Yes, it’s a tractor, a very rapid Land Rover-powered tractor. Mark Saville lets rip in a Welsh field.
What's the story?
Yes, I know this isn’t a Land Rover, nor is it a pristinely rebuilt classic or even a particularly rare tractor, but this wonderful 2.25-litre diesel Land Rover-Ferguson hybrid, created by a fanatical Welsh hill farmer, harp maker and Land Rover tinkerer, displays all the character and ingenuity you could wish for. It goes like the clappers too.
Owner Richard Jones says: ‘I bought the Fergie about two years ago. I’ve had plenty of these lovely little tractors but they’re just too thirsty with the petrol engine these days. As for showing them, with half a million made, it’s not that spectacular to show, to be honest.’
‘Initial plans were V8 power, but then I thought I’ve got a couple of 2.25s kicking about and I knew this one was good, so in it went. This one puts out 62bhp and the original made 20bhp.’
This is the only 2.25 Land Rover diesel-powered Fergie Richard knows of, so there wasn’t anything he could copy. Once he’d decided to mate the 2.25 diesel engine to the Fergie’s gearbox, the hard work really began, making two lumps of engineering fit together properly and work well. The heart of the conversion is Richard’s beautifully made conversion plate.
The final big challenge was refitting the front axle, which mounts directly onto the block via two custom-made brackets.
Our favourite bit?
Mark says: ‘I just had to have a go on this fantastic machine. I wasn’t disappointed. The results are awesome, especially in fourth gear. It sounds like a Land Rover but drives like a tractor. Best of all, Richard says it should be perfectly feasible to fit a 200 or 300Tdi engine to a little grey Fergie. His mate is seriously thinking of doing just that!’
And the verdict from LRO writer Mark Saville?
This is a terrific thing to drive. Richard’s skill and engineering know-how are remarkable. He’s created a unique Land Rover-Ferguson hybrid, which is exactly what he set out to do. This could be the exception that proves the rule – sometimes engine transplants are indeed better than the original. Now, who’s for a race?
Tech spec
Model: Ferguson TVO l Engine: 2.25 four-cylinder Land Rover diesel l Transmission: Ferguson four-speed manual l Tyres: Great for ploughing, not parking
Where can I read more?
The full story was in the January 2014 issue of LRO. Download a digital issue, or order a back issue by calling 01858 438884.
