The World's Fastest Tractor 2.0

JCB Fastrac Two – a stripped down and performance-enhanced JCB Fastrac tractor – has set a new world record as the world’s fastest tractor by clocking an average speed of 135 mph (217.6 km/h).

Designed and built by a team of JCB engineers in Staffordshire, the tractor secured the title at Elvington Airfield in York with motorbike racer and lorry mechanic, Guy Martin, at the wheel.

The feat was officially ratified by a team from Guinness World Records, who registered a peak speed of 153.771 mph (247 km/h) and an average speed of 135 mph (217.6 km/h) over the two one-kilometre runs. JCB set the previous benchmark in June, when Fastrac One recorded an average speed of 103.6 mph (166 km/h).

Both tractors are based on standard JCB Fastrac tractors, which are sold throughout the world. Powered by JCB’s 7.2 litre, 6-cylinder Dieselmax engine, peak power was measured at 1,016 hp backed up by over 2,500 Nm of torque in combination with high-performance racing diesel.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford praised the team’s amazing achievement. “When we reached 103.6 mph with the Fastrac in the summer, I was convinced we could go even faster and the JCB team has risen to the challenge by setting this new record,” he says. “It’s an amazing achievement delivered by a young and enthusiastic engineering team. “Everyone involved should be very proud of the part they have played in showing off British engineering at its very best.”

JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, Tim Burnhope, says the team developed innovative solutions for improving aerodynamics, reducing weight and improving performance. “Getting a five-tonne tractor to safely reach 150 mph and stop again is not an easy task,” he says. “We’re all so proud to have not only reached these goals but to have exceeded them.

JCB is no stranger to land speed records. In 2006, its Dieselmax streamliner set a new diesel land speed record when it reached 350.092 mph (563 km/hr) on Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA, a record that still stands.

Find out more on the JCB Fastrac 4220 tractors (235hp) and JCB Fastrac 8330 tractors (348hp).