The Italian firm Landini has been producing tractors since 1928, with specialist orchard and crawler tractors making up a substantial part of the brand’s portfolio.

In 1959, Massey Ferguson purchased the Landini company (as well as Perkins engines) and used Landini to manufacture specialist tractors in Massey Ferguson colours. 

In 1988, Massey Ferguson sold 66% of their Landini shares to the Italian ARGO brand which now encompasses McCormick and Landini tractors. 

In the same year Landini launched the 880 series tractors, which would also be the same year that the Fabrico tractor manufacturing plant, located in the province of Reggio Emilia, Italy, would reach it’s 13,000-unit milestone. 

The 880 series were an overdue replacement for the dated 550 range which had been in production since 1977.

The line-up included the 6880, 7880, 8880 and range topping 9880 with the 9080 joining the range in 1993. 

The smaller 660 and 770 range of tractors were also released in 1988 to provide a comprehensive medium weight line up of tractors. 

The Landini 880 series is an interesting hybrid, it’s Massey Ferguson influence undeniable.

It clearly resembles a MF 600 series tractor, fitted with the same cab and body work. 

However, under the surface the engine and front axle are more akin to that of the MF300 series of that era – the range topping 9880 being largely similar to a 398T. Powered by a Perkins AT4.236C, the 3.9 litre, four cylinder turbocharger engine produces a punchy 93hp. 

However, that’s where the similarities come to an abrupt halt. Landini fitted their own transmission, Powerflow, between the engine and backend which was a real gem. Even though fitted with a MF600 series cab which had ‘between the legs’ gear sticks due to the MF transmission, 

Landini’s gearbox linkages came up the side of the gearbox casing and the lever landed neatly alongside the operator to the right.

The transmission provided four gears with three ranges, along with a reverse, equating to a 12F/4R selection. An optional splitter doubled the range to 24F/12R, and in true Landini fashion, a creeper gear was also available. This was further complimented by a mechanical shuttle on later models. 

A 40km road speed could also be specified which came complete with a braked front axle. 

Join us next week as we conclude our analysis of the Landini 880 range. If you have one of these tractors, please get in touch.

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