Despite the fact that sales of four-wheel drive tractors were high in the 1980s, there was still a market for twowheel drive. Ford’s legendary 7810 was offered in this form, but examples are rarely seen today. Andrew Hall visited a clean, high-hour example in semi-retirement.
During the 1980s, tractor size and horsepower was on the increase and along with this, four-wheel drive was becoming more popular. Larger implements required more traction and greater acreages could be covered in less time, which in the fullness of time has contributed to fewer staff working on our farms.
However, many popular makes and models of tractor were still available in two-wheel drive. One such machine was the successful Basildon-built Ford 7810. Despite its sales success and popularity, the 7810 almost didn’t happen, as the Ford Motor Company initially resisted the concept of a ‘lightweight’ six-cylinder tractor.
Thankfully, the idea suggested by South Essex Motors, a company specialising in Ford tractors, was eventually accepted and the Ford 7910’s power unit was combined with the rear end of a 7610, offering a six-cylinder tractor similar in stature and equal in power to the 103hp four-cylinder 7610, but without the need for turbocharging.
This story is from the Spring 2017 edition of Tractor & Machinery.
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This story is from the Spring 2017 edition of Tractor & Machinery.
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