WWII Diamond T 980/981 Ballast Tractor - Original Hercules Engine

WWII Diamond T 980/981 Ballast Tractor - Original Hercules Engine

£19,995.00
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WWII Diamond T 980/981 Ballast Tractor - Original Hercules Engine

 

The Diamond T 980 (later 981) stands as one of the most iconic heavy-duty prime movers of the Second World War. Designed at the request of the British Purchasing Commission to haul the heaviest tanks of the era, this 12-ton 6x4 ballast tractor was the muscle behind Allied armored logistics. This specific unit retains its original Hercules DFXE engine—a massive 14.7-litre straight-six diesel that was legendary for its low-end torque and reliability in the North African and European theatres. Fitted with a heavy steel ballast box over the rear axles to ensure maximum traction, this vehicle is a pure-bred workhorse, engineered to pull gross combined weights of over 50 tonnes.

 

Mechanical & Technical Specifications

  • Original Hercules DFXE Engine: 895 cubic inch (14.7L) naturally aspirated inline-six diesel, producing 201 bhp at 1,600 rpm and a massive 685 ft-lb of torque.

     

  • Complex Driveline: 4-speed Fuller main transmission paired with a 3-speed auxiliary gearbox, providing a total of 12 forward and 3 reverse speeds for precision low-speed hauling.

     

  • Ballast Configuration: Features the original short-style ballast body mounted behind the cab, designed to be loaded with concrete, iron, or stone to weight the drive axles.

     

  • Heavy-Duty Winch: Equipped with a 40,000 lb (18-ton) Gar Wood winch mounted behind the cab, chain-driven from the auxiliary transmission for recovery and trailer loading.

     

  • Braking & Chassis: Bendix-Westinghouse air-operated drum brakes on all axles, built on a massive riveted ladder-frame chassis designed for zero-flex under extreme load.

     

  • Low-Ratio Gearing: Geared specifically for power over speed, with a factory-restricted top speed of approximately 23 mph (37 km/h), ensuring maximum tractive effort on steep inclines.

     

Realistic Use Cases

This Diamond T is an essential acquisition for serious historical vehicle collectors and WWII preservationists. Beyond its value as a museum-grade display piece, these tractors remain highly capable of towing period-correct armor or vintage heavy plant trailers at specialist shows like the War & Peace Revival. It is also an authentic candidate for film and TV productions requiring a "Red Ball Express" or British Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) heavy recovery vehicle.

Condition & Authenticity Note

This is a genuine WWII military surplus heavy vehicle in used condition. Unlike many post-war conversions that were re-powered with Rolls-Royce or Cummins engines, this unit is highly significant for retaining its original Hercules DFXE diesel power plant. As an 80-year-old service-issue vehicle, it is sold with the patina and mechanical character of a wartime veteran. While the chassis and drivetrain are built to an industrial standard, buyers should expect the maintenance requirements of a vintage heavy-hauler. This is an authentic piece of army surplus UK history, representing the absolute peak of 1940s heavy engineering.

Viewings by appointment only

Vehicle Hire Information

We offer a wide range of genuine ex-military vehicles available for hire — ideal for film productions, television, events, and more. Our collection is one of the largest and most diverse in the UK, featuring fully legitimate surplus vehicles with an impressive history on screen.

Our vehicles have appeared in major productions such as War Horse, Batman, BBC Survivors, 1917, and many more. Whether you're looking for period-accurate vehicles for a film set or standout equipment for an event, we have you covered.

Please note:

All vehicles are strictly not available for self-drive hire. For safety and legal reasons, they can only be operated by trained professionals or members of the MilitaryMart team.

How to Hire

For quotes, bookings, or further information, call us today.

Deployed In Film & Television

1917

A selection of genuine military memorabilia supplied by MilitaryMart featured in 1917, contributing to the film's powerful and historically accurate depiction of World War I.

War Horse

MilitaryMart supplied original military memorabilia used throughout War Horse, helping to create the authentic period setting that made this award-winning production so memorable.

The Dark Knight

Authentic military memorabilia and surplus from MilitaryMart were used to help bring the gritty realism of The Dark Knight to life. From props to set dressing, our kit played a part in the making of this iconic film.

Vehicle Hire — Frequently Asked Questions

No — for safety and legal reasons, all vehicles must be operated by qualified professionals or MilitaryMart staff. We do not offer self-drive hire.

Yes — you are welcome to hire multiple vehicles depending on availability and project requirements.

Yes — we regularly work under NDAs for film productions, private events, and confidential projects.

Yes — our vehicles have featured in numerous productions, including 1917, War Horse, The Dark Knight, and many others.

Yes — vehicles can be hired for static displays at events, shows, or exhibitions without the need for them to be driven.

Simply select the vehicles you are interested in and contact us directly to discuss availability, pricing, and logistics. We will handle the rest.

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