With its new refreshed 7 Series, Landini has big plans to push its higher-horsepower flagship range across Ireland and the UK.

This was the key message from a recent Ride and Drive event held in north Co Dublin.

Kickstarting this push into the higher horsepower band in Ireland, Landini showcased the first of the new and restyled 7-210 V-Shifts at the event. The flagship model on the day, this tractor has actually been working in the country now for several months and was purchased by Wicklow contractor Ken Pierce.

This is the first of the new and restyled 7 Series tractors and is owned by Wicklow contractor Ken Pierce.

Landini in Ireland

The most recent brand by brand yearly sales analysis from the FTMTA shows that the “top three” tractor brands (John Deere, Massey Ferguson and New Holland) account for 59% of all tractors taxed on Irish roads. The remaining 41% is divided between at least 14 other tractor brands officially on the market.

Figures from the Irish Bulletin of Vehicle and Driver Statistics show there are 2,954 Landini tractors registered on Irish roads, with the brand accounting for 3.75% of all Irish tractors.

Landini is a brand that historically had a relatively decent market share. It was largely aimed at the “stockman tractor”, a price-competitive, straightforward, no-frills, reliable machine. The Italian manufacturer now has its sights set on competing with the big players.

Meanwhile, appointments to the manufacturer’s Irish team in the past 18 months include sales manager Cathal Sweetman and aftersales manager Thomas McMullan. Cathal is well known to dealers and Landini users and headed up the sales team back when D&S were the brand importer. Thomas is an ex-JCB employee and an engineering graduate from Queen’s University in Belfast.

In addition to telemetry functions, this tractor is equipped with a remote diagnostics function.

New 7 Series

Landini’s revamped 7 Series is now made up of four short wheelbase models and three long wheelbase options. Previously, the 7 Series was built on just one chassis.

The short wheelbase features two models (7-165 and 7-175) with four-cylinder engines and two models (7-170 and 7-180) with six-cylinder engines. Meanwhile, the long wheelbase power shift models include the 7-200, 7-210 and the 7-230.

For those after a long wheelbase with a continuously variable transmission, the options include the 7-210, 7-230 and the 7-240. The manufacturer’s model labelling now relates to the tractor’s maximum horsepower output. The tractor in action on the day and the focus of this article is the 7-210 V-Shift long wheelbase model.

This particular machine was finished in the “Blue Icon” specification. According to Landini, Blue Icon was introduced following the success of previous limited editions launched for the more aesthetic-conscious customers. This recently introduced optional extra combines the metallic blue livery with the matte black rims and 20 led lights at a list price cost of €4,231 plus VAT.

Landini is continuing with the standard fitted cooling matrix system.

Engine

Landini is continuing to use FPT engines in its 7 Series. The smaller offering is equipped with FPTs NEF 45, 16-valve, 4.5l four-cylinder engines. Meanwhile, the larger models source power from FPTs NEF 67, 24-valve, 6.7l six-cylinder engines, which feature turbo intercoolers and common rail electronic injection. All engines are Stage V compliant. Service intervals have been increased from 500 hours to 1,000 hours.

Landini are continuing with the standard fitted cooling matrix system. This has been well received in existing models and was one standout feature we noted when we got our hands on a 7-180 two years ago. The cooling pack opens out in a two-stage folding process, making it easier to clean the under-bonnet radiators.

An engine brake system is also available. Using the electronic motorised throttle valve of the turbocharger, it allows the operator to increase the braking torque by activating the engine brake in combination with the normal tractor brakes.

Landini is continuing to use the Cararro independent front axle suspension system.

Transmission

Depending on customer choice and model selection, there are two transmissions available – the V-Shift continuously variable transmission and the Robo-Six power shift. The 7-210 at the event was equipped with the V-Shift option. This is a four-stage continuously variable transmission built by ZF. This has a range from a minimum of 0.04km/h up to a maximum of 50km/h.

Meanwhile, the Robo-Six transmission features six power-shift gears under load and five robotised ranges. Also built by ZF, it has a total of 30 forward and 15 reverse gears, which, with a creeper option, become 54 forward and 27 reverse.

A nice function now also offered by most manufacturers is the “Stop & Action” system. It integrates the de-clutch into the brake pedal, allowing the tractor to be stopped without depressing the clutch to stop. Combination use of the Stop & Action and APS (Auto Powershift) systems allow the Robo-Six transmission to be driven in a similar way to a CVT transmission.

Equipped with a Dromone pick-up hitch, the tractor has a maximum permitted weight of 11,500kg.

