Fendt’s latest range-topping Ideal 10 combine is the first harvester to be available without a steering wheel in Europe.

The futuristic-looking cab is a huge departure from a standard combine and looks to have taken inspiration from the Tribine machine available in the US, which also lacks a steering wheel.

On the right of the operator is a pretty standard Ideal layout, but on the left is a proportional joystick at the end of the armrest for directional control. This assembly can be folded up to allow access in and out of the cab.

Apparently, the design gives the best view of the whole header and feeder house and complies with all European vehicle and traffic regulations for road use.

See also: Ultimate guide to buying a combine 2019

Other changes include a power increase for the Ideal 10, which has 790hp on tap – up from 647hp on the Ideal 9. Most of the internal workings remain the same.

© Agco

The IdealDrive system is only available on Fendt Ideal machines – not Massey Ferguson versions – and will be on sale next year for delivery in time for the 2021 harvest.

Seven Ideal machines (with steering wheels) will be working in the UK this harvest and three of these have been sold to paying customers, with four doing the rounds at various dealers.