleled view of the loader and the material being processed.

Markus Götz, Contracting company Götz, Pressath, Germany - Fendt 300, 700, 800, 900 Vario

One very important reason was the low-speed technology of the MAN engine.

Markus Götz, Contracting company Götz, Pressath, Germany - Fendt 300, 700, 800, 900 Vario

One very important reason was the low-speed technology of the MAN engine.

Marcel Döring, Contracting company Döring, Fritzlar, Germany - Fendt 900 Vario

This year, we achieved daily outputs of over 1,000 m³ with our new draught horse, which is quite astonishing under the conditions prevailing here.

Marcel Döring, Contracting company Döring, Fritzlar, Germany - Fendt 900 Vario

This year, we achieved daily outputs of over 1,000 m³ with our new draught horse, which is quite astonishing under the conditions prevailing here.

Frank Busche, Busche contracting company, Estorf, Germany - Fendt 700, 900, 1000 Vario

At 40 km/h, the speed is only 950 rpm, which of course makes the job a lot more relaxed for the drivers.

Frank Busche, Busche contracting company, Estorf, Germany - Fendt 700, 900, 1000 Vario

At 40 km/h, the speed is only 950 rpm, which of course makes the job a lot more relaxed for the drivers.

Mathias Schneider, Contracting company Schneider, Sainbach, Germany - Fendt 900 Vario

The 415 hp from the MAN engine with 9 l displacement, coupled with the low-speed concept, are optimal for chipper use.

Mathias Schneider, Contracting company Schneider, Sainbach, Germany - Fendt 900 Vario

The 415 hp from the MAN engine with 9 l displacement, coupled with the low-speed concept, are optimal for chipper use.

Jacob van den Borne, Belgium Flamen - Fendt 512, 724, 828, 930 Vario

The soils place high demands on people and technology.

Jacob van den Borne, Belgium Flamen - Fendt 512, 724, 828, 930 Vario

The soils place high demands on people and technology.

CP Farms, Canada Barnwell - Fendt 512, 720, 828,
936, 1050 Vario

One day too late in spring is one day less for the potatoes to grow in autumn.

CP Farms, Canada Barnwell - Fendt 512, 720, 828,
936, 1050 Vario

One day too late in spring is one day less for the potatoes to grow in autumn.

Trevor Martin, Australia Byron Bay - Fendt 211 P Vario

A fast harvest in crucial for the quality of macadamia nuts.

Trevor Martin, Australia Byron Bay - Fendt 211 P Vario

A fast harvest in crucial for the quality of macadamia nuts.

Nadine Lieker in front of her Fendt Vario with the Fendt Tigo XR 100.

Nadine Lieker, Contracting company, Trebel Niedersachsen, Germany - Fendt 724, 820, 939 Vario

I love new machines. I can sell my used machines for a good price and, ideally, not have any downtime for repairs during the harvest time.

Nadine Lieker, Contracting company, Trebel Niedersachsen, Germany - Fendt 724, 820, 939 Vario

I love new machines. I can sell my used machines for a good price and, ideally, not have any downtime for repairs during the harvest time.

Weibler winery, Siebeneich, Germany - Fendt 210 V, 211 V, 516, 722 Vario, Farmer 306 LSA

We are productive because we have a reliable machine.

Weibler winery, Siebeneich, Germany - Fendt 210 V, 211 V, 516, 722 Vario, Farmer 306 LSA

We are productive because we have a reliable machine.

Endraß family in front of the Fendt 300 Vario with the Tigo MR 50 Profi.

Family Endraß, organic farm Makarerhof in Germany - Fendt 300 Vario, Tigo MR 50 Profi

They are reliable, economical, value-retaining, and fit perfectly into the philosophy of our company.

Family Endraß, organic farm Makarerhof in Germany - Fendt 300 Vario, Tigo MR 50 Profi

They are reliable, economical, value-retaining, and fit perfectly into the philosophy of our company.

The 200-series is now ready for streaming: On set for Bibi & Tina

We love riding on the Fendt to the different filming locations.

The 200-series is now ready for streaming: On set for Bibi & Tina

We love riding on the Fendt to the different filming locations.

Georg Henkels, Bockerode Paterhof GbR, Germany - Fendt Rogator 300, 700 Vario

The powerful pump meant I was able to significantly increase the output compared to the old technology.

Georg Henkels, Bockerode Paterhof GbR, Germany - Fendt Rogator 300, 700 Vario

The powerful pump meant I was able to significantly increase the output compared to the old technology.

