Super Synchro

Leyland tractors may have been simple in terms of their specification and design, but this reflected in their reliability and, in turn, helped them to enjoy a loyal following. The 1970s, however, saw tractor manufacturers up their game and with increasing competition from cheaper, imported models, Leyland knew it had to pull something out of the bag to stay in contention.

Its designs were dated, but the introduction of the 98 Series engine early in the decade had a positive effect on Leyland’s reputation and if it could update the transmission that was a hangover from the Nuffield days then it would have a range that could take the fight to the opposition.

International Harvester had introduced a synchromesh gearbox at the beginning of the 1970s, to great acclaim, and Leyland realised that it would need to follow suit in order to make its tractor range fit for the market. The major problem was an obvious lack of investment and the company’s engineers had to work