No-one has yet picked up the torch for Lindner in the UK, though we’re told several have been tempted. In
Ireland, however, the Austrian maker has been active for several years.
The Austrians love a high-spec tractor, and that’s truly evident in the native Lindner Lintrac. Born for working in the hills, not only does it pack a lot of tech into a compact package, but it also has a ground huggingly low centre of gravity. So, how does it fare on flatter land?
If you’ve visited the likes of Agritechnica, there is no doubt you’ll have seen the 76-144hp Geotrac line of semi-powershift models. Featured here is the Lintrac, which boasts a stepless transmission mated with a 102-113hp motor. But what makes our Lintrac 90 really different is its 4RL specification, or, in other words, four-wheel steer. This admittedly means it’s a fairly niche product, but, if you are farming on steep terrain and want that extra security of what should be a better balanced tractor, then read on.
First things first. Tested last year, our particular subject is actually a 2017-build Lintrac 90, so it pre-dates Mother Regulations … hence it doesn’t need a tool to open the bonnet — not that we’re complaining. With the hood up, you’ll notice it also has a Stage IIIB motor with just one particulate filter and no AdBlue.
The engine is supplied by Perkins, a Lindner tradition. The four-pot, 3.4-litre 854E-E34TA motor stems from a partnership between Perkins and FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies). It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a Perkins-powered tractor on test so we were keen to see the results from the DLG test station.
Hitched to the dyno, the Lintrac 90 produced 62.6kW/83.9hp. With the technical specs in the leaflet suggesting a rated output of 75kW/102hp, this is a ‘just OK’ result. Max output on the dyno was 65.7kW/88.1hp at 2,000rpm.
The measured figures do come close to the 90hp suggested in the model name, which is good. At the same time, torque rises by 36% (as speed drops by 36%), which, along with a constant power range of 25%, suggests a reasonable power curve.
For more up-to-date farming news and reviews click here and subscribe now to profi for just £3.99 an issue.