Introduction
Leyland 285 Row-Crop Tractor
The Leyland 285 is a row-crop tractor belonging to the 2100 series, manufactured in Bathgate, Scotland, between 1972 and 1980. This model was designed for general agricultural operations, offering a balance of mechanical reliability and operational versatility.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine with a displacement of 344.7 cubic inches (5.6 liters). It produces 85 hp (63.4 kW) at a rated speed of 2100 RPM. The engine generates a peak torque of 234 lb-ft (317.3 Nm) at 1400 RPM, providing consistent lugging ability for field work. The fuel system is supported by a dry-type air cleaner and a 12-volt electric starting system.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The Leyland 285 features a two-wheel drive configuration with a mechanical rear differential lock to assist in traction. Operators could choose between two transmission types: a gear-driven unit providing 10 forward and 2 reverse speeds, or a synchromesh transmission offering 9 forward and 3 reverse speeds, which became available in 1979. Both options utilize a dry disc clutch.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is an open-center design operating at a pressure of 2600 psi (179.3 bar) with a pump flow rate of 11 gpm (41.6 lpm). For implement operation, the tractor is equipped with an independent rear PTO capable of 540 or 1000 RPM. The Category II rear hitch includes both position and draft control, supporting a lift capacity of 6000 lbs (2721 kg) at the ends.
Operator Environment and Specifications
The tractor is equipped with power steering and hydraulic wet disc brakes. It features a standard cabin design, with insulated and heated cabs becoming standard after 1976, though an open station configuration remained available. The machine has a base weight of 8000 lbs (3628 kg) and is typically fitted with 7.50x16 front tires and 14.00x34 rear tires.
Conclusion
The Leyland 285 is a robust, conventional utility tractor suited for medium-duty agricultural tasks. Its variety of transmission options and standard hydraulic capabilities make it a versatile machine for row-crop farming and general field maintenance.
Production Information of Leyland, 285
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Bathgate, Scotland
| Manufacturer | Leyland |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Leyland, 285
| Weight | 8000 lbs [3628 kg] |
|---|
| Standard tires (ag) | Front: 7.50x16. Rear: 14.00x34 |
|---|
Engine Specifications of Leyland, 285
- Leyland
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 6-cylinder
| Torque RPM | 1400 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 344.7 ci [5.6 L] |
| Air cleaner | Dry |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.858x4.921 inches [98 x 125 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Starter | Electric |
| Torque | 234 lb-ft [317.3 Nm] |
| Rated RPM | 2100 |
| Power | 85 hp [63.4 kW] |
Transmission Information of Leyland, 285
Transmission variants 1
- Five gears, plus reverse, in two ranges.
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 10 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Transmission variants 2
- Three synchronized gears, plus reverse, in three ranges. The synchro transmission became available in 1979.
| Type | Synchromesh |
|---|---|
| Gears | 9 forward and 3 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
- 10-speed gear
- 9-speed synchromesh
Mechanical Specs of Leyland, 285
- Two-wheel drive
- Hydraulic wet disc brakes
- Power steering
- Cab standard. Insulated cab with heat after 1976. Open station available.
| Final drives | Planetary |
|---|---|
| Differential lock | Mechanical rear |
Power Information of Leyland, 285
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Leyland, 285
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 2600 psi [179.3 bar] |
| Pump flow | 11 gpm [41.6 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of Leyland, 285
| Rear Type | II |
|---|---|
| Control | Position and draft control |
| Rear lift (at ends) | 6000 lbs [2721 kg] |
Electrical System of Leyland, 285
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery AH | 128 |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 34 |
Where it sits
With 85 HP, the Leyland 285 sits just below 2100 (100 HP) in Leyland's range. Its power puts it in the 61th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1259 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Leyland 285 have?
The Leyland 285 delivers 85 HP.
What years was the Leyland 285 produced?
The Leyland 285 was produced in 1972-1980.
What engine does the Leyland 285 have?
The Leyland 285 is powered by a Diesel, 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Leyland 285 use?
The Leyland 285 uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the Leyland 285 weigh?
The Leyland 285 weighs 8000 lbs [3628 kg].
Is the Leyland 285 4WD?
The Leyland 285 is available in 2WD.