Genuine Original ROADLESS 65/80 Operators Manual – PLOUGHMASTER 65/80

Genuine Original ROADLESS 65/80 Operators Manual – PLOUGHMASTER 65/80 – In good condition

Roadless tractors were innovative agricultural machines known for their exceptional off-road capabilities. Developed in the mid-20th century, these tractors were originally designed by Roadless Traction Ltd, a British company that specialized in converting standard tractors into four-wheel-drive models, significantly enhancing their traction and versatility on difficult terrain.

The company’s focus on all-terrain performance made Roadless tractors particularly useful in farming and forestry, where rough and uneven ground was common. They became popular for their ability to handle muddy, steep, or soft ground that standard two-wheel-drive tractors struggled with. Roadless Traction initially collaborated with major tractor manufacturers like Ford, converting popular models into more robust, all-terrain versions.

Despite their success, the rise of factory-built four-wheel-drive tractors led to a decline in demand for Roadless conversions, and the company eventually ceased production. However, Roadless tractors remain iconic in the agricultural world for pioneering all-terrain tractor technology.

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John Bownes and Roadless

The development of 4WD systems began in the mid-1950s.  4WD tractors and kits were produced until 1983, when the original company ceased trading. Shortly after, Jewells of Bridgewater took over and built a limited number of tractors based on the Roadless design, rebranding them as Jewelltrac. However, the company faced financial difficulties in the late 1980s. As a result, the parts side of the business was acquired by Roger Haynes. Roger who had previously worked with Roadless on testing their new designs. Roger eventually sold the business to Dave Pantry in the mid-1990s. Dave continued selling parts to tractor collectors across the UK.

In June 2007, John Bownes Ltd took over the business. Having previously bought and sold new and second-hand Roadless tractors during their operational years, we were familiar with the brand. In fact, we were the last dealer appointed by Roadless to sell new tractors in 1982. Although we only sold two new tractors before the company was wound up in 1983. Since then, we have remained committed to preserving and supplying Roadless parts and tractors, continuing the legacy of these iconic machines.