BMC tractors

[gpmini]

Found two BMC tractors recently. One is a runner. Crazy, I know. Please post any info you have on these. Probably one for the proposed new section as the link to Minis is tenuous. Last pic is the non-runner.

[iain1967s]

BMC made a lot of different models of tractor, there is some history HERE

Probably most relevant to us is the ‘mini tractor’ launched in 1965 which used an A-series engine - actually the 948cc block from the A35 but with Diesel injectors instead of spark plugs. It was rated at 15 bhp. More details HERE.

By 1967 they had given up on the diesel, and it was common to retrofit Morris Minor petrol manifolds to convert them back.

[gpmini]

Thanks Iain! Are you able to identify which models these two are from these pics? I can try to get pics of the tags.

[iain1967s]

You could try https://www.thenuffieldandleylandtractorclub.co.uk or https://www.nuffieldtractor.com

[gpmini]

Thanks!

[251 ENG]

The petrol mini tractor engine may be very similar to a Morris minor 948 engine but the diesel is totally differrnt.
Head , block , rods crank and sump are all different .

[Peter Laidler]

I must be the only one in the world who didn't realise that BMC made tractors.......... Amazing...., never heard of such a beast before today!

[goff]

I must be the only one in the world who didn't realise that BMC made tractors.......... Amazing...., never heard of such a beast before today!

Nuffield peter

[gpmini]

More pics of tractor #2

[UHR850]

NOT BMC but it has BMC parts on it

Kees.

I took this picture years ago in France

[hanlminiman]

A very interesting thread. While researching the history of one of my Minis I discovered that the garage to which the car was sent from the factory in 1965 was also an agricultural dealer who specialised in BMC tractors in 1965. Where did I find that information? The Green Keepers gazette (or something like that!)
Cliff
ps I think one of our members on here owns one or did!

[mk1]

I spent ages looking for a good Nuffield Mini-Tractor, but decent ones are few & far between, expensive & underpowered when compared to a Fergie which is what I went for in the end.

Little tractors are great fun if you are lucky enough to have a bit of ground to run them on.

I reckon my Fergie is the 2nd or 3rd most driven classic car I own.

[mike owen]

I also have a BMC tractor that has a 1622 A60 gas engine. It gets used almost every weekend here in Sidney BC Canada.

[gpmini]

I also have a BMC tractor that has a 1622 A60 gas engine. It gets used almost every weekend here in Sidney BC Canada.

Show us some pics Mike

[Exminiman]

Fancy buying one....https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Compact-BMC- ... Sw1fJb2hhF
Free entrance into steam fairs and country fairs included

[bill773mini]

I have a BMC 9/16 Mini Leon. It’s actually Prototype No 9 out of 15 from July 65.

The Prototypes were made by Tractor Research in Coventry and they were designed by Harry Ferguson.

The BMC Factory that made them was Bathgate and to celebrate the opening of the new factory a Special Mini was given away. It was called the Bathgate Mini and at one time was owned by Trevor.

[Exminiman]

So its a “mini tractor” so its ok on here

Have to say would love a tractor if had a bit more space to use it , who wouldn’t want a go atploughing...

Presumably they used BMC derived motors?

[bill773mini]

So its a “mini tractor” so its ok on here

Have to say would love a tractor if had a bit more space to use it , who wouldn’t want a go atploughing...

Presumably they used BMC derived motors?

It is Officially a "BMC 9/16 Mini" (9 speed 16 HP) using a 948cc A series Diesel engine. It's surprisingly brisk and will lift close to a tonne.

[bill773mini]

TRACTOR RESEARCH 1962 to 1965 BUILDS FOUND AS OF JUNE 2013 Group photo.pdf

These are all the Prototypes so far found, mine is the last one with front loader

[mk1]

As I said above, expensive!

The one above is £4500, my Fergie (The original & best Mini Tractor) was £1200.

Another nice one there though Bill!