The 1970s Trantor high-speed tractor was ahead of its time. That was probably one of the main reasons why it was not such a commercial success for the small British-based manufacturer.

The Trantor concept was the work of Stuart Taylor, an engineering student at Manchester University in 1971, who joined forces with his professor, Graham Edwards, to set up the Trantor manufacturing business.

The tractor was unique in that it offered high-speed road ability for relatively light trailer loads with good braking and reasonable comfort for the time.

It had a unique rear axle suspension system and an air over hydraulic braking system.

In a sense, the Trantor was a cross between a tractor and a Land Rover. Some of the features of the Trantor were Land Rover design and manufacture. This tractor had a large cab with seating for three – two seats either side of the driver.

The initial models, built in 1978, were powered by an 80hp Perkins engine. The early models of the tractor were assembled by hedgecutter makers McConnel for the Trantor team.

The Trantor was fitted with a synchromesh gearbox with 10 forward and two reverse speeds.

It had a set of coil springs on the Land Rover-developed front axle and 10 leaf springs on the rear, which allowed for speeds of up to 60mph on the road.

The Trantor design was changed with the Mark 2 version introduced in 1983. The engine was replaced by a turbo-charged 96hp Leyland engine.

This newer tractor had a load platform area to the rear of the cab, with seating for two.

The Trantor was built in India for a period of time in a link with Eicher India and later TAFE tractors. Limited numbers of the tractor were produced from this, with the concept largely taken over by the bigger JCB Fastrac in the 1990s.

Overall, somewhere close to 500 Trantors were produced and a handful came to Ireland. They were sold here by Leinster Farm Machines in Duleek and by Hy-Reach Plant in Belfast for a period in the early 1980s.

Kildare-based vintage and classic tractor enthusiast George Coyle Jnr took a fancy to a Trantor around this time last year.

It is one of almost 20 vintage/classic tractors that George (18) has collected since his early teen years.

He located one in England on eBay and set about buying it at the best possible price.

He made his way over to England, courtesy of a cheap Ryanair flight, to Stansted and met with the owners and visited their farm.

The owner had used the Trantor for many years, transporting loads of hay from his farm to stables in and around London, an ideal job for a reasonably lightweight tractor.

George was taken by the unique blue-coloured tractor. After some weeks of negotiations, the Trantor came to Athy, complete with some useful spares.

It is believed that there are a small number of Trantors in the country, possibly six or eight and all are still in working order. You can still get some parts for the Trantor rear axle by email on aowen123@btinternet.com or by telephone 0044-161-4304225.

David Brown celebration

West Cork Vintage Ploughing Association is holding its annual charity working day on Sunday 14 September at Rocksavage, Clonakilty, Co Cork. The event takes place on the farm of John Sutton, who is himself a keen vintage enthusiast.

The event consists of a ploughing match featuring the evolution of ploughing from horses, to vintage, to classic and modern tractors and ploughs all working side-by-side, complemented by an area of tilling and sowing. West Cork Vintage Ploughing Association was formed four years ago and, since then, they have raised €20,000 for local charities. This year’s chosen charities are West Cork Rapid Response and Clonakilty Community Care.

As this year is the 75th anniversary of the David Brown tractor brand in Ireland they are celebrating this milestone. They are urging farmers to bring their David Brown tractors along for the show so as to join in the celebrations.

You can get more information about the West Cork Vintage Ploughing Association show from Kevin O’Sullivan on 087-6700620 after 7pm or ckos1@eircom.net on email.

Lough Rynn festival

The scenic grounds of Lough Rynn Castle, outside Mohill, Co Leitrim, will be the venue once again this year for the Lough Rynn Harvest Vintage Festival, which takes this weekend on Sunday 7 September.

The event will include threshing and many other vintage exhibits in the beautiful castle grounds, which has recently been restored as a premier hotel venue in the north west. You can get more info from Rose Farrell of the organising committee on 086-3407643.

Date Event Location Contact

6 September Mid-Ulster Vintage Ploughing Match Tyrone 0044-7887-948543

6 September Seaforde Vintage Rally, Seaforde Down 0044-7928-730162

6 September Garvagh Vintage Club rally Tyrone 0044-7791-086221

6 September Derryhennet Vintage Run, Keady Armagh 0044-7860-384544

7 September Lough Rynn Vintage Festival, Rynn Castle, Mohill Leitrim 086-3407643

7 September West Limerick Vintage Show, Askeaton Limerick 087-7608486

13 September Dungiven Parish Vintage Rally Armagh 028/048-77741226

13 September Tullylagen Vintage Run, Cookstown Tyrone 0044-7832-336014

13 September Braid Valley Vintage Run, Ballymena Antrim 0044-7802-537124

13 September Rathfriland Vintage Day, Rathfriland Antrim 0044-7879-417079

13 September Killeagh & St. Johns Vintage Day, Swatragh Derry 028/048-79642791

13 September Peninsula Working Vintage Day Down 0044-7917-620408

14 September West Cork Vintage Ploughing, Clonakilty Cork 087-6700620

14 September Borrisokane Vintage Show & Working Day Tipperary

14 September Spink Threashing Day, Abbeyleix Laois 086-8270189

14 September Mayo North Tractor Club Road Run Mayo 087-0553051

14 September Kilkishen Vintage Rally Clare 061-367419

14 September Camp Vintage Rally & Working Day Kerry 087-9588631

14 September Courtbrack Vintage Threashing & Vintage Cork 087-7838513

14 September Ballincollig Vintage Autumn run Cork 087-9096616

14 September South Kerry Vintage Ploughing, Fossa Kerry 087-2383809

14 September Knockbridge Vintage Club Louth 087-2204261

14 September Camross Vintage Working Day, Camross Laois 087-9793807