Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2025 i Tractor & Machinery

One of the best aspects of the summer show season, apart from it providing the chance to get outside and enjoy an almost limitless variety of fascinating machinery, is the fact that I bump into so many T&M readers on my travels. I always enjoy having a chat, not only because it keeps me in touch with what real enthusiasts are thinking, but also because such impromptu conversations often lead to feature opportunities. So, if you see me out and about, then please flag me down for a quick natter, especially if you think there’s an interesting story to be told about a special tractor you own. Just such a chance encounter took place at the Laughton Spring Fayre back in May, when a tap on my shoulder ultimately led…

FUND-RAISING NEWS Plans are already afoot for next year’s Chiltern Vintage Tractor Run, which will be extra special as it’ll mark the charity fund-raiser’s 20th anniversary. However, just as this issue was going to press, and following-on from the run report we ran in the last issue, we’ve heard from organiser Gary Anderson with an update about the total amount of money raised from this year’s event. Gary’s delighted to report that the donations and sponsorship collected have resulted in another record total and that, this year, the Thames Valley Air Ambulance will be better off to the tune of £9,890.05! That total is a real credit to the 68 participants, the enthusiastic passengers, the event sponsors, all the volunteer helpers and everyone else who made a financial contribution. It’s…

12TH-22ND AUGUST, 2025 Cheffins has been appointed to manage the sale of the late Chris Robinson’s collection at Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, during August. Chris sadly died earlier this year, and had been a haulier for decades as well as a collector of some repute. The online auction will see the sale of more than 100 vintage and classic tractors – including 25 John Deeres – together with stationary engines and assorted spares, wheels and tyres. Many of the items have been stored in containers and the list of what’s going under the hammer includes: a Ferguson Brown Type A, a Marshall M, a 1930 Rushton, a Case 10-18 Crossmotor, a Huber 40-62, a Sift TD4, a Huber HK 32-45, a Centaur Model KV, a Fiat 211R6 plus Austin 45-55hp, 22-36,…

Battery free boost The SIP Capacitor Booster is a battery booster that uses six 3000F ultracapacitors that offer 9000Amp boost peak rate for starting engines. There’s no internal battery maintenance required as there’s no battery and, also, the unit can be recharged from a running vehicle in just 15 seconds.  SIP SC Booster 9000 Capacitor Start Booster 12V SGS sgs-engineering.com 01332 576850 £749.99 Handy storage deal  BiGDUG Tote Box Mega Deal bigdug.co.uk 03332 005299 £152.00 This storage box set from BIGDUG includes five 56-litre and three 62-litre heavy-duty, rigid polypropylene tote boxes that are stackable and feature hinged, two-piece lids. They are also resistant to moisture, oils plus most acids and alkalis. Big, tough shelving These shelving units from BIGDUG offer a durable storage solution for your workshop, with a shelf…

I think that Vic Burgoyne made some very sensible points in I his letter that was published in the July issue (Amazing Case, Letters). While modern tractors are certainly powerful and bristle with electronic gizmos that give the operator finger-tip control over every imaginable function I don’t believe that, in terms of durability, they’re a patch on the tractors that were made 30 or 40 years ago. My impression is that today’s machines are built using computer-designed components that are pared-down to the absolute minimum. The parts are specified to perform reliably for little more than the warranty period, beyond which the manufacturer’s responsibility effectively ends. It seems to me that one of the key requirements for success in modern manufacturing is to keep a tight rein on costs, and…

31ST MAY-1ST JUNE, 2025 With what appeared to be record numbers of visitors, and a record number of Saunderson tractors together in one place, this year’s Woolpit Steam Rally, held at Warren Farm, Wetherden, in Suffolk, was both a treat and a huge success. Always a welcome date in the rally calendar each year, this event features vintage vehicles of many types, with the jewels in the crown being the selection of steam traction engines and, of course, the old tractors. A huge variety of pre-1960s tractors converged on the site this year and could be admired in the scenic setting against a backdrop of glorious, early-summer sunshine. There were so many superb and fascinating exhibits on display that I find it difficult to single-out my own highlights, but I…

