Horsepower

The development of the agricultural tractor was almost always dominated by higher power output, while the basic technology hardly changed for a long time. This was also true when Renault started a completely new line of tractors in 1967. The Renault 88 appeared first in October 1967, but was followed within a few months by several other types, including this Renault 56. With 17,458 produced units between December 1967 and July 1973 this type was the best sold of this series. The second in terms of production number, the Renault 86, followed with 8,648 units.

In terms of engine power the 50 and 80 series not only succeeded the Super D, but at the same time also the Master. Renault supplied air-cooled M.W.M. diesels in the 51, 53, 56, 86 and 89, as well as liquid-cooled Alfa diesels in the 55, 57 and 88. Most customers opted for the M.W.M. engines known for their high quality.

The Renault 56 stood nicely in the middle of the program with a power of 46 hp. This was obtained from a three-cylinder with a capacity of 2.5 litres. As usual M.W.M. delivered modular engines to Renault. That meant that both the 2-cylinder in the smaller Renault 53 and the 3-cylinder in the 56 had the same bore x stroke of 95 x 120.

From the D-series, which saw the light of day in 1956, all following series (N, Super and Super-D) had the same basis and corresponding R-numbers. With the 50/80 series Renault made a completely new start. Again, this did not mean that the phenomenon tractor was reinvented. The construction remained familiar. Engine, gearbox and rear axle formed a supporting structure. In many details the family connection with the earlier types remained visible. Just look at the way the mudguards were built up and mounted on the drive shafts. The fuel tank was again behind/above the engine. The dashboard was placed on top of it while the steering column was running through it. The bonnet hinged forward and had the locking system known from the earlier models.

Yet there were enough elements completely new. This was the case for the engines anyway. The gearbox had the familiar configuration with six forward gears of which the fifth and sixth were synchronized for use on the road. Optionally, a doubler was supplied on the first four, unsynchronized gears. With these crawler gears the number increased to ten forward and two reverse gears. By the way, this option already existed with the previous series.

After launch on the Super D-series the Tracto-control hydraulic lift found its way to all models in the range. On the 56 it was operated with two levers on the right side of the seat. Tracto-control had an automatic depth control which was maintained during an operation. This depth was set with one lever, while for example a plough or mower suspended in the lift could be raised with the second lever. After turning the tractor, it was a matter of lowering the machine with the same lever, after which it continued its work at the same depth. Renault spoke of position control for semi-mounted machines with wheels, such as a seeding machine. The adjustment knob was also used once to select the working position, which was automatically taken up again with each new row when the machine was lowered. Of course, it was also possible to operate an external lifting cylinder of a tipper wagon or front loader, for example, with the hydraulics of Tracto-control.

Several times the design was an area in which Renault and its tractors came as a surprise. The sleek bonnet with shiny metal frames and integrated round headlights gave the Renault 56, among others, a totally different and very modern look. The round headlights were mounted in a light grey grille which was replaced by a black grille in the course of 1970. At that time the stickers on the sides also changed. In that respect this model deviates from the standard. The first 56's wore white stickers with Renault 56 in silver lettering. The presence of the Tracto-control linkage was mentioned on the upper part of the bonnet at the height of the exhaust. With the black stickers the name of the tractor and Tracto-control were in the same ribbon.

Driving a Renault 56 does not immediately give a different feeling than driving a D-series or Super-Series model. Of course the tractor is more spacious and the dashboard shows a lot more modern and complete. The view on the bonnet and mudguards also gives a significantly newer look. But because almost all controls are in the same place and there is an air cooled M.W.M. diesel, this step doesn't feel that big.

The Renault 56 didn't undergo many changes in the almost six years of production. Only in July 1970 the power of the engine increased to 48 hp at a higher engine speed of 2,150.

En detail...

Renault 56 R7251

Specifications

Engine:

M.W.M. type D 325-3, diesel, 3 cylinder, bore x stroke 95 x 120 mm, displacement 2,552 cc, power 46 hp, at 2,000 rpm, air-cooled, compression ratio 18:1.

Gearbox:

Six forward speeds (5 and 6 synchronized), one reverse, maximum speed 1st - 3.6, 2nd - 5.6, 3rd - 8.1, 4th - 11.3, 5th - 17.6, 6th - 23.6 km/h. PTO power 39.6 hp at 540 r/min.

Brakes:

Drum brakes on the output shafts of the differential controlled with separate pedals. Parking brake by hand.

Dimensions:

Length 3.25 m, wheelbase 1.93 m, width 1.50 – 2.10 m, ground clearance 0.39/0.49 m, height to the steering-wheel 1.55 m. Turning radius 3.60 meters without and 3.00 meters with brakes. Weight without ballast 1,830 kg, with maximum ballast 2,690 kg. Tank capacity 55 litres. Tires front 6.00 - 16 or 6.50 x 16 rear 11/12/13 - 28, 9/10/11 - 36 or 11 - 32.