History

The Austrian family company Lindner has produced tractors and transporters for mountain and pasture agriculture, forestry and local government use since 1948. After developments in aircraft construction, Lindner made their name as specialists in all-wheel-drive through the production of the first four-wheel-drive tractors in Austria. Then, just as today Lindner manufactured special vehicles which stand out due to their cross-country mobility, compact and sturdy construction and their high-quality components. A sturdy construction which is necessary for an alpine landscape and has proved itself in numerous other areas. Expertly trained staff manufacture around 1200 vehicles per year at the site in Kundl in Tyrol today.

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Hermann Lindner

Pioneering work and a spirit of innovation

The founder of the Lindner Tractor Factory, Ing.Hermann Lindner, comes from a family of 15 mountain farmers from Breitenbach. During the war, Hermann Lindner was assigned to the Air Force due to his excellent knowledge. His patent was the counter-rotating double propeller. He was awarded the engineering title for his inventive achievements.

    • 1946

      is when Lindner began highland gang saw production.  At first he rented a small workshop on a farmyard in Kundl in which he built transportable highland gang saws and wood-working machines he designed himself on an old workbench.

    • 1948

      is when a hand-built tractor first rolled off the LINDNER production line, which was introduced to the public at the Vienna autumn fair of the same year. The 14 bhp model was in high demand, although many well-known agricultural brands on the market at the time thought it was "non-sensical to want to produce tractors in Tyrol".

    • 1953

      was when Lindner laid the foundation stone for the current success of the business, with the development of the first 4-wheel drive tractor in Austria. The advantages: gentler on the land, higher level of safety through 4 drive wheels with individual brakes and advantages in front-loader work are still effective and in use to this day.

    • 1956

      was when a new factory was set up with the latest fittings. The tractor factory already employed 150 people. Every month, around 70 tractors left the factory in Kundl, mainly for Austrian customers, but also for export to Spain, France and Italian.

    • 1957

      is when, on the initiative of the Federal Testing Institution Wieselberg, a small tractor with 9 bhp was developed. The engine for the Lindner junior HRL 9 was made by Rudolf Lindner sr., and by doing so, laid the foundation stone for in-house engine production in Kundl. The Junior Motor that worked with the two-stroke system, is extremely robustly built, and ensures a particularly long working life due to its fresh oil lubrication. In the summer of 1957 a major fire destroyed the 1st floor and roof of the factory. After the tragic traffic accident of the company founder in October 1957, his sons Hermann and Rudolf Lindner and the wife of the company founder, Stephanie, and daughter Loisi Sappl continued operations.

    • 1958

      The factory was extended to double the area. Around 200 tractors left the factory every month, made by a staff of 200.

    • 1959

      BF 22 N and A were introduced. This tractor was available in a normal and four-wheel drive version, with the Lindner air-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke inline engine. Introduction of the "Bauernfreund" brand. At the same time, the tractors were equipped with a new modern trim.

    • 1963

      The demand for even more powerful types of tractor increased ever more. Therefore, Lindner used Perkins brand engines (the world's largest manufacturer of industrial diesel engines), and the power train was from ZF Passau. Both series Lindner JUNIOR and LW 20 with Warchalowski engines come to an end.

    • 1967

      The introduction of new tractor series 450 N and A, 250 N and A with 3-cylinder Perkins water-cooled engines and the A-210 ZF power train. The specialisation in grassland tractors begins. The former BF 22, BF 25, BF 35 and BF 45 models end production.

    • 1968

      For operating and travelling on very steep ground, the first transporter models are developed and produced. By a quick and simple conversion, the transporters can be used a loader, spreader or transport vehicle and also for liquid manure spreading. A transport factory was set up on the south side of the factory site for the production of these transporters.

    • 1970

      The Passau gear factory starts production of A 205 and A 210 gearbox types, and these were produced under licence by Lindner in Kundl. Various special machines, equipment and models from ZF could be incorporated for production.

    • 1973

      New transporter and repair shop commissioned. The shops comprise a spaciously laid out, modern repair shop with customer service department and engine test rig, and a spare parts store, laid out according to new and practical experience, with goods outwards department. In the summer, the BF 550S can be produced in series in the four-wheel driver and normal versions. Equipped with a 4-cylinder Perkins engine, this tractor guarantees performance and manoeuvrability.

