In keeping with last week's Fendt theme, this Farm Classics article looks at a unique Fendt: the Xylon.
The Xylon falls into the very niche category of a systems tractor, its platform design making it suitable for a variety of specialist tasks, like tractors such as the Mercedes MB-Trac, JCB Fastrac and Deutz Intrac.
However, Fendt were no strangers to innovation.
The company's GT toolcarrier range launched in 1953 with the engine mounted under the cab at the rear and an open chassis in front to attach specialist implements.
The GT range continued with the 200 and later 300 series right up to the mid '90s, finding particular favour with vegetable producers.
The prototype tractor was first displayed in Munich in 1990, but it would be 1994 before the Xylon was launched, with sales in 1995.
A radical and futuristic machine, the cab and large almost-equal size wheels are the dominating features off the tractor.
Most noticeably is the absence of a bonnet; the engine is located under the cab to provide both a load platform and outstanding forward visibility complimented by large expanses of glass.
The Xylon is akin to the Fendt Favorit 515C in many regards, except for the engine, sharing hydraulics and 44F/44R transmission as well Fendt's renowned turboclutch.
Located under the cab, power comes from a four-cylinder MAN engine.
The 4.6l powerplant is both intercooled and turbocharged, with two viscous fans to keep it cool and produces 140hp. To accommodate the cab tilting to the side for engine access, the tractor uses cables instead of linkages to link the gearstick and the gearbox.
The Xylon weighs in at 6.8 tons and has payload rating of 5.6 tons over its two platforms.
Similar to other platform tractors, the Xylon mades an ideal dedicated spraying tractor with a rear boom tank and front tank configuration.
As well as the load platforms, front and rear linkages make the tractors very versatile with many employed in verge cutting and highway maintenance roles , with a hedge cutter and grass mower, along with the added benefit of a 50kh road speed and front axle suspension.
Interestingly the tractor was also available in deep blue paint scheme with white rims. A highly specialist tractor, the Xylon is a unique machine with growing popularity amongst collectors.