Table of contents for March 2024 in Tractor & Machinery

Hello and welcome to the March issue of T&M. We’ve got a little ahead of ourselves in terms of the cover date, but with our ‘extra’ magazine coming next, in the shape of the Spring issue, the balance will be addressed somewhat in the coming weeks! As a fan of IH tractors and implements, it has been interesting putting this issue together, but that aside I’m pleased that we’ve been able to bring you what is the first of our special issues devoted to the clubs that make up the tractor movement. Such organisations are invaluable – providing a platform to showcase the machines produced by a specific marque(s). Offering discounts from parts suppliers, as well as a pool of knowledge that contains some of the most well-informed people associated…

BUDDING AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISTS AND COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONALS are being urged to apply for a place on a unique training course designed to help them take an important first step in their careers. The British Guild of Agricultural Journalists’ John Deere Training Course has been running for more than 30 years and has an extraordinary track record in helping journalists, public relations (PR) professionals, and marketeers enter the industry. Led by David Mascord, a renowned journalist and lecturer, and supported by a range of experienced guest speakers, successful applicants embark on the two-and-a-half-day course before being placed at a publication or PR agency for work experience. All participants then submit a piece of work to compete for the John Deere Training Award which has a first prize of £250 and a ticket…

 Member’s machines Those that take a keen interest in tractor-related events will be familiar with John Plowright. John has a specialist interest in Ferguson and Massey Ferguson tractors, but is also a keen collector of unusual machines, some of which he has imported from mainland Europe. Two such machines are the subject of this feature, and a reason why John is a member of the IHHA. He often browses European machinery websites and whilst looking on a French site he was interested to see that an early Manitou MC 5 was for sale. The Plowright family’s farm had used Manitou machines since 1979, so John was aware that the French manufacturer used IH skid units for its later all-terrain forklifts, but he had not realised that the company’s connection with…

PART THREE In the two earlier instalments of this series, we saw how the designs of farm tractor emerging on the British market at the very beginning of the 1960s were basically like what had gone before – the majority of which were also built in Britain itself. We then saw how the middle of the decade saw a seismic shift in how farm tractors were designed and built, with a whole raft of new models from the major manufacturers launched in 1964 and 1965. At the same time, different manufacturers from outside the UK were beginning to launch their products on the British tractor market from the middle of the 1960s. Now, in our final look at the tractors of the 1960s, we turn our attention to the final…

The CNH Basildon plant held its first Christmas Charity Tractor Road Run on 16 December, at 5pm, in aid of St. Luke’s Hospice. The charity provides care to those with incurable illnesses. The event featured numerous modern New Holland machines, including a methane-powered T6.180, and amongst the classics were a Super Dexta, 2000, and 3600. The organisers had hoped for at least 30 examples of Basildon-built classics, but this was sadly not the case – nevertheless the tractors went on to blaze the streets of Basildon, Laindon, Pitsea, and North Benfleet. There was excellent support and good weather for the time of year, making it a success for all involved.…

PART TWELVE There are many areas on tractors that leak oil, and so new seals must be fitted. I find the same ones are replaced repeatedly in various locations on different tractors. One area that is often overlooked is the small PTO lever seal. When this leaks it either dribbles down the tractor’s casting, or it goes all over footplate. Wherever it goes it’s very noticeable. To get to this seal it involves removing the round side plate that has the lever located in it. Normally you’d have to drain the oil low enough in order to remove the lower bolts, as if the level is correct, it’s higher than the bottom of the plate. In this case the oil had already been drained out when I overhauled the PTO…

