Justin Roberts heads to Co. Waterford to admire the sight of classic machinery in action.
Presently in Ireland there is a great trend towards staging classic working events and in the west, where there is some of the most productive grassland in Europe, this will naturally mean silage days. These are certainly growing in popularity and size and to underline that fact, this year’s event at Lismore, in Co. Waterford, attracted more than 90 tractors and harvesters, half as many again as last year.
The weather was certainly a great help as the sun shone to make it a grand day for all, and the grass was even ensiled without being rained upon, always a bonus, but never guaranteed. With such a number of tractors in a field there are bound to be a few that stand out and it was the bright yellow Muir Hills of Larry Ryan that would grab the attention first. Many companies tried harnessing the power of Ford’s ubiquitous six-cylinder diesel from the ’50s onwards, but few did it in such a dramatic fashion as Muir-Hill and these high machines still command respect despite now being dwarfed by the average tractor of today.
Another tractor harking back to the ’60s was Josh Baily’s MF 65 with a matching single-chop harvester and trailer. Amongst the recent hullabaloo about AGCO going full line, it’s well to be reminded that it’s all old hat for Massey Ferguson, the largest brand in the AGCO group, as this was the case when Harry launched his Ferguson system.
Going back even further, a Lanz Bulldog from the 1950s was accompanying an early County conversion of a Fordson Super Major. This pair are often seen on the circuit but that makes the sight no less remarkable and fair play to them for bringing such a team out and actually working a Lanz on something other than a stationary machine, such as a saw mill or thresher, which is where we normally see them.
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Denne historien er fra October 2017-utgaven av Tractor & Machinery.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Grenagh Open Day
Once a year, Mike Forde of Grenagh, Co. Cork, opens up his sheds to let the collection of combines and tractors loose upon his barley and the resulting stubble. It's always worth going along to watch, says Justin Roberts.
Emerald Isle's Blue
In September, the crisp rustle of wellies crushing wheat stubble can mean only one thing… it's time for the plough – or at least it was until minimum tillage came along.
Veterans Stun At Feldtag
If you think you have something suitable for this column, please get in touch with Peter Love (tm.ed@kelsey.co.uk)
The Story Of An Engine
It’s a double celebration for fans of blue tractors this year, as not only is it the centenary of Ford tractor production, but also 30 years since one of the company’s most iconic and respected models was launched. Jonathan Whitlam has the first in a four-part story of the 7810.
American Dream
Tom Collins meets a man who was determined to realise his ambition.
A Good-Year For The British Rubber Co
Regular readers may recall the feature on The British Rubber Co. in our February 2017 issue, particularly, comments from Tom Card, the company’s Proprietor, on reproducing vintage tyre patterns in various sizes. In a follow-up to the article, Scott Lambert talks exclusively to Tom about exciting new developments.
New Motor
Time would prove that Leyland’s 285 and 2100 were not without their problems, but fitting a six-cylinder engine was proof that the company was prepared to take the fight to its competitors. Today, these models and their four-wheel drive siblings are icons of the 1970s and prized by collectors. Chris McCullough meets a Leyland enthusiast with a passion for the 2100.
Life By The Sea: Part Three - A New Millennium
The third and final part of the late Donald Bowler’s feature on life boat launching tractors sees him look at the latest technology employed by the RNLI, as well as the machines used at independent life boat stations up and down the country.
Biddenden Tractorfest
Peter Love for horticultural equipment enthusiasts
Classic Harvest
You’ve been sharing your photographs of this year’s harvest with us via e-mail and social media. Here’s a selection of some of our favourites.