Prototype tractors under test
A David Brown - Case 1390 tractor on test in August 1982. The large circle on the greenway was used for endurance testing of tractors that were connected by a boom to the centre.
Adjustable bumps were arranged around the circle for tractors to run over. Once the test was underway the tractor continued without a driver at speeds of up to 4mph for a duration of about 100 hours. Water spray was introduced to simulate heavy rain and by means of CCTV, technicians could watch the whole of the testing.
The purpose of endurance testing was to check the transmission integrity, to see whether the sheet metal bodywork generated rattles or fatigued, to check for loosening of the main casting joints and to highlight potential oil leaks.
