Landini 6-155 RS - Tractor Showcase 2024

The Landini 6-155 RS offers versatility, performance, and comfort all combined in one neat package.

If the rubbernecking from competitor brands was anything to go by, they were also pretty keen to see the striking metallic blue machine with the black rims in action and at work.

The Landini Series 6RS (Robo Six) has three models in the range: 6-135 RS, 6-145 RS, and our test candidate, the 6-155 RS. It stands out from the crowd for its metallic Landini blue icon, which is striking, to say the least and not something you’ll find on the Resene colour sampler your wife brought home for the new kitchen (I’m convinced these are a trap because you have to try and distinguish between 26 colours, of which, 24 look to be identical).

 
Rounding out the pimped rig, it was the only one on Xiobib VF tyres, which not only look cool (which is why I like them) but also in the tractor pull and the trailer testing, turns out they are actually pretty good at what they are designed to do. What a surprise, huh?

Engine

First up, we have the 4.5-litre 4-cylinder FTP Stage V, 155hp, no boost. Being an FTP, it has well-proven performance and reliability credentials already, but to back this up further, during our testing, this little engine performed extremely well.

To meet the Stage V regulations, it uses all the witchcraft available: DPF, DOC, EGR, and SCR, and all this while sipping from a 220-litre fuel tank and 23-litre AdBlue tank. For cooling, front radiators slide out, and the middle radiator concertinas forward on gas struts to give enough room to get in easily for a once-over.

While the machine wasn’t fitted with air (which is how most exhaust brake systems are activated), the Landini had an exhaust flap, activated via the foot pedal between the clutch and brake. This was the only machine at the Showcase fitted with one. Combined with service intervals of 500 hours on the engine and 1500 hours on the transmission, and a warranty of four years/3000 hours, there’s much to like here as a total package.

Transmission

Only two machines at the event had a 50km/hour transmission, and the Landini 6-155 RS was one of them. This is derived from the ARGO-built (Landini parent company) 24×24, delivering four ranges of six powershift transmission with a 40×40 creeper option (just don’t ask me to do the maths). Auto Power Shift (APS) has selectable manual field and transport modes, with the activation button located on the main multifunction joystick. Field mode sticks to the Power Shift in the range and transport shifts through all the gears and ranges. The third option is manual, which naturally means to manually shift between all gears and ranges.

 
Shuttle sensitivity can be adjusted, both manually via a dial or in the dash. Speaking of pesting around in the dash, the forward/reverse start gears can be adjusted and the activation of Stop & Action function (brake to neutral), which brings back one of my most treasured memories from the Tractor Showcase – getting all the ‘brake to neutral’ names off the manufacturers, and I have to say, Stop & Action was a personal favourite.

Operator environment

From the 4-pillar cab, loader visibility is exceptional. Overall visibility is a standout feature of the Landini, with an excellent front wiper and well-designed cab roofline, with a small cross member and sunroof extending back from the front windscreen to halfway across the roof (plus another small roof hatch behind).

Exceptional front suspension is provided via the Carrero front axle, which offers genuine independent front axle suspension and exceptional ride quality (when combined with the standard cab suspension). This has a manual override to adjust its height and was the only one in the Shootout with this feature (do you see the theme starting to develop here?). The only downside to this set-up is that the front suspension is maintenance-intensive so bear that in mind.

The armrest was simple but effective, offering many functions, the main one being loader control. In terms of functionality, it had everything you need on it and nothing superfluous to requirements. My only gripe in the cab is that I didn’t fit in the passenger seat, due to the way the roofline came down around the large sunroof area. Having said that however, at six-foot-plus, I’m bigger than the average bear.

Other cab points worth mentioning:

• Battery isolator on the left-hand side of the dash

• Electronic steering adjuster

• Two-piece wide-angle mirrors

• USB socket and phone holder conveniently located on the right-hand side

• Lots of cup holders for staying hydrated

• Two customisable memory light settings, 14 LED work lights, six headlights

• External roof dome is pre-installed to protect the GPS receiver. This is lockable for added protection.

Loader

As mentioned, the main loader functionality is on the main armrest control, which is responsive and falls to hand easily. Unlocking the loader electronically needed to happen after every key cycle. I will be honest here: this was a trick for young players, and I may need to plead the Fifth Amendment on whether I had to make a phone call to work this out the first time.

In terms of performance, the Landini-badged Sigma loader (Sigma is also owned by parent company ARGO) went on and off well. Loader visibility was a standout, and for manoeuvrability, the 4-cylinder compact frame proved a doddle when it came time to load bales. The Xeobib low-profile tyres ensured the footprint of the Landini was light but the wide profile didn’t hamper the turning circle.

Hydraulics, linkage, PTO

Hydraulic capacity comes from the 114-litre CCLS pump, which is Power Beyond ready and standard with a trailer brake valve. Spools-wise, there were three: all mechanical (although there’s an electric option) but no adjustable flow rate on
the mechanical valves. The electronic mid-mount valve for the loader, however, did have an adjustable flow.

Delivering a strong linkage lift capacity of seven tonnes, the rams are mounted upside down to keep debris off the wiper seal. In terms of towing, a ladder hitch is standard with a clevis drawbar and a simple ring feeder. The Landini comes standard with 4-speed PTO, auto PTO on/off on the linkage lift height, and was also the only tractor with ground speed PTO.

Buttons on the rear guards are PTO on/off and linkage up/down, with provisions for spool operation if electronic spools are spec’d.

Performance/judging summary

Impressive is the first word that comes to mind. The powershifts in the ranges were smooth, the functionality on the joystick was great, and the independent front suspension made it very comfortable to drive. I would say though that we all found it wasn’t always overly intuitive to figure out functions, but once you knew, you were away. That initial discovery session was just that often – a discovery of pushing buttons.

If there was a reason for us to move all of the tractors around, I found myself subconsciously going to the Landini, and this may relate to how I started this article. I was curious to see how it performed as a newcomer to the segment in the new design layout; very well would be the answer.

Top 5 features

• Multifunction armrest controller

• 24-speed transmission (4 range, 6 powershifts), Stop & Action function

• 4-year/3000-hour warranty

• Comfortable independent front suspension

• Visibility and manoeuvrability