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A restored Platypus at Llandudno Transport Festival 2008
Platypus Tractor Co was a subsidiary of Howard Rotavator company of Basildon, Essex.
History[]
They started building Crawler tractors in 1950, with PT101 a petrol powered Crawler. This was followed by the diesel powered Platypus 28 in 1952, which was fitted with a Perkins P4 a 30 hp engine. This was followed by the Platypus 30 fitted with a 6 ft or 7 ft Angledozer blade. The tractor featured a Power Take off PTO as standard to drive a Rotavator, which was Howard main product. A special Low Ground Pressure version was built called the Bog master with 32" wide tracks that were extended in length as well, and could be attached to a powered Track frame trailer. The power was from the PTO to drive the carrier and increase traction. A 50 Hp prototype with a Perkins L4 was also built. General teething problems and competition, lead to Howard scrapping production in 1958 to concentrate on it Rotavator business.
Models[]
- Platypus PT101 Prototype.
- Platypus 28 - Crawler tractor
- Platypus 30 - Angledozer crawler,
- Bogmaster
- Bog waggon
- Platypus PD4 - 71 hp Perkins R6 Diesel engine