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BMC tractors

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2018 10:47 am
by 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.

Re: BMC tractor

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2018 11:12 am
by 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.

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2018 11:22 am
by 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.

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2018 11:25 am
by iain1967s

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2018 11:53 am
by gpmini
Thanks!

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2018 3:31 pm
by 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 .

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2018 6:21 pm
by 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!

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2018 9:35 pm
by goff
Peter Laidler wrote: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 :lol: :roll: :lol:

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2018 2:13 pm
by gpmini
More pics of tractor #2

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2018 1:50 pm
by UHR850
:lol: NOT BMC but it has BMC parts on it :lol: :lol: :lol:

Kees.

I took this picture years ago in France ;)

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2018 5:50 pm
by 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!) :o
Cliff
ps I think one of our members on here owns one or did!

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 8:30 am
by 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.

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 3:27 pm
by 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.

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2018 7:09 pm
by gpmini
mike owen wrote: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 :P

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2018 7:43 pm
by Exminiman
Fancy buying one....https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Compact-BMC- ... Sw1fJb2hhF
Free entrance into steam fairs and country fairs included :mrgreen:

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2018 10:41 pm
by 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.

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 7:09 am
by Exminiman
So its a “mini tractor” so its ok on here :D

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

Presumably they used BMC derived motors?

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 8:45 am
by bill773mini
Exminiman wrote:So its a “mini tractor” so its ok on here :D

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

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.

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 8:50 am
by 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

Re: BMC tractors

Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 4:43 pm
by 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!