ALUMINIUM PEN LIGHT £47.74 inc. VAT Laser Tools Tel: 01926 815000 lasertools.co.uk Laser Tools’ new aluminium pen light (part number 8597) integrates a 2W COB lamp with a 2W LED torch and is powered by a rechargeable 750mAh lithium-ion battery. Encased in a tough silver-anodized body, this pen light features a magnetic base and a pocket clip for convenient placement and easy portability. The COB lamp gives a good spread of light, while the LED offers a more direct torch beam. The pen light has dimensions of 17mm x 156mm x 13mm and is easily rechargeable via the supplied USB cable. It charges in under three hours and this gives you a working time of two to four hours. It has three switch positions: 50 per cent COB on, 100…

The formation of H J Pugh & Co. (Ireland) Ltd. has been announced by Howard Pugh. This new section of the business will be holding its first on site and online auction sale at Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, on Saturday 23 March 2024. It will include vintage, classic, and modern tractors, vehicles, implements, some spares, and a portable steam engine. Howard has been conducting auctions for more than 50 years and during this period has made many friends and clients in Ireland, north and south of the border, and is now excited about this fresh adventure of conducting auctions in Ireland. “Several clients have expressed their interest for us to sell their surplus items and collections by auction, live, and live online. We are planning on conducting regular collective and farm…

The last sale of 2023 was concluded online by Wellers Auctions Ltd., of Guildford, on Thursday 28 December. It featured a rather rough and unloved County 1124 based in Buckinghamshire that was said to be a runner. It was missing its cab and reached £6,000, but this was not enough to see it change hands. There was a rather unloved Fordson Dexta, with cage wheels and a loader, that saw bidding hit £600, but possibly the best lot was a restored Fordson E27N described as a barn find. It got to £1,200. A rough Fordson E1A Major with a Farmhand loader and bucket made £800, while a 1992 Ford 7840 with mechanical issues sold for £4,800.…

In below freezing temperatures, but with the sun shining brightly, the first of Cheffins’ 2024 monthly machinery sales took place on 15 January at Sutton, Cambridgeshire. Of the few vintage machines offered, a 1956 Ferguson 35 sold for £1,900, while a TE-D 20 made just £1,000. There was a glut of classic MFs, with a French-built 158 selling for £2,200, a very tatty 165 at £2,800, and a fire-damaged 165 at £300. A 1976 MF 135 QD was clean and sold for £4,900, while an MF 135 Multi-Power with cab sold for £5,000. Other classics included several International and Case IH models from the 1980s and ’90s, starting with a 1992, two-wheel drive Case IH 895. It needed a tidy up and sold for £5,800. A painted 1986, two-wheel drive…

PART C-F The prices are based on tractors sold at sales, on the Internet, privately and in some overseas markets too. Naturally, prices change as time progresses and it’s not always an upward trend, but you will get a good indication of what’s going on with the current market by referring to our guide. Here are a few pointers on buying a tractor to help you. If you are looking for a tractor to buy for restoration, or work, there’s a vast choice. However, if you are looking for something specific, do weigh up your options first, particularly if you have a limited budget. If it’s a popular model, then it’s not always to your advantage to go for the first one you see. Whatever is wrong with the tractor,…

FEBRUARY 9th February Online Plant & Machinery Auction. Brightwells, brightwells.com 9th February Machinery Sale. Applegarth Mart, Northallerton DL7 8LZ. Northallerton Auctions Ltd. Tel: 01609 772034. 9th-10th February Collective Sale of Tractors, Plant, Implements, Livestock Equipment, Oak Beams & Firewood. Hazle Meadows Auction Centre, Ross Road, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 2LP. H J Pugh & Co. Tel: 01531 631122. 10th February Machinery/Sundries Sale. Chevin Lodge, Leeds Road, Otley LS21 3BD. Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart Ltd. Tel: 01943 462172. 12th-13th February Cambridge Machinery Sale. The Saleground, Sutton, Ely, Cambridge CB6 2QT. Cheffins. Tel: 01353 777767. 13th-23rd February Timed Online Auction of John Deere Tractors, Telescopic Loader, Balers, Grassland Machinery, Trailers & Implements. Worcestershire. Cheffins. cheffins.co.uk 13th-26th February Timed Online Vintage Auction of Ferguson Tractors, Implements & Spares. Machinery Saleground CB6 2QT. Cheffins. cheffins.co.uk 14th-15th February…

