If there is something that characterizes tractors, it is on a highway, it is their inevitable slowness. Whoever has had to go behind one behind the wheel knows what we are talking about. And no wonder, since tractors are built with power in mind, not speed. Now, what if someone wanted build a really fast tractor? The truth is that a few years ago a team from the English tractor manufacturer JCB set out to do just that.
That adventure ended with the creation of the fastest tractor in the world. A farm vehicle that reached 217.57 km/h and what has he achieved break several Guinness records since then, being faster than some sports cars. Suffice to say, they had to hire a former racing driver to drive it.
The tractor is actually a modified version of the company’s Fastrac 2 model. And keep in mind that even in its simplified form, weighed five tonsso the team had to practically develop innovations to improve aerodynamics to achieve said feat.
What’s under the hood?
It was necessary to remodel the tractor almost completely, starting with equip it with a large JCB patented 6-cylinder 7.2-litre Dieselmax engine that had 1,016 hp with hybrid technology and turbocharging (with 2500 Nm of torque). In addition, the injection was water, it had a 230% higher boost pressure and ice water cooling. And, although the motor can run on vegetable oil, a high-performance racing diesel was used to break the records.
And of course, a lot of work was done on the aerodynamics. Its cabin was reduced by 300mm and its height by 200mm. There were also wind deflectors and a diffuser to improve air penetration by 25%. Another point to note was reduce weight from 8.5 to 5 tons. How they did it? Mainly the steel parts were replaced by aluminum or carbon fiber.
Where former British motorcycle racer Guy Martin (known for his Tourist Trophy races on the Isle of Man) was going to go was another mystery. He had to create a roll cage specially developed and approved by the FIA. Instead of the standard tank, racing tanks were installedsix-point harnesses and the Fastrac it also had a braking parachute to slow the vehicle down. Even the tires were modified so that, instead of 80 km/h, you could drive at 260 km/h without breaking the rubber.
“The biggest challenges have included aerodynamics, weight reduction and performance improvement. Getting a five tonne tractor safely up to 217 km/h and stopping is not an easy task, but we are all very proud not only of having achieved these objectives but of having surpassed them”, explained Tim BurnhopeJCB Director of Innovation and Growth.
Images: JCB
