In Ireland, Landini tractors were historically known as a more basic specification farmer’s tractor that came with a lower price tag, rather than the larger contractor’s machine. Now, with its new range of six-cylinder machines, Landini is confident its high-horsepower tractors are well capable of taking on any of the big guns.
We recently put the range-topping 7-180 to the test to see how it performs. The tractor was used to drive two SIP mowers, a front- and rear-mounted conditioner combination. Manufacturers offer different horsepower recommendations to power two-mounted mowers. In my own opinion, 10hp is ideal for every foot in Irish conditions, meaning this 20ft duo would comfortably require 200hp. With a maximum power output of 180hp, this meant the tractor was going to be up against it right from the start.
At first glance, the 7-180 looks the part. The metallic blue livery immediately differentiates it from the traditional light blue colour scheme used by the Italians.
Engine
Landini previously used Beta power engines. However, the firm has gone for the latest FPT engine in the 7 series. FPT is one of the most proven engine manufacturers on today’s market, often being used by other tractor manufacturers such as New Holland, Case IH and Claas.
These new FPT NEF turbo engines have four valves per cylinder and a common rail injection system. The three smaller models in the 7 series are powered by a four-cylinder engine while the 6.7l, six-cylinder engine, supplies the power for the other five models, including the tractor we had on test.
This engine is compliant with the Stage 4 final emissions regulations. It uses exhaust gas after-treatment with SCR catalytic converter and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC).
The hood opens up high, allowing easy access to the engine compartment for routine service and maintenance. The cooling pack opens out in a two-stage folding process, making it easy for the operator to thoroughly blow out around the radiator. This is a really nice touch.
Fuel consumption
The 7-180 we tried out had a rated 165hp. It was equipped with the dual power system, meaning it electronically adjusts the engine power to respond to varying load conditions. In other words, it is Landini’s power boost, bringing this rated 165hp tractor up to a maximum output of 180hp.
Considering the load that was placed on the tractor, mowing grass that ranged from heavy, wet, first-cut, up to lighter swaths of second cut, I was happy with the diesel consumption and tractor performance. In very light swaths of early second-cut, the tractor ran out of comfort before running out of power, achieving fuel consumption rates in the region of 2.5l/acre to 3l/acre while mowing at speeds of up to 15km/h.
However, when the going got tough and the swaths got heavy, diesel consumption rose to a high of 4.9l/acre, but typically across our test diesel consumption was around 3.6l/acre to 3.8l/acre at a speed of around 8km/h.
Typically speaking, modern-day tractors require one tank of AdBlue to two tanks of diesel. The 7-180 proved to be of a similar trend. In a six-hour period mowing with a front- and rear-mounted conditioner mower, the tractor dropped its AdBlue reading on the tractor’s computer by 20%. Based on a 46-litre AdBlue tank capacity, this equates to an AdBlue consumption of a little over 1.53l/h.
Transmission
The 7 Series is equipped with Landini’s Robo-Six transmission. Built by well-known manufacturer ZF, this powershift transmission has five speed ranges with six-speed shifts in each range, offering 30 forward and 15 reverse speeds.
The tractor we tested had a rated top speed of 50km/h and was capable of hitting and maintaining a steady speed of 52km/h on the road.
The transmission can be controlled either manually or automatically using the auto powershift (APS) feature. APS, based on load conditions such as the engine speed and rpm, allows the tractor itself to automatically select the right gear in each range.
This feature is easily engaged or disengaged using a button on the armrest or by pressing the brakes. The engine speed parameters can be adjusted from the APS dial in the armrest. This was a feature I really liked. It allowed for smooth shifting through both the ranges and shifts while in transport on the road.
Another function of the Robo-Six transmission includes the Stop&Action system. This integrates the de-clutch function into the brake pedal, allowing the operator to stop the tractor without depressing the clutch pedal and without using the power shuttle. This is a function I really liked, which has the potential to be user-friendly.
However, when using it with the mowers at high engine rpm, the feature came across as a little jumpy.
Based on the engine load, dedicated software will disconnect the clutches for safety reasons. This would be the case if the feature is engaged while picking up a high speed on the road.
The combined use of the APS and Stop&Action systems makes operation of the Robo-Six transmission similar to that of the CVT variable transmission – a nice feature from the Italians.
In the cab
Although a lot of the components used in the tractor are bought-in, the cab is produced by Landini itself. At first glance, it is simple and relatively spacious.
Starting off with what I liked, it was very comfortable and airy, the control layout was simple, as well as being easy to use and follow, and the tractor was very quiet inside during high-rpm operations. The 12in touchscreen DSM was very intuitive and easy to navigate. This made it easy for functions such as adjusting the hydraulic flow rate of the spools. The multi-function controller worked well. It had a nice feel and all major functions were close by. The passenger seat cleverly folds into the interior and the climate control is very effective.
However, I also had a share of dislikes. The cab was grey and white and had a plastic feel.
Hopping into the cab after greasing a PTO shaft would leave it easy to stain the interior.
When sitting in the driving seat, the nose appears to be long, a factor that can lead to limited visibility while hauling around the front-mounted mower. Another small item that bugged me was that there isn’t that much travel in the rams of the back window, meaning it does not extend far. The rams holding on the main door on the left of the cab were a little light, leaving me worried at times that the door could easily break. The steps into the cab were also a little on the narrow side.
On the road
The 7 Series is equipped with an electronically controlled independent front suspension. Built by Carraro, this axle is no stranger to many farmers and contractors in Ireland, being the same axle that would have been widely used on tractors such as the Case IH CVX range or the Claas Arion range up until recently. This independent front-axle system allows each wheel to absorb impacts independently of one another. It has proven itself time and time again by contributing towards one of the most comfortable transport rides on the market. However, as all previous or current owners of such an axle are aware, it requires consistent greasing to avoid large repair bills.
The Landini provided for a very smooth ride while on the road. This particular tractor had mechanical cab suspension which was comfortable. The tractor comes with the option of semi-active hydraulic cab suspension. The tractor was really steady in transport at top speed despite the fact that there were two mowers attached.
The front axle is equipped with full hydraulic locking differential and electro hydraulic four-wheel drive engagement. The ZF back-end is fitted with six brake discs on each side, meaning it has impressive braking capabilities. The four-wheel drive engages automatically, braking the front axle.
Hydraulics
The hydraulic system is a closed-centre circuit with variable-displacement pump. The Dynamic Robo-Six model that we had on test was equipped with a high-flow pump with a total flow of 160l/min, which is an optional extra. From a user perspective, the tractor had a serious hydraulic flow rate. In fact, while operating the mowers we had to turn down the flow rate to 25% of the tractor’s capability.
Meanwhile, the active Robo-Six models come standard with an open-centre hydraulic system, providing a total flow of 88 l/min. A closed-centre system with a total flow of 123 l/min can be supplied as an option.
Overall verdict
Overall, I was impressed with this latest offering from Landini. The components used are from some of the most renowned manufacturers on the market, an FPT engine, a ZF transaxle, a Carraro front axle and Bosch electronics. The tractor is really comfortable, both in the field and on the road.
I would like to see a number of adjustments made inside the cab to both the interior and to some of the functionality of the controls, but in general the controls worked well. I liked the DSM screen, the multi-function controller and the accompanying joystick, which proved useful for operating the front and rear mowers.
It is clear that Landini has really upped its game and has made the point that its latest product offering in the larger horsepower tractor market is able to compete with any manufacturer.
Machine specs