Bristol 20 crawler tractor cutaway drawing and technical specification
This is a cutaway drawing of a Bristol 20 tractor; these tracked tractors were used by the Forestry Commission in nursery operations during the 1950’s and early 1960’s.
The images of a red Bristol 22 crawler tractor, a Bristol 20 upgrade, drawing the Ledmore lining out plough and weeding bar, elsewhere in this archive (Images: 5310, 5311, 5312, 5313, 5318 and 5324) are examples of this tractor at work. Its comparatively light weight, narrow tracks, short turning circle and hydraulic lift capability made it a good choice of machine for extensive nursery work.
I have also made available a pdf document of the tractor cutaway drawing, along with a list of the mechanical specifications and service tolerances for the tractor.
The drawing and specifications were taken from my late Dad’s book ‘Farm Mechanisation Handbook’, Tractor and Implement Operation and Repair, by T. Hammond Craddock, Temple Press Ltd, 2nd Edition, completely re-written and published in 1952.
There was also a Bristol 10 crawler tractor that was smaller than the 20 series, but I do not have any specific information on it or its use in forest nurseries.
Any further information or comments upon this or subsequent models of Bristol crawler tractors used in Forestry Commission operations would be welcome.
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Groups: Forest Nurseries, Tractors Ploughs and Drainage Machines
Group: Forestry in Action - 1908 pictures
2 Comments
Thank you for your enquiry re. Bristol 22 tractor. I do not have any information about the Bristol 22, but I believe that International Harvester were involved, with Bristol, between 1953 and 1956 in its production. From cursory research, I believe this co-operation continued, with the production of the Bristol 25/ International Harvester TD3A between 1956 and 1966. I also note that the engine is the ubiquitous Perkins 3 cylinder diesel engine.
I am sorry not to be able to help further, but if I come across any detailed information I shall forward it to you.
Good health, BillR Comment left on 29 May 2026 at 23:52 by Bill Rayner
We own a bristol 22 and would much appreciate any information you have about it as all I can find is concentrated around the 10 and 20.
We use it with original 3 furrow plough and have pictures and videos if your interested.
Thanks jo Comment left on 28 May 2026 at 20:12 by Joanne morley