Long Tractors Part IV
The Long 2260
Beginning with the 2260, Long 'reskinned' it's tractors for an updated styling. The 2260 was the updated version of the 260, but differed radically in appearance. About the only thing that remained from the former 260 was the plastic cowl around the instrument panel. While the 2260 retained a 'boxy' look, the entire sheet metal cladding was changed. Gone were the clamshell fenders, and in their place were sturdy little flat top units that mimicked the larger tractors, both older and newer. These allowed mounting of a ROP structure, adhering to more strict tractor safety laws in certain states. A nice example of a 2260 (with a Long quick attach loader) is shown above. Most specifications remained the same, but a new manifold allowed the exhaust to come through the hood.
Sheathed in attractive new sheet metal was the Long 2360. A new sloping hood gave an appearance of a longer, leaner, more streamlined tractor. The sheet metal was also wider, and now the muffler exited up through the hood, instead of alongside it as in the discontinued 360. Even though now there was an air precleaner protruded through the front left of the hood (inline with the muffler), this new arrangement resulted in a much neater appearance. The new grille of the 2360 wrapped around the radiator, providing three screened surfaces to allow longer running in dusty conditions before having to stop to wipe chaff off of the grille for air flow to the radiator. The two side panels lifted off from the front of the dash cowling right to the radiator grille to allow complete access to the engine and it's accessories on either side. To compliment this new, more functional sheet metal, a pair of rectangular headlight units neatly finished out the entire package.
Underneath the new hood lurked the same 3 cylinder, 143 cubic inch, direct injection, liquid cooled, 4 main bearing, Uzina engine of the 360. At 2400 RPM rated speed, the 2360 reliably cranked out the same 35.0 PTO horsepower as the earlier 360.
Behind the grille was still mounted the battery and the oil bath air cleaner, mounted between the headlights, and slung below. A cyclonic precleaner still snatched the really dirty stuff out of the air before it hit the air cleaner itself.
2360 tractors were equipped with the same fenders as the late production 460 tractors, which was an update for this size of tractor in "The Long Blue Line". So updated with these much stronger and heavier, squared-off, flat top fenders that tapered off at the front and back on 45 degree angles, the 2360 afforded the operator complete isolation from the tires when sitting in the seat, and were ideal for mounting ROP structures and canopies.
to be continued...
