YOU CAN have your cake and eat it with the latest version of Landini’s Rex compact tractor, for it qualifies as being both a compact tractor and heavy duty.

Numerous improvements include a tighter-steering front drive axle for the Rex ‘F’; the main controls have been revamped, with hydraulic lift and spool valve levers located in a new right-hand console; and there are improvements for pto and three-point linkage operation.

The out-going range leading 99hp Rex 105 has been replaced by the 110 model, with 102hp and more torque from its latest-spec’ Perkins engine.

“The new versions of the Rex are easily identified by the restyled hood design, which has a larger cooling air intake area, and the rectangular instead of round front lights,” says Landini specialist, Eamon Howden. “Underneath, though, it’s ‘original Rex’ with many refinements improving an already successful package.”

There are three build variations: ‘F’ is the narrow model for small orchards and narrow-spaced trees; the ‘GE’ is a little wider but lower; and the ‘GT’ has a stance that gives it good stability for work in fields and more open orchards.

Four power outputs are available – 74hp, 81hp, 92hp and 102hp – with the two highest outputs generated by engines fitted with an intercooler and an uprated engine cooling pack. The transmission choice is between a 15 forward/15 reverse gearbox with synchro shuttle, and a 30x30 unit with two-speed powershift and power shuttle shifting.

There’s good news, too, for fruit, field vegetable and salad producers – when power shuttle versions of the Powerfarm tractor were replaced by the all-new 5-H series, there was one exception missed out – the high clearance version.

Growers use this tractor to straddle crops grown in beds, particularly for strawberries where making deeper beds provides better growing conditions.

Now, the Powerfarm HC, with its large diameter rowcrop wheels front and rear, is available with synchro or power shuttle, the latter providing clutchless forward and reverse selection, a more durable wet clutch, two-speed powershift for the 24x12 gearbox, and hydraulic engagement of the pto and four-wheel drive.