where were county tractors produced

County tractors became popular in the 1960s and 1970s due to their unique design and ability to handle heavy loads. Many farmers and contractors around the UK relied on County tractors to get their jobs done effectively and efficiently. However, County tractors are no longer in production today, leaving many wondering where these legendary machines were produced.

The Early Days of County Tractors

County tractors were produced by County Commercial Cars Ltd, which was founded in Fleet, Hampshire in 1929. The company started by producing trucks and commercial vehicles but later diversified into developing tractor conversions in the 1940s. By the 1950s, County was a well-established brand in the UK, known for producing high-quality machines that were built to last.

County Tractors Production Locations

County originally produced their tractors in their main factory located in Fleet, which enabled them to produce top-of-the-line machines that could meet the high standards of their customers. However, as the company grew in popularity and demand increased, there was a need to expand the production capacity to meet these needs.In the 1960s, County set up a second factory in Ferndown, Dorset, which allowed the production of more tractors for the UK and international markets. This factory specialized in the production of County 4WD tractors and became known as County 4WD Ltd.

Production Record

County is renowned for producing reliable and durable machines that could handle heavy loads. In the 1960s, they developed a County Super Six that could produce over 200 horsepower. This model became an instant hit among farmers and contractors because of its unique design and power.Throughout their production history, County produced a wide range of agricultural tractors, which included the Super Six, 1004, and 1184 models. They also developed a range of specialist tractors, like the County Crawler, which was ideal for use in rough terrain.

Closure of the Factory

County Commercial Cars Ltd was acquired by Ford New Holland in 1995, which later became New Holland Agriculture. The Ferndown factory was closed in 1998 after sales of County tractors drastically declined. Today, the County 4WD tractors can only be found in museums, private collections, and vintage tractor shows.

Conclusion

County tractors hold a special place in the history of UK agriculture, having played a significant role in the farming industry in the 20th century. The tractors were produced in Fleet and Ferndown, and their unique features and design made them standout from other tractor brands of the time. Though no longer in production, the County tractors legacy lives on through those who appreciate their power, reliability, and unique design.