Tractor distributor Landini UK has introduced a tough new ride-on mower for farmers wanting to keep lawns, small orchards and other light vegetation in trim.

Despite its size, the Valpadana 1020 HSB is equipped with a number of full-size tractor features.

“For one thing, most mini tractors of this size have a belt driving the wheels; the Valpadana has proper shaft drive for reliability and maximum power delivery,” points out Adrian Winnett, Valpadana sales manager. “And while others might have electric lift for rear-mounted implements, this one has a proper hydraulic system - and a power take-off with easy hydraulic control for driving powered implements.”

Hydrostatic transmission makes the machine easy to drive - all it takes is a little pressure on either end of the rocking accelerator pedal to get the machine going forwards or backwards.

A Briggs & Stratton Vanguard V-Twin petrol-fuelled engine, with 16hp output, provides plenty of power to drive the tractor and the mowing deck - or any other implements fitted to the machine.

There is quite a choice, from the 109cm wide mid-mounted mowing deck to a rear-mounted 100cm flail mower for rougher areas of vegetation. A power tiller is available for cultivating large flower beds and vegetable gardens.

“The tractor can also be used with a spreader for broadcasting seed, fertiliser and de-icing salt or grit, front-mounted blades and sweepers for tidying roadways and a sweeper-collector,” adds Adrian Winnett. “In fact, the ride-on can be used with any number of different tools on its rear, mid and front mountings.”

There are turf tyres for work on grass and tractor grip tyres for working the soil. And when things get really tough, the Valpadana driver can lock the rear axle differential to prevent one wheel spinning if it loses traction.

Whatever the work, the driver gets to sit comfortably on an adjustable seat with spring suspension and no clutter around the legs to get in the way.

Full details on Valpadana products are available via the information hotline 01302-733573 at distributor Landini UK or local dealers.

Valpadana 1020 HSB

Engine            Briggs & Stratton 16hp petrol; air cooled; electric start

Drive            Two-speed hydrostatic 0-7.5 and 0-13kph; rocker pedal accelerator and forward/reverse selector

Implement            Front - flail mower, snow blade, rotary brush, etc

mountings            Mid - 109cm rotary mower

& pto drive            Rear - flail mower, rotary cultivator or harrow, spreader, sweeper-collector, etc

Rear lift            Position and float modes; 300kg

Front lift            Position and float modes; 200kg (optional)

List price            £4756

Valpadana two-way four-wheel drive tractor comes with added driver comfort