Multitalented

Photos: In the 1970s, the Renault 461 formed a nice bridge between the least-powered base models and the somewhat larger mid-size models. This 1977 example is still used with great regularity.

On 1 December 1972, Renault started production of the basic models of the new 1-series. The first was the Renault 651, which rolled off the production line for the first time at Le Mans on 1 November, followed two weeks later by the 551.

While the 551 three-cylinder and 651 four-cylinder were presented as the mid-range models in the new range, the two-cylinder 301 and the three-cylinder 361 and 421 were at the base. They were intended for small farms and light tasks. Their compact construction made them excellent for use in often cramped conditions in old, existing barns and stables.

 This Renault 461 (R7441), whose production also started on 1 December, represented the transition between the compact and mid-range models. This could also be seen from the project number ET33, which also included the 551, 651 and 651-4. The tractor was equipped with the same 2.8-litre three-cylinder diesel as the 421, but derived 46 hp from it in line with its type designation. A step of only 4 hp compared to the 421 seems extremely modest, but the 461 was a bigger tractor in several respects.

 One indication of this is that this type was fitted with power steering as standard. This made for greater ease of use, especially in tough conditions. In addition, the 461 had a 65-litre fuel tank, which is 17 litres more than the 421. Less frequent refuelling means more efficiency when working larger areas of land. In length, the 461 is a whopping 17 centimetres longer than the 421 and in turn remains 7 centimetres below the 551.

 Attached to the engine is a gearbox that is principally the same as that of, say, the 1956 D-Series. The basis is a six-speed gearbox with one reverse gear. From the 361 onwards, a deceleration option was fitted as standard, making the first four gears so-called crawler gears with very low speeds for specific operations. The speeds there vary between 0.9 km/h and less than 3 km/h. In the same gears without deceleration, the Renault 461 travelled between 3.6 and 11.2 km/h. The fifth and sixth gears were road gears that were fully synchronised.

A key difference from the three lighter variants is a different swingarm and different clutch housing, so some modifications were also made to the gearbox crankcase. A special option appeared on the Renault 461 in 1979. Namely, customers could then order a synchronised reversable gears. This allowed the driving direction to be reversed and gave the tractor ten forward and reverse gears. And this also further expanded the capabilities of this type.

 While the three basic models underwent some changes in early 1977 (the 301 became the 351M, the 361 became the 421M and the 421 became the 461M), the 461 remained in production until November 1980. A few changes were made here and there, but by and large the model remained identical. Visible is the modified shape of the front weights. Over the years, Renault also supplied a safety bar with roof as well as a fully enclosed cab. A total of 12,056 units of the 461 type R7441 were built in almost eight years. The 461 seamlessly merged into the 461S in November 1980 and remained in production until February 1987. As a result, another 2,873 units may be added to the R7441's credit. A derivative version was the Renault 462 (R7442), an industrial variant of the 461 with 2,336 units from 1973 to 1986. In addition, Renault also extended the narrow track series with a 466 (R7446) based on the 461, but only 59 left  Le Mans between June 1983 and April 1986.

This example is the proud possession of Adrian Theurez living in the southeast corner of the Haute Marne. He has now built up a nice collection consisting of a 301, 421 and this 461. Only a 361 is still missing.

Adrian: "According to the records, my tractor was built on 31 October 1977. I bought it in December 2018 near Nancy." The sticker from the Renault Motoculture dealership in Dombasle sur Meurthe is still untouched on the bonnet.

Adrian works in the development department of an agricultural equipment manufacturer and is a stickler for precision. After the purchase, he neatly repainted the wheels and roof in the right colour. Naturally, the Renault was treated to new oil for the engine, gearbox and linkages, new tyres were purchased and he renewed the entire electrical system. This also included the starter motor. Likewise, the lifting rods were renewed.

The tractor has a modest 3,828 hours on the clock. And although Adrian maintains and cherishes his Renaults superbly, they have to actually work. In this case, a Rivierre Casalis straw chopper is attached to the linkages. Appropriate because this brand was owned by Renault for some time.

En detail...

Renault 461 (R7441)

Engine:

Type M.W.M. D 327/3, 3 cylinder in line, 4 valves, bore x stroke 100 x 120 mm, displacement 2,827 cc. Power 46 (DIN) hp at 2,150 rpm, torque 172 Nm at 1,500 rpm, air-cooled.

Gearbox:

Type B02-1, ten forward and two reverse gears (5th and 6th synchronised). Maximum speed (with/without reduction) 1st - 0.9/3.60 km/h, 2nd - 1.39/5.58 km/h, 3rd - 2.01/8.04 km/h, 4th - 2.79/11.19 km/h, 5th - 17.48 km/h, 6th - 23.35 km/h, reverse 1.40/5.61 km/h. Tyres front 6.00-16 6, rear 13/6 x 28 6.

Brakes: Discs on half differential axles operated by two pedals.

Dimensions/weights:

Length 3.45 metres, width 1.70 - 2.20 metres, height to roof 2.36 metres, wheelbase 2.10 metres, ground clearance 0.44 metres. Front track width 1.20 - 1.90 metres, rear 1.30 - 1.80 metres. Weight: 2,305 kg, of which 830 on the front axle. Tank capacity 65 litres.