    • 1976

      For the first time in May, a new tractor series is introduced with the 520S normal and four-wheel drive (52 DIN bhp) and the 620S normal and four-wheel drive (62 DIN bhp), which was further extended in autumn with the 420S normal and four-wheel drive (42 DIN bhp). New in the 20 series is the standard equipping of all models with servostatic steering. The production of the former models 450S and 550S was superseded with this new series; at the end of 1976, the production of 350S came to an end.

    • 1979

      With one of the largest agricultural machinery groups in Switzerland, the company RAPID, a supply contract for transporters, provisionally for three years, was concluded. In 1979, Lindner produced around 60 transporters for Rapid with the designation AC 1900. The basic model of the AC 1900 is equipped with power steering, 3-cylinder Perkins diesel engine, rollover frame and four-wheel drive gearbox. Transporter production was able to be increased with this long-term order. The export share increased by more than 50% of transporters produced.

    • 1982

      With a lot of hard work and on the basis of new knowledge of tractor engineering, after almost 2 years development work, a 65 bhp model comfort tractor, equipped with all the technical niceties, was ready for production in the spring. The first Lindner comfort tractor with platform design went on to the market with the Lindner 1065A.

    • 1984

      As ZF-Passau was not interested in further development and modernisation of the gearbox constructed by Lindner under licence, and the dealers' call for a more modern gearbox was gaining in intensity, Lindner made efforts to seek out a suitable gearbox. We got to, as previously with the linkages, the company Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG. We had the first meeting regarding a future cooperation in the area of gearboxes.After successful negotiations, an framework agreement was signed on 18/7/1984 with Steyr-Daimler-Puch. (Ten years later - in 1994, the 10,000th Steyr gearbox was delivered).

    • 1985

      In January, the mass production of completely new tractor generation began. After brief but intensive development work, it was possible to introduce the technically developed tractor series. Lindner 1450, 1500, 1600, 1650 and 1700 - with Steyr gearbox, Perkins diesel engines, each in four-wheel drive and normal design. In June, all of production was turned towards the new series, and all previously built models were superseded by the new model. With a little melancholy, the last Lindner 520 was produced. Until then, it had been the most successful of the tractor models.

    • 1988

      Won the regional award "Tiroler Adler". Due to the outstanding performance and particular the earnings of the last 40 years, the company Lindner was granted by Tyrol the right to use the Tyrolean coat of arms in its correspondence.

    • 1990

      The new exhibition centre opens. Lindner customers have been able to appreciate the vehicles directly in the factory ever since. Sales exhibitions on the company's own site have been well visited, particularly as customers were able to see new, used and predecessor machines, as well as additional equipment. Soon space on the factory site got scarce and an alternative had to be sought. The 6,000 m² exhibition centre in the Weinberg part of Kundl now provides customers with much more space.

    • 1992

      UNITRAC 60 - The universal transporter for agriculture was introduced. The Unitrac 60 is the result of several years of development, and is the perfect combination of comfort, power and economic running. A powerful engine and the well-conceived chassis guarantee the best climbing properties and outstanding adaptation to terrain with stable drive.

    • 1994

      Introduction to UNITRAC 75 K – Super Class Universal Transporter. Futuristic technology makes the Unitrac 75 transporter a new dimension for multifunctional use in urban areas. Snow clearance... Grit spreading ... sweeping ... mowing ... waste disposal ... driving rotating equipment ... chaffing ... transporting – the Unitrac can be used as a versatile complete equipment carrier. The Lindner's Unitrac concept always comes out top.

    • 1995

      Lindner is awarded the "Tyrol Prize for Innovation". The award is given to companies with particularly innovative performance, which are checked and selected carefully by a specialist jury.

    • 1996

      The front attachment of equipment is always more popular – to achieve the best possible visibility for front-attached equipment, Lindner is making efforts to incorporate "good visibility tractors" with steeply dropping bonnet and generous glazing of the cab into the range. Lindner presented a completely new tractor concept with the latest design and innovative technology – the GEOTRAC was introduced.

    • 1998

      Introduction to UNITRAC 55/65 and UNITRAC 95. The Lindner Unitrac models are equipped with a unique chassis concept. The safety, comfort and economy are the most outstanding elements of the new Unitrac. If desired, the models can be equipped with hydraulic suspension including level control.

    • 1999

      The top model of Geotrac 100 was presented. The models Geotrac 50 and Geotrac 60 could be supplied for a "lower price" as rear-wheel tractors. All Geotracs were obtainable as forest or urban tractors, as desired.

