Landini delivers technology crossover tractors

The new Landini 6 and 7 series tractors will replace the previous Landini 7 series, while the McCormick X7 series replaces the XTX and TTX series. Both are built in Italy by ARGO and imported by D & S Machinery Ltd.

With models from 143hp to 188hp (212hp boosted), both marques feature three four-cylinder engine models and three six-cylinder engine models. A crossover mid-range model offers the same horsepower in both four- and six-cylinder variants.

What’s new?

The new series is different. These aren’t old models that have been freshened up while getting a makeover to comply with the latest round of emission regulations. Instead, they are entirely new products from ARGO.

ARGO has chosen to use engines from Fiat Powertrain (FPT), transmissions from ZF and front axles from Carraro. It has used FPT engines and Carraro axles in the past but ZF transmissions are new to ARGO.

All of these are proven components in their own right. The T7200 series transmission from ZF is well proven. It has been used in the Deutz-Fahr Agrotron tractors and sister brands for many years, as well as in the Steyr 9100 series on which the larger Case IH CS series is based.

FPT engines use AdBlue (SCR) emission control and are widely used within Fiat group products of Case IH and New Holland.

The fact that ARGO uses components from other manufacturers does not take away from the series.

Both Deutz-Fahr and Steyr did something similar with their Agrotron and 9100 series tractors back in the mid-90s and with an earlier version of the ZF T7200 transmission.

The Deutz-Fahr Agrotron and its sister brands are still going well, while Steyr-derived products were eventually swallowed up by CNH in favour of in-house built transmissions and engines.

The tractors feature a brand new cab which has styling created with typical Italian flair.

One can expect CVT transmission variants to be added to the tractors in the near future.

Specifications

It is Italian, so it comes as no surprise that the Landini 7-175 looks well. Styling is current, if a little Transformers-like. You expect it to change into something that would pull a tree straight out of the ground. In the cab, it looks good, while not everyone might agree with the cream plastic panelling on the pillars and roof.

Under the hood sits a common-rail Tier4i, six-cylinder FPT-NEF engine, featuring SCR (AdBlue) emission control. All six-cylinder models feature chassis-mounted engines sitting on rubber mounts. The four-cylinder versions all feature ‘‘structural’’ engines with no chassis.

On the side of the bonnet is a decal indicating it has dual power. This does not refer to a two-speed powershift transmission. Instead, it is what many would call power boost.

The manufacturer quotes a maximum engine power of 175hp under boost and a maximum figure of 165hp without boost. The rated engine power at 1,000rpm PTO speed is a bit more realistic and easier to understand and is quoted at 151hp.

Landini claims that dual power (or power boost) is automatically activated during transport mode in fourth, fifth and sixth gear ranges, giving 12 speeds in total. The dual power is claimed to be available in all PTO speeds.

We brought the Landini 7.175 to Nicholas Gainford Ltd to dyno-test and it developed a maximum power of 148.5hp and a rated power of 144.4hp. There was nothing to indicate that the engine was in boost, or not, and I do not believe it was.

The rated PTO power, non-boosted, puts the tractor’s power rating into perspective. Dual power, according to Landini’s figures, delivers just 10hp more engine power at maximum output.

Landini describes the ZF transmission as a Roboshift unit. This features a power-shuttle and 24-forward/24-reverse speeds with four power-shift speeds. With the creep speed option, this rises to 40 forward and 40 reverse speeds. The transmission is available in ECO40 configuration, achieving 40km/hr at reduced engine speed and fuel consumption, while 50km/hr is optional.

Robotised range shifting means that there is no gearstick in the Landini to change between the six synchromesh gears like the Deutz-Fahr Agrotron and Steyr 9100 series. Instead, range speed and range changes are made by a button or clutch pedal in conjunction with the up or down shift button on the armrest-mounted joystick controller.

The cab is all Landini and it is a four-pillar design with large, single doors and a clear roof panel. It looks fresh and modern inside, uncluttered and simple. Our test tractor featured an integrated passenger seat which folded into the wheel-arch panel.

A cool box was also incorporated into the same panel above and behind the seat. Climate control was included in the package.

The armrest controller featured all of the controls you would expect, plus a joystick controller to operate speed changes, lift raise/lower, one hydraulic service, headland management and engine management.

A ‘‘My’’ button allows the operator to select one of four functions to be operated by it: four-wheel-drive, differential lock, transmission disconnect (clutch) and APS-auto power-shift.

To the rear, the ZF trans-axle incorporates category III three-point linkage with a lift capacity of 9,300kg. The optional front linkage has a lift capacity of 3.5t.

