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.
Unfortunately for this year’s open day at Mike Forde’s farm, the weather chose not to cooperate, providing some heavy overnight rain and occasional showers during the day. It was enough to restrict the combining to a few runs in the afternoon, but it didn't stop the ploughing or silage cutting, which went on as planned.
Mike doesn't just restrict the activity to his own machines, but invites others along as well, one of whom was Tony Doyle who had made the journey with a Ferguson FE 35. There is some question over the dates of the engine and transmission castings, which don't immediately match and lead Tony to believe that it was built in 1957. It’s a small matter, as he keeps it well and is not afraid of getting a drop or two of mud on it.
Another product of Banner Lane was there pulling one of the first belt-type round balers to find its way to Ireland. The tractor was a Massey Ferguson 185 and the baler was a Vermeer-built MF unit. It was hoped that it would get used on the day, but it stayed far too wet and these models can be quite sensitive to the state of the straw.
Denne historien er fra December 2017-utgaven av Tractor & Machinery.
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Denne historien er fra December 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.
