Big Bud 500
Power
500 hp
Production
1986-1990
Engine
Turbocharged intercooled diesel, 12-cylinder
Transmission
Full power shift
Drive
4WD
Introduction
Big Bud 500: High-Capacity Four-Wheel Drive Tractor
The Big Bud 500 is a heavy-duty four-wheel drive tractor manufactured in Havre, Montana, USA, between 1986 and 1990. Designed for large-scale agricultural operations, this machine is noted for its limited production run, with only three units ever built.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Deutz BF12L513C engine, a 12-cylinder diesel unit featuring turbocharging and an intercooler. This air-cooled engine provides 500 horsepower (372.9 kW) and has a displacement of 19.1 liters (1168 cubic inches), providing the necessary torque for heavy draft work.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Power is delivered to the ground via a full power shift transmission, which allows for on-the-fly gear changes without interrupting torque flow. The system features 12 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. The tractor utilizes a 4x4 four-wheel drive configuration to maximize traction in field conditions.
Control and Operator Environment
Steering is managed through a hydrostatic power steering system, which reduces operator effort during operation. The tractor comes equipped with a standard cabin designed to house the operator, providing a controlled environment for intensive field tasks.
Conclusion
The Big Bud 500 remains a significant example of specialized, high-horsepower agricultural engineering. Its combination of a large-displacement air-cooled engine and a full power shift transmission makes it a machine suited for heavy-duty traction applications, though its extreme rarity limits its current usage to specialized agricultural roles or collector preservation.
Production Information of Big Bud, 500
- Four-wheel Drive (4WD) tractor
- Built in Havre, Montana, USA
| Manufacturer | Big Bud |
|---|---|
| Total built | 3 |
Engine Specifications of Big Bud, 500
- Deutz BF12L513C
- Air-cooled
- Turbocharged intercooled diesel
- 12-cylinder
| Displacement | 1168 ci [19.1 L] |
|---|---|
| Power | 500 hp [372.9 kW] |
Transmission Information of Big Bud, 500
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Full power shift |
|---|---|
| Gears | 12 forward and 2 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Big Bud, 500
- Cab standard.
| Drive | 4x4 4WD |
|---|---|
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
Power Information of Big Bud, 500
| Engine | 500 hp [372.9 kW] |
|---|
Electrical System of Big Bud, 500
| Ground | Negative |
|---|
Where it sits
With 500 HP, the Big Bud 500 sits between KT450 (450 HP) and 525/20 (525 HP) in Big Bud's range. Its power puts it in the 99th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Big Bud 500 have?
The Big Bud 500 delivers 500 HP.
What years was the Big Bud 500 produced?
The Big Bud 500 was produced in 1986-1990.
What engine does the Big Bud 500 have?
The Big Bud 500 is powered by a Turbocharged intercooled diesel, 12-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Big Bud 500 use?
The Big Bud 500 uses a Full power shift transmission.
Is the Big Bud 500 4WD?
The Big Bud 500 is available in 4WD.