GOT A STORY? THEN WRITE TO THE EDITOR: Scott Lambert, Kelsey Publishing Ltd., The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent ME18 6AL EMAIL: tm.ed@kelsey.co.uk IN BRIEF Obituaries Tractor historian Nick Baldwin (77) passed away on Wednesday 10 January. He had an incredible knowledge of all types of vehicles and his A-Z of tractors ran in Tractor & Machinery from 1994 to 2017. All at Tractor & Machinery send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Julie Baldwin, family members, and their many friends at this sad time. Bill Shaw (67), Chairman of the Case IH Club UK, passed away on Friday 12 January. Bill drove a lorry for Richard Long Transport for many years – moving all types of agricultural machines all over the country. He had an impressive collection…

JCB has called on industry leaders to get behind the Government’s call for evidence on how non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) might be powered in the future. Evidence is being sought on how NRMM might decarbonise as part of the Government’s wider net zero ambitions. As the clock ticks down to the 26 March submissions deadline, JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford called on industry to embrace a unique opportunity to shape the future. Lord Bamford said: “The call for evidence is a crucial milestone that should be taken very seriously by everyone who is affected, from trade associations to owners and users of non-road mobile machinery. This is a historic landmark for many industries, particularly the construction and agricultural sectors which JCB has supplied for nearly 80 years. “It is vital everyone…

PART TWO In part one of this feature, I detailed developments during the war years, as well as those immediately after – such as the CFT, Fourdrive, and Sea Horse – but there was much more to come, including machinery that you would not usually associate the company with. County was involved in moving heavy, and sometimes abnormal, loads from its early days, and this continued into the 1950s with its crawlers. This led to some specialist variants, and development of specific accessories – such as multi-height tow hitches, and the adoption of torque converter transmissions alongside Brockhouse transmissions County produced some in-house heavy haulage units, but the concept of County-based aircraft tugs was taken up by Leicestershire-based engineering company E C Hallam. I guess it was due to the…

At the annual Sedgemore Agriculture Collective on 14 December, Greenslade Taylor Hunt conducted an auction of more than 600 lots. It included tractors from a deceased estate. These included a 1983 Ford TW-30 (XRY 664Y) that had been resprayed. It sold for £14,000. A Ford 7840 PowerStar SLE (M590 HDG) went on to sell for £9,500, while a very clean Allis-Chalmers M crawler sold for only £1,800. An original International W-12, with French & Hecht wheels and rough mudguards, reached £2,150.…

In this issue I pay tribute to those that have passed on recently. There are, sadly, more than I would have liked to have report on. I would like to thank readers for keeping the T&M team informed in such circumstances. Nick Baldwin We were given the sad news that well-known tractor historian Nick Baldwin (77) passed away on Wednesday 10 January. His A-Z of tractors ran in Tractor & Machinery from the November 1994 issue to May 2017! He had an astounding knowledge of all types of machinery. All at Tractor & Machinery send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Julie Baldwin, family members, and their many friends at this sad time. This is Julie’s message, which I have just received: “Nick was working to the end and had…

THE VOGELSANG XSPLIT SLURRY SEPARATOR, EXHIBITED AT LAMMA, is the first to achieve dry matter content of 40 per cent. The screw press machine is capable of producing separated dry matter that is suitable for bedding. Vogelsang’s separation specialist, Andrew Hayhurst says: “LAMMA visitors saw the XSplit in a variety of configurations, including the Lift Frame Pro, a hydraulic elevated frame on a movable flatbed trailer. With new grants in 2024 we expect separation to be a key to unlocking the benefits of slurry.” By separating slurry, farmers can reduce the volume being sent to storage and improve the nutrient value of the slurry that is stored. Dry matter can subsequently be used as a soil conditioner or a cost-effective and sustainable bedding material. “The XSplit is designed and engineered…