    • 2000

      At the end of 1999, New Holland bought the company Case (including Case Steyr), which had previously taken oven 75% of the company Steyr Landmaschinentechnik in 1996. Due to the merger between Case – New Holland and Steyr, the Austrian market share was exceeded by 45 %, and therefore the EU competition regulations had been contravened. As a result, in Austria the models M 948/a and M 958/a, which were previously manufactured by Steyr were sold by Lindner under the model designation 948, 948a, 958, 958a.

    • 2001

      Relaunch of the models Geotrac 60, 70 and 80 by the new models Geotrac 65, 75 and 85. The power of the Geotrac 50, the smallest model of the series, was increased. Models Geotrac 65, Geotrac 75 and Geotrac 85 extend the range. The model was improved technically: so there were 4 PTO speeds as standard, in several models the lifting force of the hydraulics and the engine power were increased and tyre versions were extended.

    • 2002

      Introduction of Geotrac 83 and 93 with new ZF power shift transmission. As standards, both these models had Optistop, four-wheel drive and rear differential lock, which can be switched on at the touch of a button. Initially 200 models of the Geotrac 83 were supplied. To improve the torque, it was decided to extend the engine with a turbo.In December 2002, at the AGRAMA in Berne, the new UNITRAC 78 with new Perkins engine was introduced. The Unitrac is versatile to use with complete equipment carrier. The suspension concept with single wheel suspension and swivel plate has proven to be successful. The universal all-rounder is manoeuvrable and economical on the road, is gentle to the ground on green spaces and safe on terrain.

    • 2003

      Introduction to Geotrac 73 A at the Rieder Messe. The Geotrac 73 A is designed with high-torque engine and low centre of gravity for extreme ("alpine") conditions. Awarded the "Austrian Innovation Prize" for retro-fittable EHR. Start of production of the Geotrac 63 Alpin in April 2004. This is the smallest Geotrac model and is designed with lower centre of gravity ideal for alpine conditions, just like the Geotrac 73 A.€ 3 m was invested in the extension of the assembly shop and the construction of a new central warehouse.

    • 2005

      The 10,000th GEOTRAC and 1,000th UNITRAC left the factory. Unitrac Series 2 with tipping comfort cab is introduced. The Unitrac is the off-road combination of transport vehicle equipment carrier. Its variety of equipment is just as large as its areas of application. From transporting through agriculture and forestry, landscape management, to urban and winter service, the Unitrac can be used universally. Lindner meets the requirements of the international quality stations and obtains the certification to ISO 9001:2000 (quality management) and ISO 14001:2000 (environmental management).

    • 2007

      Introduction of the Geotrac Series 4 (106 to 126 bhp). Structural changes in grassland and mountain cultivation, increased industry-wide use by machine syndicates and the general trend towards higher ground coverage led the Lindner development team to develop the new Geotrac Series 4. Lindner was the first tractor manufacture to design a safety cab with ROPS and FOPS construction and used LED technology in a tractor for the first time. A revolutionary control panel design was introduced with the I.B.C. monitor. (The compact construction of the models Geotrac 104, 114 and 124 and their economical common rail engines, the extensive range of standard equipment, the comfort cab with unique all-round visibility and the innovative design ensured a sensational success at home and abroad shortly after it was first introduced.)

    • 2008

      Opening of technology centre and a new assembly hall. As a specialist in four-wheel drive tractor construction, Lindner has continued to enthuse its customers with practical and innovate new developments. The newly-constructed development and technology centre directly at the company headquarters in Kundl supports the communication between Lindner and its development, supply and sales partners.

    • 2009

      Spring - Lindner extended its successful transporter series Unitrac with a new model that was especially designed for use in alpine agriculture in grassland. The new Unitrac 82 was introduced. The 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine in the Unitrac 82 provided 82 bhp and 350 Nm torque; Autumn – With a great event, Lindner presented the first model of the Geotrac Series 4 Alpin – the Geotrac 94. The Geotrac 94 is tailor-made to the needs of the typical farmer in the alpine region, and scored well in the classical mixed operation. With the start of the Lindner-epp (efficient power program) Lindner has been working more intensively on the running optimisation of consumption and efficiency of its products.

    • 2010

      The Series 4 Alpine is complemented with the Geotrac 64, 74 and 84. More than 30,000 customers from mountain and grassland cultivation, landscape management and forestry and urban use have used their experience in their daily work to help continuously develop Lindner tractors.Due to the thermal renovation of the production building, Lindner was the first company in Austria to receive a low energy certificate for a company building.

