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Two wheels on my tractor - Graham Godward looks at sophisticated alternatives to four-wheeled vehicles
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| A two-wheeled tractor is surprisingly versatile |
EVER since man first attempted to introduce the internal combustion engine to operations that must have seemed at that time clearly the domain of the horse, the two-wheeled version of a mechanical animal was a serious contender.
Indeed, a large number of mechanical contraptions were produced, some with one, two and three wheels for both cultivation and haulage. The custom had been for man to walk behind the plough and ahead of the cart, any deviation from this tried and tested method was seen by some as unnecessary and possibly even dangerous.
Wonderful machines, with wonderful names such as the Iron Horse, a mighty two-wheeled walking tractor and the Operman Motor Cart, a three-wheeled mechanical cart, that could be led or driven, both of these became very popular. Unfortunately, often the operator of such devices would need to be so strong to handle the machines that he would end up working as hard as the horses that he was trying to replace.
At one time Britain was a leader in the development of two-wheeled tractors and cultivators. With major producers such as Rotary Hoes, from West Horndon in Essex, later to be called Howard Rotovators, the industry flourished, but as with many smaller agricultural machines production declined. Progress was then largely been made on the continent, possibly because of the greater numbers of small producers and the climate and conditions that sustain them.
Needless to say, the two-wheel tractor has come a long way since those early days. What we have now are very sophisticated machines bristling with safety features. In fact, apart from the size and speed of operation there is virtually nothing done by the four-wheeled tractor that cannot be achieved by its smaller two-wheeled relation, this includes many operations from ploughing and all types of cultivations to cutting and baling hay and even irrigation and the chipping and sawing of wood.
When choosing a two-wheeled tractor, think of the things that you want to do and then the things that you may want to do in the future. The best machine will always be the most versatile machine. This will give the best value for money in the long term and the highest residual value when it's time to change.
Goldoni and BCS are probably the two largest European producers of this type of machine and there are many other less well known makes on the market. More than ten years ago we at BSG chose the Goldoni Company, which was established in Italy in 1927. As an old family company, we found them very helpful and together, we have become one of the major suppliers in the UK with a range of around a dozen, two-wheeled tractor models and more than fifty different implements available.
Choosing your two-wheel tractor.
Normally, the tractor price should include some form of quick-release system for the attachment of the implements.This is important if you want flexibility to perform different operations. In choosing a two-wheel tractor, first consider the tasks and then the size and lastly the type of fuel. Too small and light a machine could well be a force economy for some work, quite often weight is more important than power, look at it as a complete package and ask about the cost of an upgrade if you should need it. The extra cost of a diesel machine will always be justified if you do sufficient work and in some cases the fuel used may be the same as in your oil fired heating system. The electric start diesel machines are the most popular choice of the models that we supply. Often the weight and balance of the machine needs to vary with different operations, just as front weights are added to a four wheeled tractor. All major suppliers will offer a range of ballast and balance weights, this which will ensure that your tractor is effective and easy to operate.
The one overriding point when buying a two-wheel tractor and equipment is to see it, try it and that includes every implement that you wish to consider. Remember the two-wheel tractor is easier to buy, easier to maintain, easier to store and the implements cost less.
Graham Godward is a director of BSG Tractors and Machinery and a tractor enthusiast with more than forty years of experience. www.bsgsupplies.co.uk
9:36am Tuesday 12th February 2008
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