Member’s tractor Following its launch at the 1972 Royal Smithfield Show, the first examples of the IH 674 left the Doncaster production line in 1973, alongside the 474. This followed the introduction of the new World Wide Series in 1970. With its German-built D-239 four-cylinder engine producing 75hp (DIN), it was a range-topping model to savour. It had all the plus points of its predecessors, such as hydrostatic power steering, synchromesh transmission, and safety cab, with an additional 10hp over the popular 574. The 674 was a powerful tractor, with a substantial price tag, and as a result most farmers were content to settle for the 574. Those with larger acreages, or needing the extra grunt, were happy to pay the extra for greater productivity. One such customer was a…

PICK OF THE CROP CASPER’S KEEPING WATCH It’s lovely that you’ve included Casper! Dear Junior, Here is a drawing by my son, Micah Wilson (aged 9) of our recent arrival – a 1975 Ford 4600. Our cat Casper is also included! Gareth Wilson FARMING WITH FORD Thank you, it’s great! Dear Junior, I have drawn a picture of a Ford tractor. I hope you like it! James Laxton (aged 9) BIG DEERE I love the engine detail! Dear Junior, Here is a John Deere 4020, drawn by tractor enthusiast Cormac (aged) 10, for your picture gallery. Michelle HIGH-SPEC MF It’s brilliant! Dear Junior, Here is a picture of my MF 575 with a Hi-Spec tanker. I hope you like it. Rico Nolan (aged 10) SHOW OFF YOUR SKILLS Send your…

PART TWO DIFFICULTY RATING The first part of this series covered the main strip down of the mower, including the blades and their bearing assemblies. As work progressed it was clear that all the bearings of the blade shafts were worn out and in need of replacement, so one bearing assembly was stripped down to enable the size and type of bearings to be recorded, prior to ordering replacements. It was also noted that the blade shafts were also worn, which may have been due to partial seizure of the bearings, causing the shafts to rotate in the bearings and forcing the wear. At this point I was faced with two options – do I replace the complete bearing assemblies, or dismantle them all and replace the bearings and shafts…

Ruthin Farmers Auction Co. Ltd. staged an online sale for Hayden Morris of Denbigh on 16-19 December. Prices were very good, with the auction taking four hours to conclude. There was lots of interest in the collection and, as expected, the rather faded County 764 with odd tyres made the most at a very respectable £11,000 (estimate £8,000). An original, 1961 DB 850 with loader reached a record £4,500. Other good prices were an original A-C ED-40 with loader at £2,450, and a County CD50 crawler at £5,500. In the implement section, a DB four-furrow plough made £1,750. Auction highlights 234 Bamford spreader, nearly restored, 2, £720 238 New Holland 68 Super Hayliner baler, 2/3, £320 248 Jones Mk10 baler, 2/3, £1,050 249 Jones Star baler, 2/3, £410 250 Jones…

Aumann Auctions concluded an auction of surplus tractors and equipment sale for the Ederville Museum in Niagara Carthage, North Carolina, on 10 January. To make room for more stock, various tractors were sold off, from a few orchard tractors to a Versatile 300 with Cummins V8! An IH 4166 appeared to be a ‘give away’ at £2,711. The best was a lesser-known Simpson with Continental six-cylinder engine. The distributor was missing, but it went on to tell for £5,579. Auction highlights 16 Massey-Harris 44 orchard, restored, 5, £3,261 17 1955 Case 600 orchard, 5, £4,243 18 Minneapolis-Moline 702 orchard, 4.5, £2,436 19 Simpson, Continental six-cylinder, rare, 2/4, £5,579 21 Oliver 66 Fleetline row-crop, 5, £2,357 22 Earthmaster, lovely, rare, 5, £2,279 23 Pampa 45hp, no.43121, hot bulb, 2/4, £2,829 24…