Small Wheels, Big Appeal 
Tractor & Machinery|Spring 2017

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.

Andrew Hall
Small Wheels, Big Appeal 

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.

Esta historia es de la edición Spring 2017 de Tractor & Machinery.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición Spring 2017 de Tractor & Machinery.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE TRACTOR & MACHINERYVer todo
Grenagh Open Day
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2017
Emerald Isle's Blue
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2017
Veterans Stun At Feldtag
Tractor & Machinery

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)

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2017
The Story Of An Engine
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2017
American Dream
Tractor & Machinery

American Dream

Tom Collins meets a man who was determined to realise his ambition.

time-read
9 minutos  |
December 2017
A Good-Year For The British Rubber Co
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2017
New Motor
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
4 minutos  |
Spring 2017
Life By The Sea: Part Three - A New Millennium
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
7 minutos  |
November 2017
Biddenden Tractorfest
Tractor & Machinery

Biddenden Tractorfest

Peter Love for horticultural equipment enthusiasts

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2017
Classic Harvest
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2017