Family's Ford Returns
Tractor & Machinery|Spring 2017

Joseph Lewis discovers how the first four-wheel drive tractor on a Dorset farm, sold in the mid 1990s, was bought back after a gap of 20 years to take up an active role in the family’s forestry

Joseph Lewis
Family's Ford Returns

Simon Hobbs runs Hobbs Contracting Services, from his family’s farm near Dorchester. In 1985, Simon’s grandfather, Edward Ernest Hobbs, known to everyone as ‘Ted’ purchased the family’s first four-wheel drive tractor in the form of a Ford 6710. Simon grew up with this machine and learned to drive a tractor using this model.

When it was sold, he always said he would buy the Ford back to use in his own business. This wish came true in 2015 and during a visit in May 2016, we discovered the background to this significant purchase.

The Hobbs Family started farming near Dorchester in 1946. At this time, the farm comprised a dairy and an area of arable crops, but was shortly followed by beef cattle, a large pig unit and sizable flock of sheep. There was always a Fordson or Ford tractor helping out, particularly as the Ford tractor dealer, A. Brewer & Co Ltd., was close by!

Evidence of this is reflected in an early photograph of a farm worker on a Fordson Model N. The main source of information on the farm’s Ford tractor ownership is Edward’s meticulous documentation, which records every tractor and item of machinery bought and sold from the farm, during his time.

Notable examples include a Fordson Super Dexta, which with delivery and oil change cost £632.18 on 21 June 1961 and an old International was traded in for £50. On 30 March 1976, a two-wheel drive Ford 6600 was bought brand new for £4,835 excluding VAT and a Ford 5000 was sold for £1,835. Around 9 months later, on 19 November 1976, a two-wheel drive Ford 6600 with a Duncan cab was purchased from Dorset Tractors for £6,430.32. Into the 1980s, a Ford 4610 was acquired for £11,408 from A. Brewer & Co Ltd. on 9 August 1982.

Bu hikaye Tractor & Machinery dergisinin Spring 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Tractor & Machinery dergisinin Spring 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

TRACTOR & MACHINERY DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Grenagh Open Day
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
3 dak  |
December 2017
Emerald Isle's Blue
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
4 dak  |
December 2017
Veterans Stun At Feldtag
Tractor & Machinery

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)

time-read
4 dak  |
December 2017
The Story Of An Engine
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
5 dak  |
December 2017
American Dream
Tractor & Machinery

American Dream

Tom Collins meets a man who was determined to realise his ambition.

time-read
9 dak  |
December 2017
A Good-Year For The British Rubber Co
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
2 dak  |
December 2017
New Motor
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
4 dak  |
Spring 2017
Life By The Sea: Part Three - A New Millennium
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
7 dak  |
November 2017
Biddenden Tractorfest
Tractor & Machinery

Biddenden Tractorfest

Peter Love for horticultural equipment enthusiasts

time-read
2 dak  |
November 2017
Classic Harvest
Tractor & Machinery

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.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 2017