    • 2011

      Lindner is renovating the production hall in Kundl according to the most modern, ecological criteria. The waste heat from the machines is used to heat an outbuilding. A modern fresh air filter system cleans the exhaust air. The heat that is generated is fed back into the building - so Lindner does not use a drop of crude oil in Kundl. The hall is the first commercial production building with an energy certificate.

      The family company is also implementing new ERP application software. This makes it easier to deal with the enormous amount of data and regulates corporate resources.

    • 2012

      Start of the series 4 ep. With the Geotrac 84ep, Lindner presents the first tractor in the ep series. Thanks to the common rail technology and the particle filter, the tractors achieve emissions level 3B. The maximum engine speed can be saved with the new ep speed limiter. This saves up to one liter of fuel per operating hour.

    • 2013

      With the Lintrac, Lindner presents the first stepless standard tractor with a steering rear axle. Technical highlights are the continuously variable TMT09 transmission, which Lindner developed together with ZF, the simple LDrive operation and the 4-wheel steering that has already been tried and tested on the Unitrac. Areas of application for the Lintrac are mountain and grassland, municipal areas and cultivated agriculture.

      At the Agritechnica in Hanover, the Lintrac was named "Machine of the Year 2014".

    • 2014

      Lindner opens the new innovation center in Kundl. This is a multifunctional sales and customer center that focuses on sustainable construction. In addition to the modern sales and customer center, Lindner has accommodated training rooms and the innovation gallery. There, Lindner shows highlights from more than 65 years of company history.

      Series production of the new Lintrac will start at the end of 2014.

    • 2016

      The new stepless Unitrac 112 LDrive is presented. The heart of this is the power-split, continuously variable CVT transmission, which Lindner builds itself with ZF components. In combination with the TracLink system, the Unitrac 112 LDrive becomes the most intelligent, manoeuvrable and powerful Lindner transporter in the company's 70-year history. An efficient, economical and particularly easy-to-use vehicle for professional farmers, municipalities and cable cars.

    • 2017

      The new Lintrac 110 is presented. In addition to being equipped with the continuously variable TMT11 transmission, LDrive operation and 4-wheel steering, the Lintrac is also compatible with the TracLink Pilot and is therefore ideally equipped for the age of autonomous driving.

      Due to the positive export development, the construction of the new Lindner France headquarters in Blotzheim begins. In the future, all logistics for the French-speaking area will be handled from here.

    • 2018

      The first tractor was produced at Lindner 70 years ago. To celebrate this, the largest Lindner meeting of all time is taking place in the Tiroler Unterland. Lindner tractors and their drivers come to Kundl from all over Europe to take part in the historic anniversary celebration.

    • 2019

      The new Lintrac 130 is Machine of the Year in the compact tractor category. The award was presented at Agritechnica in Hanover, the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery. 53 machines from 36 manufacturers were nominated and presented in 16 categories for the "Machine of the Year 2020" award by the international jury of experts.

    • 2020

      With the Lintrac LS tractors, Lindner is opening a new chapter - and has the perfect successors for the Geotrac series in its program, the most successful series in the company's history. The first Lintracs with powershift are the Lintrac 75 LS, the Lintrac 95 LS and the Lintrac 115 LS. With them, Lindner combines the best of both worlds and combines the advantages of the ZF manual transmission from Steyr with the strengths of the Lintrac series. These include maneuverability, high driving comfort and powerful hydraulics with variable displacement pump.

       

    • 2021

      More and more Lindner customers want complete solutions - in other words, the Lintrac or Unitrac should be supplied with the appropriate attachments straight away. In order to be able to store them professionally, Lindner is investing in an expansion of the central warehouse in Kundl, right next to the Innovation Center. There, 2,500 square meters of flying roof will be created. Another advantage is that goods deliveries to the central warehouse will also be well protected under the roof. The photovoltaic system on the roof harnesses the power of the sun and supplies clean energy for the site. In this way, 17 percent of our electricity requirements are covered by our own production.

       

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4s92ngGJUg

    • 2022

      With the stepless Unitrac 122 LDrive, Lindner launches the most powerful transporter in the company's history. The new model is awarded Farm Machine of the Year in the Special Tractor category in 2022. Particularly well received by the jury is the high-performance chassis with independent wheel suspension and hydraulic suspension with level control. This guarantees ground contact on uneven terrain. The combination of Lindner ZF continuously variable transmission and LDrive operation was also highlighted. This makes the van very easy to drive. The 4-wheel steering stands for optimum maneuverability.

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