Vickers VR180 Vigor

The tractor's most distinctive feature was its running gear: four full height roadwheels also acting as rear drive sprocket, front idler and track return rollers.

In common with tanks of this period, but in contrast to crawler tractors, the suspension had considerable articulation and permitted high speeds.

This suspension required a flexible track, developed by Vickers, with rubber sealing washers between the moving parts.

Together with the sophisticated suspension articulation, if not well-maintained, the Vigor was prone to throwing tracks when run at speed.

[4] The transmission was initially a three-speed manual and high-low-reverse splitter gearbox[i] with a relatively small Borg & Beck 18 inch single plate dry clutch.

Many Vigors went to Australia, where rough ground capability was appreciated, even though the purchase cost was considerably more than the popular option of war-surplus tanks with turret and roof armour cut away.

A major UK seller was Jack Olding of Hatfield, who relinquished their pre-war Caterpillar dealership in favour of Vickers.