ROADLESS 98 4WD TRACTOR

  • Dual Power
  • Two Speed PTO
  • Hedge Row Find
  • Project Tractor
  • Just as we found it, haven’t tried to start
  • NO VAT

POA

ROADLESS 98 4WD TRACTOR

This Roadless 98 4WD Tractor, Dual Power, Two Speed PTO, Hedge Row Find, Project Tractor, Just as we found it, haven’t tried to start, NO VAT

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Roadless Tractors were a British innovation in agricultural machinery, particularly known for their four-wheel-drive (4WD) conversions of standard farm tractors. These machines were designed to provide better traction, especially in muddy or challenging conditions where traditional two-wheel-drive tractors struggled.

🛠️ Company Overview: Roadless Traction Ltd

  • Founded: Early 1900s (officially in 1919)

  • Founder: Frank W. F. Goold

  • Based in: Hounslow, Middlesex, UK

  • Primary Focus: 4WD conversions of major tractor brands, notably Ford, and also forestry and crawler tractors.

🚜 Notable Contributions & Models

1. Tracked (Crawler) Tractors

  • In the 1920s–1930s, Roadless produced tracked tractors—very similar to tanks in principle—for use on soft ground, such as peat bogs and forestry sites.

  • These machines used steel tracks for low ground pressure and high traction.

2. Four-Wheel-Drive Conversions

  • Roadless is most famous for 4WD conversions of Ford tractors, particularly during the 1950s to 1980s.

  • Common base models included:

    • Fordson Major

    • Ford 5000 / 7000 / 7610

    • Later Ford TW series

Examples:

  • Roadless 65 – Based on the Fordson Super Major.

  • Roadless 75 – Based on the Ford 5000.

  • Roadless 120 / 130 – Based on the larger Ford models like the TW-25.

  • They often carried names reflecting horsepower or series numbers.

🌲 Forestry Use

Roadless tractors were especially popular in forestry applications due to:

  • High ground clearance

  • Strong traction in soft, uneven terrain

  • Robust build suitable for winching and hauling timber

🏁 Design Characteristics

  • Heavy-duty front axle and drivetrain to power the front wheels

  • Unique bonnet and chassis modifications to accommodate 4WD systems

  • Often painted in blue and white livery

  • Known for their rugged reliability and higher price point compared to standard models

🏚️ Decline and Legacy

  • As main tractor manufacturers began producing their own 4WD models, Roadless’ niche shrank.

  • Ceased operation in the 1980s.

  • Today, Roadless tractors are collector’s items, particularly prized at vintage machinery shows.

🔧 Fun Fact:

Roadless also made a few military and industrial vehicles, including armored tractors and vehicles designed for Arctic and desert conditions.

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