A six-day endurance event to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Landini ended after 130 hours and 992km of round-the-clock driving on a car rally course in Italy.
The feat was performed by a succession of more than 75 drivers who encountered long stretches of bumpy forest track, steep inclines and tight turns as they drove a Landini 7-215 Dual Power on the rally course near Lucca in Tuscany.
“The drivers each had their own driving style and ability, making this endurance test of the tractor even more difficult and severe,” says event organiser Antonio Salvaterra of Landini manufacturer Argo Tractors. “The course, which is used by professional rally teams for training, really put the tractor’s suspension systems and driver comfort to the test.”
The average speed of 7.6km/hr reflects the more challenging sections of the course, which tested the skill and nerve of the drivers, as well as the durability and manoeuvrability of this new model in the Landini range.
“But the sturdiness, ease of use and high levels of cab comfort evident in the Landini 7-series tractor contributed to a positive outcome,” says Antonio Salvaterra.
Schools in Fabbrico, northern Italy, damaged by a 2012 earthquake that also affected the Landini factories, will benefit from a donation of €8000 (more than £6000) from Argo Tractors and sponsors, based on the distance completed over the 130 hours.
The venture was supported by Landini engine supplier FPT Industrial; tyre maker Michelin; and ZF, supplier of the tractor’s 24x24 speed semi-powershift transmission. All had technical staff on hand.
Hydraulics and mechatronics specialist Bosch Rexroth; Grammer, supplier of the high-spec air seat installed in Landini 7-series tractors; air conditioning maker Denso; and Adam Pumps, who supplied a refuelling rig, also supported the event.
Landini was established in Fabbrico as a farm machinery repair shop by Italian engineer Giovanni Landini in 1884. He then produced his own agricultural implements, built steam engines and a ‘hot bulb’ stationery engine, before his sons combined the engine with a transmission to produce the first Landini tractor in 1928. The first Landini diesel-engined tractor was introduced in 1963 and the business developed to become one of the World’s leading tractor manufacturers.
After it was acquired by the Morra family’s Argo industrial group in 1994, ‘Landini’ became one of three brands of Argo Tractors alongside McCormick and Valpadana. It is now benefitting from a major investment in new product development that will see the introduction of up to eight new ranges over a period of three to four years.
