Tier E — Heritage / discontinued Two-wheel tractor
Rapid Spezial
A Swiss Einachser icon. Rapid's single-axle Type "S" Spezial (1950-78) was one of the first truly multi-functional walking tractors — mowing, tillage and, with a PTO-driven trailer, transport — and it mechanised a great deal of Alpine agriculture. Most ran a MAG four-stroke (around 9-14 PS depending on variant), with later Briggs & Stratton Vanguard options. It's a mower/carrier rather than a fixed-width rotavator (tineType is nominal). Rapid Technic still builds modern two-wheel tractors. Engine and years from Rapid's history and listings; power varies by variant and weight is class-typical, so specs are flagged.
Indicative price
£400–£2,000
Specifications pending verification.We publish estimates openly rather than hiding them. Figures here are a used-market range and should be confirmed against a live dealer quote or listing before you buy.
Who it's for
Best for: Collectors and Alpine smallholders restoring a classic Swiss Einachser.
Strengths
- Legendary Swiss build quality
- Hugely versatile attachment system
- Strong Alpine collector following
- PTO transporter capability
Trade-offs
- Discontinued - used only
- A mower/carrier, not a rotavator
- Power varies by variant; weight approximate
Specifications
| Category | Two-wheel tractor |
|---|---|
| Type | Front-tine · Heritage / discontinued |
| Power source | Petrol |
| Engine | MAG 4-stroke single-cylinder (~9-14 PS by variant); later Briggs & Stratton Vanguard |
| Power output | Varies by configuration |
| Working width | Varies by configuration |
| Weight | 140 kg |
| Status | Discontinued (1978) |
| Introduced | 1950 |
| Indicative price | £400–£2,000 |
| Price basis | Used-market range |
Front-tine machine. Width and weight determine how much ground you cover and how manoeuvrable it is — heavier machines bite harder but ask more of you to turn and transport.
Spezial — your questions
How much does the Rapid Spezial cost?
The indicative price is £400–£2,000, based on used-market sale prices. Always confirm against a live quote — these figures are estimates pending verification.
What size plot is the Spezial suited to?
Collectors and Alpine smallholders restoring a classic Swiss Einachser. As a heritage machine, working width varies with the rotor and engine fitted — check the specific example you're buying.
Is the Spezial petrol, diesel or electric?
It is petrol (MAG 4-stroke single-cylinder (~9-14 PS by variant); later Briggs & Stratton Vanguard). That means strong sustained power for breaking and turning ground, with routine fuel and oil maintenance.
