Roadless Manuel Major / Ploughmaster 6/4

British Philip Johnson founded Roadless Traction Ltd. in 1919. Johnson, who had previously developed assault vehicles, saw opportunities in tracked vehicles in agriculture as well. The first solutions were based on half tracks. In 1930, full lenght tracks were introduced to Major. Roadless also equipped any other tractor brands. In 1956, Roadless acquired a license for the front axle drive of the Italian Selene, and the Manuel four-wheel drive version of the Major was born.

The Selene's front axle was based on a GMC off-road truck drive front axle obtained from an Allied surplus store, shortened on the left side, placing the differential hump to the right of the centerline. A transfer gearbox was installed between the gearbox and the rear axle, from which the power was transferred to the front by means of an intermediate wheel and cardan. An additional accessory was a more robust 13" clutch. Along with the clutch, the ball joints of the front axle were high loaded in front loader use.

After Major, Power Major and Super Major followed, in line with Fordson's development. A total of 2,947 of these Manuel-Majors were produced, and Finland was one of the most significant exporting countries.

In 1963, the Roadless Ploughmaster 6/4 was introduced. In it, Major's original engine was replaced by a Ford 6-cylinder industrial engine with a power of 76 hp. Enhancements were also made to the rear axle and gearbox bearings. The clutch was 13 inches.

Photos: Kimmo Kotta

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