The Foster-Daimler tractor weighed almost 14 long tons (14 t), it was powered by a Daimler 6-cylinder double-sleeve valve petrol engine that developed 105 brake horsepower (78 kW) with a two-speed gearbox.

[2][page needed] The Foster-Daimler tractor was first built in 1912 as a joint venture between Lincoln based agricultural machinery manufacturers William Foster & Co. and Daimler Company Limited.

It was produced as a petrol-engined heavy tractor for export to countries with limited coal reserves, principally in South America.

[2][page needed] After this accident Bacon remarked to Tritton that an armed and armoured vehicle that could lay its own bridge would be of great value.

[2][page needed] Bacon continued to press Tritton about the idea and designs were drawn up for a modified Foster-Daimler tractor capable crossing a gap.

[2][4][3] Bacon proposed fitting every trencher with a pair of headlights and another light on each side of the vehicles, each with glass 2 feet (0.61 m) in diameter and painted with the head of a ferocious Chinese warrior to unnerve the enemy during night attacks.