Jacob van den Borne, arable farm , Netherlands - Fendt 700, 800, 900 Vario

The VarioGuide Contour Assistant and its new wayline types – Contour Segments and Single Track – are a big plus for Fendt when it comes

to potato planting.

Jacob van den Borne, arable farm , Netherlands - Fendt 700, 800, 900 Vario

The VarioGuide Contour Assistant and its new wayline types – Contour Segments and Single Track – are a big plus for Fendt when it comes

to potato planting.

Arable farmer Ulrich Stemmer in front of the Fendt IDEAL 9T.

Ulrich Stemmer, Agriculture, Pig fattening, Präbschütz, Germany - Fendt IDEAL 9T, 1050, 2x 939s, 933, 724 Vario, Farmer 2S, Favorit 600 LSA

Fendt IDEAL sets new standards.

Ulrich Stemmer, Agriculture, Pig fattening, Präbschütz, Germany - Fendt IDEAL 9T, 1050, 2x 939s, 933, 724 Vario, Farmer 2S, Favorit 600 LSA

Fendt IDEAL sets new standards.

Arable farmer Bosse Klepper in front of the Fendt IDEAL 9T

Bosse Klepper, Agriculture, Kemnitz, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany - Fendt IDEAL 9T, 926, 828 Vario

Tracks are a Must.

Bosse Klepper, Agriculture, Kemnitz, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany - Fendt IDEAL 9T, 926, 828 Vario

Tracks are a Must.

A story of 2 Fendt tractors – Jonathan Sharpe, Ireland

A story of 2 Fendt tractors

The first tractor: A Fendt Dieselross

The journey of the Dieselross

The second tractor of this story: Fendt 728 Vario

More customer voices

Heather Hall, contractor, breeding ewes and suckler herd, England - Fendt 312, 516 Vario, Fendt Slicer, Fendt Former

Jeremiah O'Donovan, contractor and farmer, Ireland - Fendt 313, 516 Vario

Eoin Ryan, contractor and farm manager, Ireland - Fendt 412, 516 Vario

EW Davies in Thaxted, England - Fendt 700, 800 and 900

Geoff Collins - Owner and founder of Sportfields Ltd., England, Fendt 211, 313, 516, 720, 724, 900 Vario

John Whiteford - Owner of Hilltarvit Mains, Scotland, Fendt 415, 516 and 720 Vario

David Ellin, farm manager, England

Stuart Ranby Agriculture - Contracter, England - Fendt Slicer

Luke Blackwell - Contracor - Fendt 516 Vario, Fendt Rotana 416 Variable chamber

E.C. Drummond - England - Fendt 207, 208, 209, 210 and 211 Vario

John Dorey, family business, Ireland - Fendt 516, 716 Vario, 5255 L PL combine

Andreas Osters und Christof Voß, Contractor Company, Prignitz, Germany - Fendt 700, 800, 900 Vario, FendtONE

Georg Wilhelm Völger, Contractor and Farmer, Arheilgen - Fendt Cargo T 955, Fendt Vario 516, Fendt 6355C

Mark Cessford, family business, Montrose, Scotland - Fendt Cargo T 955

Markus Götz, Contracting company Götz, Pressath, Germany - Fendt 300, 700, 800, 900 Vario

Marcel Döring, Contracting company Döring, Fritzlar, Germany - Fendt 900 Vario

Frank Busche, Busche contracting company, Estorf, Germany - Fendt 700, 900, 1000 Vario

Mathias Schneider, Contracting company Schneider, Germany - Fendt 900 Vario

Jacob van den Borne - Fendt 512, 724, 828, 930 Vario

CP Farms - Fendt 512, 720, 828, 936, 1050 Vario

Trevor Martin - Fendt 211 P Vario

Nadine Lieker, Contracting company - Fendt 724, 820, 939 Vario

Weibler winery, Germany - Fendt 210 V, 211 V, 516, 722 Vario, Farmer 306 LSA

Family Endraß, organic farm Makarerhof in Germany - Fendt 300 Vario, Tigo MR 50 Profi

The 200-series is now ready for streaming: On set for Bibi & Tina

Georg Henkels, Bockerode Paterhof GbR, Germany - Fendt Rogator 300, 700 Vario

Jacob van den Borne, arable farm , Netherlands - Fendt 700, 800, 900 Vario

Ulrich Stemmer, Agriculture, Pig fattening - Various Fendt Vario, Fendt IDEAL 9T

Bosse Klepper, Agriculture - Various Fendt Vario, Fendt IDEAL 9T

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