Initially introduced in 1979, the original TW series consisted of three models – the TW-10 (125hp), the TW-20 (145hp) and the TW-30 (184hp). These were the precursor to the TW-15, 25 and 35 tractors.

The 30 series tractors that followed these were similar in overall design but without the crash gearbox of the TW series. Instead they were modernised with a user-friendly 18x9 Funk power-shift gearbox in 1989.

For the TW series, four forward gears and one reverse in both high and low range was complemented with dual power, giving 16x4 gears in total. This was changed by pressing a floor-mounted two-way mechanical pedal linked directly to the dual-power pack between the clutch and brake pedals.

In 1983, Ford introduced TW-15, TW-25 and TW-35. The gearbox in this tractor could be best described as crude. The “crash-box” description was very apt as changing up through the gears on these tractors was tough but changing down was twice as rough. In field work, it was often easier to just pick your gear and stay in it than listening to the grinding of the gearbox or waiting on a gear to select.

Aside from this, the tractors gained the Super-Q cab in 1985 along with a number of other improvements. The dual power was updated to an electric switch in the same place on the floor which a lot of owners re-routed to the main gear lever for convenience.

Under the “Force II” badge, four roof-mounted halogen work-lamps were fitted in the roof line at the front. The cab was considered by many at the time to be one of the best on the market for comfort in a tractor of this size. A respectable 80 dBA was quiet compared to the competition at the time in this category.

Updates to the TW-15, 25 and 35 included a digital dash and elecrtic switch activation for 4WD.

Other improvements included a digital dashboard instead of the previous five round dials for fuel level, engine temperature, battery voltage and numerous warning lights. Drivers were also given the choice of displaying engine RPM, PTO speed or forward speed in the middle LCD display.

Aside from this, the previously mechanical “umbrella” lever for 4WD engagement changed to a switch on the dash for easier engagement. The seat was also upgraded to the Comfort Master. All-in-all, more refinement than redesign. Lift controls were still made using the stiff vertical linkage control lever and external lever-operated spool valves meant hydraulic hoses could be disconnected under pressure.

Despite the TW-25 and TW-35’s long nose, it had a good turning radius for its size. The TW-15 was far shorter in comparison. Part of the reason for this was power to the ZF front axle came directly from the rear axle pinion shaft via a well-protected prop-shaft. The other was there was no obstruction on either side of the engine to limit the wheel turning angle, which measured 50°.

Power for both models came from a 6.6l Ford block that had inherited some of the porosity problems of the previous TW series, but in the main had been cured. Fuel for this was stored in the nose-mounted 379l tank which also added great ballast to the tractor in field work.

Engine access was well ahead of its time. Two large long panels easily unclipped, giving access to all components like the oil cooler, air conditioning units and air filter, which slid out for easy cleaning. These tractors were designed for long days pulling large cultivators or ploughs, so air-conditioning was a must such was the heat rising underneath and in front of the cab. Battery access was also good under the right-hand side of the cab, which swung out once the top step was unclipped.

Linkage and hydraulics

On this tractor, lift capacity was 4,287kg with twin assister rams. Hydraulic flow to power this was 90.1l/min which also fed the remote valves.

A 32l/min auxiliary pump provided high flow capacity for remote hydraulic functions.

This tractor was considered no lightweight, weighing in at 5,568kg before any ballast was added. Solid rear wheel centres coupled with internal and external wheel weights meant this tractor had no problem getting the power to the ground through its rear wheels.

Thirteen 40kg weights discretely tucked under the nose along with whatever number on the front only added to this tractor's “heavy-weight” reputation.

Pristine TW-25 in Waterford

John Cashman has a thing for these north American tractors, with a particularly clean TW-25 among his fleet of TWs. When John saw this tractor online, he couldn’t resist the temptation and bought it. Once it landed in his yard, he put it straight to work on his mixed farm.

Today, it is kept busy pulling a 2,050-gallon Redrock slurry tank, a set of mounted Lemken discs and other cultivation machinery throughout the spring and autumn.

It has and continues to be used for a number of events such as the Lismore Silage event and local tractor runs, garnering a lot of interest from enthusiasts such is its size and pristine condition.

The almost new 650/65 R38 rear and 540/65R28 front BKT tyres only add to this tractor along with the solid front wheel centres and discreet aftermarket mudguards.

Driving this tractor was a real treat and an acquired skill. The gearbox lived up to its “crash” name but apart from that it was a pleasant place to sit looking over the long blue bonnet. All I was short was that prairie.