Time would prove that Leyland’s 285 and 2100 were not without their problems, but fitting a six-cylinder engine was proof that the company was prepared to take the fight to its competitors. Today, these models and their four-wheel drive siblings are icons of the 1970s and prized by collectors. Chris McCullough meets a Leyland enthusiast with a passion for the 2100.
Built from 1972-78, the Leyland 285 and 2100 were unique for a number of reasons and very few examples of the models exist today. Boasting 85hp and 100hp respectively, the tractors were powered by Leyland’s 5.65-litre six-cylinder engine, which was also used in commercial vehicles too.
Using an engine perhaps better suited to commercial vehicles presented a number of challenges for the manufacturer when fitting it to tractors. The chassis had to be long enough to hold the engine and the exhaust system was designed to suit and ended up being channelled under the engine and up the rear of the cab. Plus, due to the fact that there was no longer space for a fuel tank at the front of the tractor, a rear-mounted tank was designed to fit around the cab.
The Leyland 6/98 NT-powered 2100, in particular, was a powerful tractor in its day and could manage speeds of up to 20mph with its 10 forward and two reverse transmission. The 285 used the Leyland 6/98 DT engine – where the ‘D’ signified a de-rated engine.
The problem associated with both the 285 and 2100 is that the design is fundamentally flawed. As individual elements, the engine and transmission are good – but they don’t work well together. The relationship between the rubber mounted engine and the clutch wasn’t properly thought out and as the engine mountings wore, the engine and clutch became misaligned and this resulted in clutch failure, sometimes in spectacular fashion!
When fitting new rubber mountings, shims had to be inserted to align the engine and clutch correctly and prevent further failure, although some owners reported recurring problems throughout their tractor’s working life.
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Denne historien er fra Spring 2017-utgaven av Tractor & Machinery.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Grenagh Open Day
Once a year, Mike Forde of Grenagh, Co. Cork, opens up his sheds to let the collection of combines and tractors loose upon his barley and the resulting stubble. It's always worth going along to watch, says Justin Roberts.
Emerald Isle's Blue
In September, the crisp rustle of wellies crushing wheat stubble can mean only one thing… it's time for the plough – or at least it was until minimum tillage came along.
Veterans Stun At Feldtag
If you think you have something suitable for this column, please get in touch with Peter Love (tm.ed@kelsey.co.uk)
The Story Of An Engine
It’s a double celebration for fans of blue tractors this year, as not only is it the centenary of Ford tractor production, but also 30 years since one of the company’s most iconic and respected models was launched. Jonathan Whitlam has the first in a four-part story of the 7810.
American Dream
Tom Collins meets a man who was determined to realise his ambition.
A Good-Year For The British Rubber Co
Regular readers may recall the feature on The British Rubber Co. in our February 2017 issue, particularly, comments from Tom Card, the company’s Proprietor, on reproducing vintage tyre patterns in various sizes. In a follow-up to the article, Scott Lambert talks exclusively to Tom about exciting new developments.
New Motor
Time would prove that Leyland’s 285 and 2100 were not without their problems, but fitting a six-cylinder engine was proof that the company was prepared to take the fight to its competitors. Today, these models and their four-wheel drive siblings are icons of the 1970s and prized by collectors. Chris McCullough meets a Leyland enthusiast with a passion for the 2100.
Life By The Sea: Part Three - A New Millennium
The third and final part of the late Donald Bowler’s feature on life boat launching tractors sees him look at the latest technology employed by the RNLI, as well as the machines used at independent life boat stations up and down the country.
Biddenden Tractorfest
Peter Love for horticultural equipment enthusiasts
Classic Harvest
You’ve been sharing your photographs of this year’s harvest with us via e-mail and social media. Here’s a selection of some of our favourites.
