A fully electrically-powered front axle is the stand out feature of the Landini Rex4 Electra. Claimed benefits include 10% fuel savings, a 15% tighter steering angle and greater stability during transport.
Argo Tractors innovation director Giovanni Esposito told us to expect something on the alternative driveline front when we interviewed him for our ‘in conversation with’ story (May 2020 issue pages 98-99).
One of his messages was that the electrification of smaller tractors, not large ones, is a more realistic option in the near future. The hybrid solution in the 110hp Rex 4 Electra is clearly the first step.
The full technical details are under wraps, but the electric wheel motors, sensors, electronic controls, generator, battery and brake energy recovery system are all supervised by the Power Management System. The result, says Argo Tractors, is a parallel hybrid with a system that is independent of the mechanical rear driveline.
Argo Tractors has invested heavily in its tractors during the past few years. Some of this spend was on the new semi-active cab suspension on the X7 and X8. Mr Esposito told us a version of this would migrate to medium to low power ranges in the future.
True to his word, the electronically controlled four-point semi-active cab suspension on the Rex 4 Electra is similar to that used on larger tractors. Other features on the new tractor include joystick control of the semi-automatic three-speed powershift (reverse power shuttle).
The Rex 4 Electra, an EIMA show technical award winner, should have been premiered on the Argo Tractors stand at the Italian show this month. Covid put a stop to the real show and the hybrid tractor will now be unveiled at the digital version of the show from November 11 to 15.
Providing the virus does not put a spanner in the works, then the Rex 4 Electra will be available for inspection at the physical edition of the show, which is planned to take place in Bologna from February 3 to 7, 2021.
