Enter second generation of versatile unit

30 July 1999

Enter second generation of versatile unit

By Peter Hill

A PACKAGE of specification improvements and the promise of ambitious developments to come. That is the message from Multidrive, new manufacturer of the Clayton tractor, as first examples of the second-generation machine emerge from the companys production workshops in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

"Our first priority is to re-establish the product in the minds of potential buyers and introduce the new models," says tractor sales manager, Geoff Tinkler. "Given the strength of the company making the vehicle, I am very optimistic about its prospects."

Now carrying the Multidrive name, the tractor was conceived as a multi-purpose machine to be used principally as a spraying and spreading vehicle but, thanks to its mechanical transmission, with the capability of going drilling, rolling or operating light cultivations equipment and towing trailers.

"The original concept proved right because the vehicle has earned a loyal following among users operating it in this way," Mr Tinkler maintains. "Contractors mostly use it as a dedicated self-propelled sprayer. But many farm-owners use it for spraying, then fertiliser spreading, light top-work and also as a back-up tractor on grain cart at harvest."

300 examples

Some 300 examples of the tractor were produced by manufacturer Lucassen-Young, Geoff Tinkler estimates. Most as the Clayton Buggi but also as the Knight Crusader. Dutch sprayer firm Douven took some examples in its distinctive orange livery.

Ambitious plans for product improvements, a new transmission and bigger, more powerful models proved the undoing of the Lucassen-Young operation, however, and Multidrive stepped in.

"It looked a good project and I didnt want to see it languishing for lack of investment resources," says Multidrive owner and managing director, David Brown. "Besides, the tractor fits our specialist vehicle activities and plans for a move into the agricultural industry."

Though Multidrives activities have hitherto focussed on construction and road haulage, David Brown is no stranger to agriculture. He comes from a Yorkshire Dales farming family, for one thing. And, as managing director of Muir-Hill in the 1960s, he oversaw the design and development of a series of big four-wheel drive tractors, as well as one of the first all-wheel steer loaders, the powershift Muir-Hill A5000.

"That was a terrific loader – and it is still very capable in comparison with more modern designs," he says. "In fact, youd pay a lot more for a good used model today than the original selling price."

In addition, Mr Browns DJB Engineering business, which Caterpillar bought some three years ago, designed and built Cats first telescopic handler – the RT series – and conceived the current side-engine TH model.

Ingenious product

Today, Multidrives main product is an ingenious traction drive and steering system for articulated lorry trailers.

It creates an outfit with a bigger load capacity but more manoeuvrability and tractive performance than an eight-wheel rigid chassis truck.

Vehicles using the system – including some water company tankers hauling treated sewage to farmland – have mostly been based on converted lorry tractors. But Multidrive will soon launch its own complete vehicle targeted at sugar cane, quarry and military transport operations, with versions up 300hp and 65t capacity.

A very sophisticated four-wheel steer vehicle, with potential for farming and industrial applications, according to Mr Brown, is also under development. It will complement the simpler 4200 and 6200 models now going into production.

These share a new cab giving drivers an improved working environment, re-worked rear suspension (now steel coils and rubber blocks instead of oil/gas and with an improved anti-roll system), and choice of 3.4m and 3.7m (11ft 2in and 12ft 2in) wheelbase dimensions.

Engines are both Deere PowerTech – either four-cylinder 115hp or six-cylinder 155hp – with manual gearboxes. A hydro-mechanical transmission is a product development priority.

A full parts stock has been established at Multidrives Thirsk base and the vehicles continue to be sold through a number of John Deere dealers.

Multidrive 6200 has a heavier duty chassis and more powerful engine than its 4200 sibling. Hydraulic drive to the pto uses a variable output pump for more versatile power delivery.

Multidrive tractor sales manager, Geoff Tinkler: "Given the strength and resources of the company making the vehicle, I am very optimistic about its prospects."

Engine Deere 4cyl 115hp Deere 6cyl 155hp

Drive Manual 12f 2r; 2/4wd; Manual 10f 2r with air

rear diff lock range shift; 2/4wd; rear

diff lock

Wheelbase 3.4m and 3.7m 3.4m and 3.7m

Steering 2ws; 4ws; delay 4ws; 2ws; 4ws; delay 4ws;

crab steer crab steer

Suspension Coil spring + rubber block Coil spring + rubber block

with rear anti-sway linkage with rear anti-sway linkage

Hydraulics Crankshaft driven fixed Crankshaft driven tandem

output twin gear pumps; or triple pumps – fixed

six-spool valve block; output service, variable

14hp or 23hp pto motor output for pto; six-spool

valve block; 14hp or 23hp

pto motor.

Rear lift optional 3.8t at link ends n/a

Weight 3.95t 5.1t

Basic price £41,510 £50,640