SAME, an acronym for Società Accomandita Motori Endotermici, was founded in 1942 in Treviglio, Italy, by the brothers Francesco and Eugenio Cassani.

The SAME tractor story however can be traced back to 1927 when the brothers developed their Trattrice Cassani, one of the world’s first diesel powered tractors.

SAME has been central to many takeovers of other tractor brands with the acquisition of Lamborghini tractors in 1972, Hurlimann in 1979 and Deutz Fahr in 1995 – all of which are now under the umbrella of the SDF group, (SAME-Deutz-Fahr), with SAME being the owner.

Interestingly, tractors can still be purchased under all four original names in a fitting nod to the heritage of the company.

Replacing the Titan SAME Rubin range was released in 1998, initially comprising of the 120, 135 and 150, with the heavy hitting 160, 180 and 200 models joining the line-up in 2000.

Interestingly, the word ‘Rubin’ traces its origins from the Latin word ‘red’ and ‘ruby’ – a fitting nod to the tractors bright red livery.

Styled by Italian automotive designer Giorgeto Giugiaro, the tractors had a sleek and  futuristic appearance.

The entry level Rubin 120 is powered by SAME’s 6cylinder turbocharged 1000.6WT engine producing 120hp, with an electronic fuel pump.

The tractor weighs in at 6.1 tons with a lit capacity of 7tons. The closed centre hydraulic system is capable of 103 litres of oil flow per minute.

The Rubin’s transmission boasted a 9 speed power shift in two ranges providing 18F/18R, increased to 27F/27R when fitted with a creeper box, and has a 40kph road speed.

The Rubin was brimming with the latest technology including SAME’s APS function which provided automatic and programmable power shifting functions based on engine load.

Furthermore, a comprehensive headland management system allowed the operator to pre-select a range of functions when turning including engine speed, gear selection, PTO, 4WD, hydraulics and other operations.

The cab on the Rubin is an impressive structure set on a self-levelling air suspension set up, complete with front axle suspension, and the cab boasts 310 degrees of vision.

At first glance the armrest can be overwhelming with a vast array of buttons but they are logically placed with the multi-function controller falling nicely to hand.

Worthy of note, the SAME logo was removed from the nose cone, with the ‘swiping tiger’ logo placed between the headlamps.

Contact Peter at [email protected] or see Instagram @flashphotoscork.