Our tractor featured four double-acting, electro-hydraulic spool valves and it was plumbed for power beyond but the pipes were capped. The power-beyond system means it is easy to add couplings, if required.

A load-sensing hydraulic pump provides 123 litres/minute for hydraulic power, while an additional 40-litre/minute pump is dedicated to steering function. A four-speed PTO with eco-speeds of both 540rpm and 1,000rpm is standard.

Our tractor was equipped with Michelin tyres all round, 600/65-R38 on the rear and 480/65-R28 on the front. These did look a little out of proportion on the 7.175; 650s would be a better choice while 42in wheels feature on the larger 7-190 and 7-215.

Getting down to work

The Landini 7.175 arrived just as most of the spring work was completed. There was one wet section of a field left to be ploughed and prepared for sowing, ideal for our task. We hitched up to the farm’s Kverneland four-furrow reversible plough. While this would not be a big challenge for a tractor like this, the ground was still wet in a couple of spots to test many facets of the Landini.

The first thing you notice about the Landini 7.175 is that the controls are all clear and logical in their layout, almost like there are some functions missing from the armrest, but there aren’t.

There is nothing intimidating about the multi-function armrest or its joystick controller. Non-technical tractor drivers, who are sometimes intimidated by modern technology, will appreciate the control function layout in the new Landini 7 series.

The joystick controller was excellent. Operating the plough in tough conditions required differential lock and speed changes in addition to raising and lowering the lift, plough turnover and engine speed management.

All were accommodated on the Landini’s joystick controller. The joystick controller incorporates just the right amount of functions.

Landini’s patented My button allows the operator to easily select one of four functions. For ploughing, the differential lock function was allocated to the My button. This button is usually on the flat of the multi-function armrest beside APS and four-wheel-drive buttons.

The going was tough in the wet spots and the Landini coped well, as you would expect. Putting the 7.175 under a bit more pressure was an NRH Cambridge roller with hydraulic levelling paddles. Again, there was no issue as the Landini obliged.

Some trailer work would see how the 50km/hr Landini handled our testing roads. A telescopic CBM hitch is standard from the factory on the new series. Hitching to the trailer required all of its stretch. Extra craning out the back window is not really possible as it does not open very far.

With 11t of fodder beet on board a twin-axle trailer, the Landini handled the load well. Its automatic power-shift feature worked extremely well. This only performs auto-changes between the four powershift speeds in each range.

Landini is reportedly working on a full-auto system to give auto-range changes. It is believed that this will be a transmission controller software update only. Existing tractors will be able to be upgraded to full auto-shifting sometime in the future.

Back on the road and there was one extreme hill on the test route and hauling the load up this was not a place to do a range change. You need to be in the right range before tackling this particular hill; any loss of momentum on it would be disastrous and dangerous.

On less hilly terrain and coming up to or leaving junctions, range changes were extremely smooth. The powershift changes can be altered easily on a dial within the armrest.

While you have to accept that there are certain limitations with semi-power-shift transmissions, overall range changes were fantastically smooth, so a big thumbsup for the transmission and its control.

Brakes were also powerful and many would welcome the fact that the ZF transaxle uses multi-disc oil-immersed discs rather than single-disc units.

Driver’s height

Comfort was also excellent with hydro-pneumatic cab suspension and front-axle suspension. Where the cab fell down for taller users was that it was simply too small. My knees regularly got stuck in the steering column which was adjustable but not to allow my legs to clear. Similarly, the armrest would not adjust forward enough for my longer arms.

Likes

Dislikes

Proven elements – new design

The Landini 7.175 tractor uses well-proven elements. On paper, it will appeal to many tractor drivers who are familiar with the transmission from SDF, Steyr or Case IH tractors. The FPT engine is another well-proven element.

Offering the same horsepower tractor in four- (Landini 6.175) and six- (Landini 7.175) cylinder configurations should attract customers from all sectors of farming. In four-cylinder configuration, the Landini 6.175 may appeal to mid-sized tillage operators, as well as mid- to large-sized dairy operators.

With a loader, shorter wheelbase and pumping out a maximum 175hp, the 6.175 has enormous potential in this sector.

From the driver’s perspective, the Landini 7.175 is user-friendly and easy to understand, despite being a high-specification tractor. For non-techies, it is among the least intimidating tractors I have come across, almost a crossover tractor from all-mechanical to a high-degree of electronic.

It performed well, drove well and, with multi-disc wet brakes, should stop well. The CBM telescopic hitch seems standard in place of our own Dromone unit.

Ultimately, it will be the purchase price that dictates whether the Landini 7.175 makes an impact on the market. It will be its robust and reliable features that will determine how big an impact it makes in the future. Certainly, it seems to be the job based on this Irish Farmers Journal test.