Hydraulics

The closed-centre hydraulic system features a standard 123l/min pump with a dedicated 44l/m steering pump. A 160l/m Ultra Flow pump is available as an optional extra. Capable of handling up to eight spool valves, the rear hitch offers a maximum lifting capacity of 9,300kg. The optional front hitch has a lift capacity of up to 3,500kg. Landini is using Zuidberg front linkages and Dromone pick-up hitches. With a maximum permitted weight of 11,500kg, it can accommodate a rear wheel fitment of up 710/60R38.

“I was blown away with how fuel efficient the tractor is”- Ken Pierce.

Cab

The cab has remained largely the same as the previous series. The interior colouring has been made slightly darker, although many Irish punters would be of the opinion this could and should be further darkened. The inclination of the steering wheel is now adjusted electrically using a switch.

The 12in touchscreen Data Screen Management benefits from a new menu and allows for more efficient operation thanks to the storage of activities with programmable buttons to customise controls. The guidance and IsoBus system are also integrated which allows the operator to manage implements without having to use other monitors.

Service intervals have been increased from 500 hours to 1,000 hours.

Landini is continuing to use the Cararro independent front axle suspension system. There are two cab suspension options: mechanical or semi-active electronically controlled. Meanwhile, a newly designed cab roof now can incorporate 365° lighting.

The 12" touch screen Data Screen Management benefits from a new menu.

Telematics

In recent years, the larger tractor manufacturers have all veered down the telematics route, offering services such as fleet management systems and some even pushing remote diagnostics, most notably John Deere. Landini has followed and is now also offering the full package. The 7-210 on display is the first Landini in the country with such technical capability.

The fleet management function allows owners to monitor their tractor fleet’s main activities anytime, anywhere. The IoT (Internet of Things) protocols mean your tractor’s information can be accessed via a PC or smartphone.

The system accesses fleet data, which is always available and protected in the cloud, and monitors parameters including live and historical geolocation, fuel consumption, fuel levels, temperatures and records work sessions.

Landini tractors have been equipped with a remote diagnostics function via an Actia TGU-R control unit. The service technician can connect to the tractor and load the diagnostic software as if they were on site to perform checks in the event of abnormalities. The technician can then determine whether it is sufficient to intervene remotely or whether the workshop is required. With modern tractors, in many cases such as software updates, the technician no longer needs to be on site but can connect the diagnostic tool and restore functionality without leaving the workshop.

New 7 Series models are coming with a three-year telematics subscription, which will cost in the region of €250-€300 annually from then on.

Landini uses Zuidberg front linkages.

Contractor opinion

Wicklow contractor Ken Pierce took delivery of the 7-210 towards the end of August and has clocked up 630 hours since. Coming from a T7.190 New Holland, Ken is a one-man band, offering the full contracting service to farmers in the Blessington area.

He explained: “I wanted to upgrade my 2018 New Holland which had clocked over 7,500 hours. I contacted dealers for all the main brands including John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Claas, Valtra and McCormick. Some of them came and looked at my trade-in but never followed up, while some of them never even rang me back. I contacted Landini dealer Byrne Machinery in Roscrea. They had a salesman in the yard the following week and gave me a demo the week after. I loved the tractor that much I bought it there and then.”

“I was blown away with how fuel-efficient it is. It’s probably a combination of the slightly larger power for the hills and the CVT transmission, but my fuel consumption has dropped by 30%. When sowing grass seed with the one pass and my previous New Holland, I would be running at 2,200rpm.

“With the larger Landini, I can run it in 1,000 Eco at 1,600rpm burning just 10.5l/hr. Likewise, when travelling at 53km/h on the road with my 3,500gal tanker, the tractor will automatically pull back to 1,600rpm which has a massive bearing on fuel consumption.

“I find that the CVT transmission is much safer for pulling on to busy roads. You don’t get the big pause when changing gears that you get with many power shift gearboxes. The comfort is also top class. Visibility is very good, except down to the pick-up hitch, which is a bit restricted. I am more than delighted with the tractor and enjoy working it every day.”

? Likes

  • Comfort.
  • Visibility.
  • Very economical on fuel.
  • ? Dislikes

  • Visibility to the hitch is slightly restricted.
  • Spec

  • Model: 7-210 V-Shift.
  • Engine: Six cylinder, 6.7l FPT.
  • Horsepower: 210hp.
  • Transmission: Four-stage ZF continuously variable transmission.
  • Weight: 8,300kg.
  • Fuel tank: 350 litres.
  • Hydraulics: Closed centre 123l/min or 160l/min optional.
  • List price: €188,526 plus VAT.