Engineering the world's fastest tractor

JCB worked with design and engineering specialists to build a spectacular speed record-breaker that topped 150 mph.

For farmers in a hurry, JCB's Fastrac series agricultural tractors are capable of speeds up to 43 mph (69 km/h) in stock form. But the British company believes in challenging its engineers to improve the breed, and in doing so they've taken the concept of a high-speed ag tractor to new heights.

In June 2019, a JCB-modified machine, called Fastrac One, set a new world (modified) tractor speed record, averaging more than 100 mph. Then in November, the JCB engineers, working with counterparts at Ricardo, GKN Wheels & Structures, and Williams Advanced Engineering, raised the record by 32 mph to establish another Guinness World Record: 135.19 mph (217.57 km/h), averaged over two runs at Elvington Airfield in Britain. In one of its passes through the speed trap, the Fastrac Two tractor reached 153.77 mph (247.47 km/h).