Classifieds spotlight: 1985 Mercedes-Benz MB Trac 1300 tractor
Unimog-based agricultural tractor was ahead of its time way back whenTractor type: 4WD
Make and model: 1985 Mercedes-Benz 1300
Hours: 10,000
Engine: 125hp
Location: Vic
Price: $19,999 excluding government charges
That’s right, there was a time when famed German automobile brand, Mercedes-Benz, made agricultural tractors. And it wasn’t that long ago that it happened.
Between 1973 and 1991, Mercedes Benz dipped its toes into the ag market by producing a tractor based on its popular Unimog all-wheel drive multi purpose truck.
In designing its MB Trac range of workhorses, Mercedes-Benz carried across as many parts as possible from the Unimog for the sake of efficiency. It had diff lock capabilities for working in tricky terrain, a powerful hydraulic system for front and rear power lifts and two PTOs.
The first MB Trac 65/70 made its debut at the DLG agricultural trade fair (now known as Agritechnica) in Hannover in 1972. It featured a grey paint job, red wheel rims and fenders and has been designed to stand out from other conventional tractors during that time.
A flexible, lightweight channel-section frame with welded tubular cross members to which a variety of implements could be mounted replaced the block construction customary since the 1920s, in which the engine block and transmission housing were components of the load-bearing structure.
There were mounting areas at the front, at the rear, and behind the cab. The cab itself was placed in the middle of the vehicle for minimum vibration and afforded far better working conditions than were the standard back in the days, Mercedes-Benz stated.
The MB 1300 was launched in 1976 as one of Mercedes Benz’s heavier duty tractor variants. A six-cylinder 5.7-litre turbocharged OM 352 diesel engine powered the MB 1300, offering an output of 125hp and torque of 393Nm.
It also featured a new light green paintwork as featured on this model available for sale. Since there was no room in the bay for a muffler, Mercedez Benz installed a thick, black, sheathed exhaust unit at the front of the vehicle which resembles the funnel of a locomotive.
Thanks to its diff-lock capabilities, all-wheel drive and heavy duty wheels that provide maximum traction in wet soil, the MB 1300 was very well-received by farmers around the world.
This MB 1300 for sale, produced in 1985, is listed by a private seller based in Victoria. It had been given a makeover and features a new engine, tyres, splitter valve and front shocks. It was serviced regularly and is still in great working condition. While the tractor seems to be missing its engine side panels, the owner said they have the panels with them ready to be fitted.
While Mercedes-Benz no longer makes these fantastic tractors, the legacy lives on in the WF Trac machinery range, manufactured by forestry and industrial equipment specialist, Werner. The current WF Trac tractors still feature the same light green paint job but have been remodelled to work specifically in the forestry sector.
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