Batteries Supplied by DBS Leoch Help to Power World's Fastest Tractor

JCB’s Fastrac tractor reaches world record speed of over 153mph.

DBS Leoch, part of Leoch, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of leisure and lifestyle batteries, has supplied batteries to help power the world’s fastest tractor. The two RELiON RB100 batteries were installed in the electrical circuit of the JCB Fastrac tractor, driven by TV personality Guy Martin, as it hit a speed of over 153mph to smash the world record.

JCB The JCB Fastrac tractor was designed and built by a team of young engineers in Staffordshire and secured the title at Elvington Airfield in York, where the feat was officially ratified by Guinness World Records. The story of the tractor's development and assault on the record was told in TV documentary: ‘Guy Martin: The World's Fastest Tractor’, broadcast on Channel 4 on 17 November 2019.

The RELiON RB100 is a 12V 100Ah deep cycle lithium battery is lightweight (saving approximately 30kg), compact and more powerful than its lead-acid counterparts, ideal for applications including, motorhomes, marine, solar energy systems and more.

JCB chief innovation and growth officer Tim Burnhope said: "Fastrac One really proved to us that there are no limits to what a young and dynamic engineering team can achieve. So we pushed boundaries and ideas, and looked at all aspects of the project to find solutions and make improvements.

"The biggest challenges have included aerodynamics, reducing weight and improving performance – getting a five-tonne tractor to safely reach 150mph, and stop again, is not an easy task, but we're all so proud to have not only reached these goals, but to have exceeded them."

Henry James, Managing Director of DBS Leoch added: “This is a remarkable success for JCB and its engineering team so we’re delighted to have helped in a small way by supplying the latest batteries for the innovative technology in this amazing machine.”