How much did the new Ursus 1604 cost?

As a continuation of the series of historical articles for long winter evenings, we present another legend of Polish agriculture. In its heyday, Ursus 1604 was a showcase of the Polish manufacturer’s capabilities, combining a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine and 4-wheel drive. How much did it cost when new? How much was this money worth back then?

Just like last winter, we are looking at both Polish-made machines and machines imported from other Eastern Bloc countries. Based on literature from the era, we will check what parameters the technology offered at that time and what advantages the manufacturers emphasized of their machines. We will also try to refer to the prices of other products, especially agricultural produce, to illustrate the actual value of the machines in question.

The top model of the heavy series

The history of the Ursus heavy series, like the related Zetor models, dates back to the late 1960s, when the Zetor 8011 and Ursus C385 went into production. The top models at that time were still equipped with a 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine and rear-wheel drive only, but these elements began to change over time. The 1604 model in question can be considered the pinnacle of development in this respect. When it entered the market in 1978, it already had a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine and 4-wheel drive, thus being the most powerful machine in the Polish manufacturer’s offer.

– The Ursus 1604 tractor with a driven front axle is a variant of the Ursus 1204 tractor and differs from it in increased power. It is mainly designed to work with agricultural tools and machines. It can also be used in forestry, construction, transport and other industries. The extensive equipment of the tractor allows it to be used for various works and in various conditions, for example for agricultural work on large areas at increased working speeds, especially for deep and medium plowing in difficult field conditions, work with heavy harvesting machines, work with multi-purpose machines , for example for simultaneous cultivation and sowing – says Agroma’s Guide from 1979.

Working classics: Bizon Z020 Zagon

It is worth adding that Ursus 1604 was the most powerful Polish tractor in its heyday and one of the most powerful ones produced in the Eastern Bloc. Compared to their competitors, these machines were valued for their comfort of work, towing capacity and relatively low fuel consumption. Certainly, in fields full of “cuts”, “sixties”, and in some places the famous “pops” C45, these tractors must have made quite an impression at that time.

Unlike the smaller C330 and C360, Ursus 1604 were rarely the first tractors on the farm. Initially, they were delivered mainly to large-scale enterprises, and in the case of individual farmers they were usually just one of the tractors on the largest farms, mainly as used machines.

Working classics. Massey Ferguson 86

Ursus 1604 is more expensive than the “little Kirovets” HTZ T150K

In 1985, the Ursus 1604, which was soon to be replaced by the 1614 model, was valued at PLN 1.385 million in basic equipment. For comparison, the slightly stronger and much heavier HTZ T150K cost PLN 1.150 million at that time. More popular models should also be cited to make the comparison meaningful. In 1985, Ursus C360 cost a minimum of PLN 595,000. PLN, Ursus C330 470 thousand PLN, and for example Zetor 7011,857 thousand PLN.

At the same time, the Polish Fiat 126p cost from PLN 310,000. PLN, Polski Fiat 125p PLN 740,000, and prices for the Polonez started from one million zlotys. The Rubin TV was valued at PLN 76,000.

Purchase prices of agricultural produce in 1985.

According to the data of the Central Statistical Office, in 1985 wheat was purchased at an average price of 24.6 thousand. PLN/t, rye at approximately PLN 18.6 thousand. PLN/t, barley approximately PLN 24,000. PLN/t, and oats about PLN 18.8 thousand. PLN/t. At that time, potatoes were sold for an average of PLN 8,000. PLN/t, and sugar beets PLN 4.1 thousand. PLN/t.

Working classics. Ursus C-360 3P

Beef was purchased for an average of PLN 134/kg, veal for approximately PLN 141/kg, and pork for an average of PLN 167/kg. The average purchase price of milk in 1985 was approximately PLN 26.06/l, and chicken eggs – PLN 10.34/pcs.

Technical data and additional equipment

Parameter	Value
Number of cylinders	6
Engine capacity	6842 cm3
Engine power	150 KM
Maximum torque	412 Nm
Maximum speed	25.53 km/h
Lift capacity	4000 kg
Empty weight	4950 – 7160 kg