A new dimension

Ford’s Series 10 was, as we have learned in the past few issues, instrumental in cementing the company’s status as one of the best tractor manufacturers in the world. It took an already successful range, with well-liked features, and introduced improvements that would take it to new levels and see it enjoy critical acclaim.

In many ways, International Harvester’s 85 Series was just the same. Cementing on the success of the World Wide Series, the 84 Series ‘Hi-Performers’ had big boots to fill when it was launched in 1977 – but it proved that a decent design could be improved upon and set a standard that others would try to emulate. Taking this improved range of tractors and making it better still would be an even harder task, but one that had to be undertaken if the new 85 Series was to make a significant impact.

IH knew that there was longevity in the underpinnings of the World Wide Series design, but there were elements that needed serious input to ensure that the new series of tractors, which would be part of the wider ‘Fieldforce’ range, would make a splash in the 1980s.

Fieldforce would link the European-built 55 Series with the new, Doncaster-built models – having a new cab as the common thread. This cab was the product of a $50 million investment by International Harvester.

As was the case with most new product launches, the introduction of the 85 Series was a big occasion – but in this instance it wasn’t particularly memorable. Philip Ponton, Area Service Manager for the north of England (1981-86) at the International Harvester Company of Great Britain Ltd., told : “One of the things I was initially not sure of is if,