LANDINI: technology driven production

Argo Tractors recognises that technology and innovation is the future of agriculture and returns 5.5 percent of its annual turnover back into research and development. This amounts to more than €30 million or NZ$53 million).

Given electronics and software are now critical factors in today’s agricultural machinery, Landini’s approach equips its tractors with advanced technology that is easy to use.

This R&D investment policy bore fruit when the Landini Rex 4-120GT Dynamic was awarded the 2024 Tractor of the Year award for the Best of Specialised category. Tractor of the Year judges highlighted the Rex 4-120GT’s innovative RoboShift transmission, new cab with a swivel driver's seat, SmartPilot Plus joystick and Advanced Driving System.

Another project that builds on new technology is the Landini Rex4 Full Hybrid tractor. It combines a 55 kW diesel engine with 25 kW electric engine. It can work in full diesel, in hybrid mode with an output of 80 kW, or in full electric mode (for three hours with a peak output of 65 kW).

Like a hybrid electric car, the diesel engine in the Rex4 Full Hybrid recharges the battery and its Power Management System monitors power flows and sets the best operating point for the two propulsion systems.

But advanced technology is not only available on certain specialised models. All Landini tractors can be fitted with ISOBUS and they can be used with the My Landini suite of precision farming applications.

My Landini digital tools include the telematics package Landini Fleet and Remote Diagnostics Management, which allows you or other trusted parties to monitor your machines and carry out diagnostics remotely.

PSM is Landini’s Precise Steering Management system, which links with ISOBUS and can provide RTK accuracy. Landini Farm is a digital platform for managing farm data, sensors, prescription maps and traceability.

The drive to incorporate new technology also applies to Landini’s manufacturing facilities. To maintain its cutting edge, Argo Tractors invests in what is called ‘Industry 4.0’ manufacturing technology. This encompasses robotics, artificial intelligence and sensors that collect and share data to improve productivity.

The R&D unit at the Fabbrico and San Martino in Rio factories develop prototypes. These units have testing rooms – for engines and for transmissions – to test all tractors from 50 hp to 313 hp with advanced software.

Along with its cab and platform facility, the Fabbrico plant has a cast iron processing area and three production lines, which together can build up 55 tractors per day. Solar panels provide one third of the electricity used to run the plant.

One of Argo Tractors satellite factories is in the town of Luzzara and it is dedicated to the production of front axles. It produces rigid axles as well as suspended axles for tractors up to 120 hp.

Another factory at San Martino in Rio machines transmission components and builds specialist tractors, and the company’s newest factory, in Campagnola, builds transmissions.

There is no doubt that Landini’s investment in its plant and production will continue to bring technological advances in their tractors.