Friday, 02 August 2024 11:55

New Holland churns out 2 millionth Basildon tractor

Written by  Mark Daniel
The New Holland plant at Basildon, England, celebrates the manufacture of its two millionth tractor, a feat managed by only a handful of such facilities across the world. The New Holland plant at Basildon, England, celebrates the manufacture of its two millionth tractor, a feat managed by only a handful of such facilities across the world.

A T7.225 with candy blue body panels, New Holland silver and black graphics featuring the Union Jack flag, black wheels rims with candy blue rim edges, plus a NH leaf on the bonnet top is obviously something special.

Indeed, a ‘2,000,000 Basildon Tractors’ logo gives the game away, in the same year as it celebrates 60 years of tractor production. The New Holland plant at Basildon, England, is now celebrating the manufacture of its two millionth tractor, a feat managed by only a handful of such facilities across the world.

The Basildon factory, on a nondescript industrial estate in Essex, UK was opened in 1964 to coincide with the introduction of the 37-65hp Ford 6X tractor series, with familiar names such as the 2000 Dexta, 3000 Super Dexta, 4000 Major and 5000 Super Major models. Within two years the plant had produced 100,000 of these tractors, with these models eventually becoming the ‘Pre-Force’ series, following the 1968 launch of the ‘Ford Force’ 2000/3000/4000 and 5000 tractors, with the 250,000th tractor being produced in 1969.

The 500,000th tractor was made in 1984, an example from the Q-cabbed Series 10 range that had launched three years previously, with a range that eventually spanned from the 44hp 2610 to the 116hp 8210 models.

Five years later, coinciding with the launch of the Generation III evolution of the Series 10 range in 1989, Basildon produced its one millionth tractor. The year also marked 25 years of manufacturing at the plant, to be celebrated with the release of a number of now much sought after special edition Silver Jubilee 7810 tractors.

In 1995, the factory produced number 1,500,000 – a Series 40 model – four years after it came under new ownership following the purchase of the Ford New Holland agricultural equipment business by Fiat, creating today’s New Holland brand. Fast forward to July 2024 and the 2 millionth tractor is a milestone for Basildon and the New Holland brand.

Carlo Lambro, New Holland brand president, said “from the tractors of 1964 to those of today, we have come a long way in capability, capacity and technology, allowing our customers to farm more efficiently”.

“The milestone marks the dedication of our skilled employees at the plant and the loyalty of our customers worldwide. What is unchanged, though, is our commitment at Basildon and across the whole of our business to continue developing the technology our customers’ need to sustainably power their farms into the future.”

Scheduled to make special appearances during forthcoming events in the UK, the diamond anniversary tractor will then be displayed in the customer centre at Basildon.

More like this

Featured

Farmstrong marks 10 years of rural support

Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Don't hold back!

OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…

Sorry, not sorry

OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter