The Landini 6C series replaces the Powermondial tractor family. For this test, the 6-130C tractor was used. The range offers three models from 114hp to 133hp, with a Dual-Power System to boost power to give a maximum output of 121hp in the 6-120C, 133hp in the 6-130Cand 140hp for the 6-140C. The tractors have received an overall facelift, with a new cab and a redesigned one-piece bonnet.

The engine

The muscle in the range is provided by FPT-NEF. A 4.5L, four-cylinder turbocharged engine with four valves per cylinder and a common rail injection system delivers a maximum output of 133hp in the 6-130C. As with most engines today, it features Bosch electronic fuel management.

The tractor ECU relates the data on load from roadwork over 12km/h and the PTO load. The Dual-Power System will then kick in and boost the tractor automatically when required. In general, this engine from FPT is well tested and used in many tractors. The tilt-up hood opens wide to provide easy access to the engine compartment for routine service and maintenance.

The engine dipstick is curiously not on the driver’s side entering the tractor. With the loader bracket on, it is hard to get at also. For the test, the tractor was coupled top a Redrock trailer loaded with 14t of stone, giving a grass weight of 19t. The tractor did handle the load well, for the size and weight of the four cylinder model.

The hill climb tested how well the engine hung on, and it did give up towards the peak of the climb under load. The engine seemed quite gutsy as it did linger along for a while at 1,600 rpm, before dying back, leaving no option but to gear down. That said, a 19t load is at the upper levels of performance probably required by this tractor. In the field, the tractor was coupled to a New Holland baler. From an engine point of view, it was effortless. There was no demand for the engine to boost while baling at speeds up 12-14km/h. For a chopper baler in silage, it seems that this tractor could handle it comfortably.

Transmission

The 6-130 transmission features the Landini’s own T-Tronic transmission that triples the 12 gears of the basic gearbox. There are four gears in each of the three ranges. Every gear in all the ranges has three powershifts to give 36 forward speeds x 12 in reverse.

A creep transmission is available as an option to increase the number of speeds to 48 forward and 16 reverse. The declutch control button on the gear lever allows the operator to change gear and shift from forward to reverse without using the clutch pedal. The T-Tronic transmission also includes an Eco-Forty mode that provides a top speed of 40km/h at 1,900rpm.

On the road, this was very noticeable. The engine noise reduced and the tractor cruised at 40km/h. The tractor on test had cab suspension, with front suspension as an option, yet it was remarkably smooth and well balanced for a tractor that was also fitted with a Rossmore loader.

The gear ratio on the tractor did suit loader work in the medium range in gear two; the tractor had good speed range for going forward when loading and in reverse using the three powershifts in the range. On the road, the transmission worked well, for this specification.

For the most part, the powershifts gave enough of a selection in the highest gear. On some of the stiffer climbs, the gears had to be changed from four to three in the mechanical mode. There are a lot of mechanical parts in the synchromesh gearbox, with just three powershifts.

Overall, the conclusion on the transmission is positive. The changes are smooth for both parts with the mechanical and powershift selections. The electronic power shuttle can also be configured to adjust how aggressive the movement forward and back is.

In the cab

Landini has done quite a bit in the cab to improve comfort levels. It looks well, and more importantly it is very functional for the operator. Visibility is improved using a four-post cab, and the roof hatch is just big enough for loader work.

The colour scheme is light, giving an airy feel to the cabin, although it’s compact enough. The controls are located in user-friendly fashion with clear detail of what each function is. The only negative for me was that for cultivation work I would prefer to have the toggle switch for raising and lowering the linkages closer to the front of the control panel for a natural hand-rest position.

The lift featured electronic controls for height, lift speed and draft, quite nice for many implement tasks. The cool box works when the air-con is turned on and it is quite effective and nice to have.

The passenger seat folds away neatly. For the passenger, it offers good back support also. At night, a retro blue illumination light in the cab gives a nice shine over the controls. The external lights are also good, with 14 halogen lights to keep an eye on things. The view down to the pickup hitch is also good when pushed back for hooking on. Information on the dash is quite comprehensive, with a fuel monitor and area monitor added also. The steering column tilts and is telescopic moving in and out to set the driving position.

Hydraulics

The model on test was the LS specification, offering closed centre hydraulics circuit. This model has a pump output of 110 litres/min, making it exceptionally quick for loader work.

The tasks carried out were loading grain, gravel and straw with the Rossmore FL 85 loader. The tractor seemed ideal for these tasks. The tractor is also available with a lower specification open centre system pushing out 66 l/min, which is still quite respectable for loader work. The tractor came with three remote valves standard that are located well for attachment with connections.

The tractor has a rear lift capacity of 5,400kg with two standard assistor rams. On test, we did not have the correct linkage balls to attach the Kverneland drill for sowing cover crops, so I can’t comment on performance from the lift. At that rating, it seems to have plenty in reserve for implements. The tractor has outside controls for the lift and PTO for attachment. The safety feature will not allow engagement of the PTO from the ground until the button has been depressed for a period of 15 seconds or thereabouts.

Overall verdict

I was pleasantly surprised by this package from the Italians. It has a feel of a premium tractor. The engine is good and performs well, with a good record in other models. The gearbox is quite good and not clunky when changing ranges or powershifts, plus there are a lot of forward speed options. The cabin offers excellent visibility.

I would like some of the control layout changed. The back window does not extend fully. The tractor is really smooth on the road, and the Eco-Forty mode is effective.

The price

The price of this model tested, The Landini 6-130CLS with four-speed PTO,cab suspension 540/65R38 rear tyres and 480/65R24 and Rossmore FL85 front loader complete with soft drive, is €61,465.00 plus VAT at 23%.

Specification breakdown

  • Gearbox 36+12 Full Powershuttle with 40km.
  • Three-speed Poweshift and declutch button and shuttle modulation control.
  • Electronic lift and fender buttons.
  • Closed Centre Hydraulic 110 litres/min.
  • Three spool valves.
  • Two lift assister rams with 5,400kg lift capacity.
  • Hydraulic trailer brakes.
  • Air seat and passenger seat.
  • Hydraulic four-speed PTO 540/1000 RPM, & 540E / 1000 E with on/off button on Fenders.
  • Dromone push-back pickup hitch.
  • Tyres 480/65 R24 and 540/65 R38.
  • Swivel front fenders.
  • Two beacons.
  • Diesel tank capacity 180 litres and 25 litre adblue.
  • Air conditioning.
  • Cab suspension.
  • Low sulphur diesel only.