JCB Fastrac 2 hits 150mph | Time For Tea?
A 1,000hp, record-breaking tractor wasn't enough for JCB - now it's back, and going even faster...
2019 has clearly been the year that the automotive world felt the need for speed like no other; Bugatti has gone 300mph, Hennessey wants to go quicker still and Bloodhound LSR is getting faster by the day. Clearly not willing to be left out of the action, JCB has further tweaked its record-breaking Fastrac tractor - say hello to the 150mph Fastrac Two.
Based on JCB chairman Lord Bamford's conviction that a tractor could go even faster than 103mph, Fastrac Two is a very thorough evolution of the original record-breaker. While distinctly different again, Fastrac Two still shares more than 50 per cent of its parts with the standard Fastrac JCB sells to its customers.
The most obvious port of call for more speed is the engine; now with an electrically driven supercharger, bigger turbo (with a 230% increase in boost pressure), a 2500 bar(!) fuel pump and even an increased engine speed of 3,300rpm, Fastrac Two's 7.2-litre straight six diesel is even more potent than it was in the 1,016hp, 1,844lb ft original. JCB isn't saying by exactly how much, only that it's "more than" both those figures. Which seems like a pretty good start...
Fastrac was aerodynamically optimised, too, JCB recruiting Rob Smedley of Williams fame to reduce drag by 10 per cent. That was achieved through CFD analysis and then bodywork changes, including splitters, diffusers and deflectors, as well as mounting the cab lower.
Once again Guy Martin and Elvington Airfield were used for the 'World's fastest tractor (modified)' record, with a peak speed of 153.771mph. The two-way average, ratified by Guinness World Records, was for 135.191mph, more than 30mph faster than before. Martin said of its drive: I was a very small cog in the machine. But to be that small cog was a massive honour, so thank you very much to JCB and its engineering team, who got this tractor absolutely spot-on."
It makes for quite the onboard, too, the comedic value from having to use a Focus RS to keep up with a tractor surely not lost on anybody involved. Given the potential displayed in this run, surely a 150mph average must be the aim for next time...
I've always wondered if there was any direct designer input from the earlier MBtrac vehicles or if JCB just nabbed the idea ( and naming style ) for Fastrac:
And it makes no sense for JCB to sponsor it when they already have their own landspeed record with a diesel engine, something infinitely more marketable for them as a company than painting a jet engine yellow.
It built the World Land Speed Record diesel car to showcase it's own JCB diesel engines and built this to showcase it's own high speed tractor (a concept it invented).
JCB invented the Backhoe Loader and the Telescopic Handler (amongst others) and came up with the 'JCB Dancing Diggers' to promote it - they have a rich history of product innovation and marketing.
I think it's great and to be celebrated.
...and it is not made in China , which is a minor miracle these days.
...and it is not made in China , which is a minor miracle these days.
https://www.greenshieldsjcb.com/machines/show/19c-...
And the bigger ones won't be far away.
As an old farm boy, I'd love to turn the tables on the miserable ba****ds who used to give the bird when I pulled the old Massey Ferguson over to let them pass me by on the open road.
This bad boy could probably go over most SUV's monster truck style. Thank you JCB!
...and it is not made in China , which is a minor miracle these days.
Honda made a 100 mph lawn mower IIRC - which is no more practical than a 150 mph tractor.
I'm just glad things like this happen for no sensible reason. And I'm sure JCB don't mind the TV exposure - which may be Bloodhound's downfall. Far more members of the general public have heard of Guy Martin than Andy Green.
I think it's great and to be celebrated.
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