Hi 
The fact that The Guinness Book of Records is one of the best-selling books in the world indicates that a lot of us have an interest in world records.
Most tractor enthusiasts are probably familiar with the largest agricultural tractor in the world, the one-off Big Bud 16V-747, build in 1978 by the Northern Manufacturing Co. in Montana, USA. Even after almost 40 years, it still holds the world record as the most powerful tractor ever made, with an impressive 900 hp 24.1-litre Detroit Diesel engine, and an operating weight of 130,000 lb (59 t) [Henshaw, 2006].
In this forum, we have a soft spot for 2-wheeled tractors, so I was wondering which one might be the largest in the world? I don't know the answer, but it could be interesting to see some candidates, though we probably won't get even close to the Big Bud
When it comes to "conventional" 4-wheeled agricultural tractors, most of us have a pretty clear idea what such a tractor looks like. Perhaps it's a little more tricky when it comes to 2-wheeled tractors, as they come in more shapes than their 4-wheeled cousins. Some larger 2-wheeled tractors have small supporting wheels, but in spite of that, we still call them "2-wheeled". As I was looking for a large model and candidate for this post, I leaned on the German word for a 2-wheeled tractor "Einachsschlepper" which in English could be translated into "1-axled tractor".
The German-made Eicher "Agri-Robot" was presented in 1964, as an automated plowing machine developed in cooperation with a Dutch tractor dealer, who came up with the idea. This video shows the machine at work:
https://youtu.be/-AoGZ87YIW0
The tractor was build using standard Eicher tractor and plow parts, but was converted into hydrostatic transmission to allow it to work automatic, without an operator. The farmer would drive the tractor to the field as normal, and he would also plow the first furrow and the two limiting furrows at the headlands. Guided by the first furrow - and limited by the furrows at the headlands - the Agri-Robot would plow the rest of the field on its own. The balance plow would automatically alter by each pass, and the tractor would stop at the end of the field, or if a malfunction should occur.
After the presentation of the prototype, 5 further tractors were build. They were all powered by an aircooled 40 hp Eicher diesel engine and had specially designed tires, providing equally good traction in either direction [Sack, 2005].
These internet-pages shows pictures of - what is believed to be - the only surviving machine:
Willkommen auf der Homepage der Eicherfreunde - Wassenberg!
Eicher Agri-Robot Technische Daten - Alles rund um die Eicher Agri-Robot
I hope you found this thread interesting, and I look forward to see other large 2-wheeled tractors from some of you.
Best regards
Jens
The fact that The Guinness Book of Records is one of the best-selling books in the world indicates that a lot of us have an interest in world records.
Most tractor enthusiasts are probably familiar with the largest agricultural tractor in the world, the one-off Big Bud 16V-747, build in 1978 by the Northern Manufacturing Co. in Montana, USA. Even after almost 40 years, it still holds the world record as the most powerful tractor ever made, with an impressive 900 hp 24.1-litre Detroit Diesel engine, and an operating weight of 130,000 lb (59 t) [Henshaw, 2006].
In this forum, we have a soft spot for 2-wheeled tractors, so I was wondering which one might be the largest in the world? I don't know the answer, but it could be interesting to see some candidates, though we probably won't get even close to the Big Bud
When it comes to "conventional" 4-wheeled agricultural tractors, most of us have a pretty clear idea what such a tractor looks like. Perhaps it's a little more tricky when it comes to 2-wheeled tractors, as they come in more shapes than their 4-wheeled cousins. Some larger 2-wheeled tractors have small supporting wheels, but in spite of that, we still call them "2-wheeled". As I was looking for a large model and candidate for this post, I leaned on the German word for a 2-wheeled tractor "Einachsschlepper" which in English could be translated into "1-axled tractor".
The German-made Eicher "Agri-Robot" was presented in 1964, as an automated plowing machine developed in cooperation with a Dutch tractor dealer, who came up with the idea. This video shows the machine at work:
https://youtu.be/-AoGZ87YIW0
The tractor was build using standard Eicher tractor and plow parts, but was converted into hydrostatic transmission to allow it to work automatic, without an operator. The farmer would drive the tractor to the field as normal, and he would also plow the first furrow and the two limiting furrows at the headlands. Guided by the first furrow - and limited by the furrows at the headlands - the Agri-Robot would plow the rest of the field on its own. The balance plow would automatically alter by each pass, and the tractor would stop at the end of the field, or if a malfunction should occur.
After the presentation of the prototype, 5 further tractors were build. They were all powered by an aircooled 40 hp Eicher diesel engine and had specially designed tires, providing equally good traction in either direction [Sack, 2005].
These internet-pages shows pictures of - what is believed to be - the only surviving machine:
Willkommen auf der Homepage der Eicherfreunde - Wassenberg!
Eicher Agri-Robot Technische Daten - Alles rund um die Eicher Agri-Robot
I hope you found this thread interesting, and I look forward to see other large 2-wheeled tractors from some of you.
Best regards
Jens
