Dockworkers are used to heavy lifting, and four Fendt 720 Varios have joined the team at the ports of Mukran, Rügen and Vierow. Every minute counts when it comes to clearing or loading the ships, because docking time at the harbour is expensive. Whereas in the past, dockworkers would be employed on a day-to-day basis, these tractors run triple shifts.

Branch manager Daniel Otto is proud of his Fendt dockworkers who joined in June 2017. But, like all other company employees, the four of them first had to prove their everyday worth. Daniel Otto is not a typical harbour master. He has a farming background and knows exactly what to look out for in his wheeled crew. Before he signed the purchase agreement, the various applicants had to compete. He tested them for diesel consumption, driving comfort and ease-of use, lighting and manoeuvrability – the main, everyday criteria. But the resale value was also important. Every contender had their chance to prove themselves.

In the end, the winner was clear for Daniel Otto – "We chose the Fendt mainly because of the low fuel consumption. We also loved how easy it is to use." That was important because not every tractor driver learns how to handle an 200-hp tractor from scratch. He was also surprised by the high market value of his three 'old' Fendts, after all, each of the tractors had over 13,000 operating hours on the clock. But together with their young age, their excellent performance and condition, these used machines are sought-after items on the used machinery market.

"Of course, people always ask why you need a high-tech machine from Marktoberdorf for this easy kind of work," adds the branch manager. The quick answer is: "We need technology we can rely on! A decent worker without all the fancy extras." That's why Viela Export GmbH opted for the low-end equipment bundle, Power. The tractors are used exclusively for transport work. They don't need lane guidance or documentation for short shuttle runs on the land. Perfect lighting with LED headlights and a comfortable seat are much more important. Each 720-series works up to 2,500 hours over multiple shifts on the port site every year. And to move things quickly between the two ports, all the Varios run on the 50-km/h setup.

"After the first 4 working days, I called Daniel Wolf, our Fendt factory representative, to tell him that the fuel indicator must be faulty," Otto says, looking back. As the tractor only drives on paved surfaces, the port company opted for road tyres. This reduces fuel consumption by up to one litre compared to standard tyres with lug tread. In terms of annual running performance, this is a compelling argument.
For Viela Export GmbH, there is no alternative to the Fendt tandems. "We'd be nowhere near as flexible if we used trucks," Daniel Otto explains. When we get an order on the port site from another company to transport iron ore, we just attach another container onto the 720-series, and that's it. Because one thing is clear – at the port of Mukran, only those who show strong commitment are hired.

_{From left to right: Eric Krohnfuß and Sebastian Schulz drive the Fendt dockworking tractors.}