DIY projects in this issue – MF 135 restoration, Marshall 12/20 refurb, Fergie bonnet repair, Zetor 3045 engine rebuild Pt.1 Easy Straightforward Moderate Challenging Nigh on impossible When this tractor arrived with me and I first jumped onto the driver’s seat to move it, problems with the steering were obvious. The wheel had at least half-a-turn of free play, so it was immediately clear that this tractor had endured a hard working life. The restoration work was progressing well and, with the engine completed, I finally had the chance to deal with the steering problems, and started that process by removing the steering box. There were a few issues I could see from the outset; the first being that the actual outer column case moved up and down when the…

Having tractor panels sand-blasted exposes all the underlying imperfections and that, of course, is what tractor restorers want. It’s vital to identify corroded areas and to deal with them effectively if the long-term condition of a tractor’s tinwork is to be preserved. In the case of this 1953 Ferguson TE-F 20’s bonnet panel, though, the damage was clearly visible – especially low down on the side, close to where it bolts to the tractor – before it was even sand-blasted. Replacement bonnet panels are available to buy for this tractor, but the imperfections presenting here weren’t anywhere near bad enough to warrant scrapping the original tinwork and swapping it for a remanufactured replacement. Once the blasting had been done, a lot of surface pitting was revealed higher up on the…

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This was one of the rarer machines spotted on the recent ChilternTractor Road Run. It’s a Roadless Ploughmaster 75 and only about 1,200 were made. This is a very late example of the Ford 5000-based conversion that was built between 1968 and 1975. Gwilym Cooke We had one that used to chew half-shafts for fun. It was one of the worst tractors I’ve ever driven. Swapped it for a 94T – a much better machine! Mark Horobin We had a couple of 75s and a 95 in the woods. Good tractor but front axles where a bit weak for forestry. Simon Ticky Tickner Local to me… ‘JB’ is a Berkshire numberplate. Shailane Ratili Ke batla FOD David Pike Drove one in about 1976 good tractor in the ‘70s. SUO 143H…

Those of you who were lucky enough to attend the High Weald Steam Working Weekend at Scaynes Hill, in Sussex, on June 14th-15th, will appreciate what an interesting and successful event it was. The new venue which, hopefully, will now be the show’s permanent home, was tremendous, and the fact that the Bluebell Railway runs right past the site is an added bonus. Every time a steam train passed the engine’s excited whistle-blowing was answered by a chorus from all the steamers on the field. Great stuff!…

16TH AUGUST, 2025 Yes, it’s that time of the year again! The largest northern vintage collective is set to take place on 16th August at the Great Yorkshire Showground, near Harrogate, managed both live and online by Cheffins. This not-to-be-missed event always attracts plenty of quality classic, vintage and veteran tractors, and has developed a very good selling record as a result. This year’s sale is set to include a good number of restored Massey Ferguson and Ferguson tractors, plus some interesting Fords and Internationals as well as a raft of original spares. So make a note in your diary for this one and, for all the latest information, visit: cheffins.co.uk…

It’s so easy to sign up for a whole year of the action from the world of vintage and classic tractors and now with even more pages of great content, new features and special emphasis on machinery for sale, along with a fresh new look it’s never been a better time to subscribe to T&M! Guarantee your copy every 4 weeks, delivered directly to your door in plastic-free, recyclable, biodegradable paper envelopes and what’s more you save up to 55% when you subscribe annually by direct debit! PLUS! RECEIVE TRACTOR & MACHINERY PORTWEST COVERALLS SUBSCRIPTION BENEFITS • Enjoy one whole year of Tractor & Machinery • Get each issue delivered directly to your door in 100% plastic-free packaging • Save over £52 • Never miss an issue • PLUS Tractor…

I noted in the recent MF 1200 Buying Guide (June, 2025) that the caption for the dashboard photograph on page 28 stated that the Massey Ferguson 1200 and 1250 models weren’t fitted with a fuel gauge. This is, in fact, incorrect. Both models had a fuel sight gauge fitted to the fuel tank, and it was clearly visible to the operator from ground level, with the cab door open. Indeed, the photograph on page 31 (top-right) shows it; it’s the vertical pipe on the edge of the fuel tank, next to the white instruction decals. So there’s no need to peer in through the tank filler cap when checking the fuel level! In the 1970s era, float-type tractor fuel tank gauges were notorious for early failure. Massey Ferguson, with a…

JUNE 21ST, 2025 The long-awaited, Cheffins-run, Roger Desborough sale took place in front of a select band of connoisseurs inside one of the buildings at Church Farm, in Wenhaston, Suffolk, in mid-June. One of the early highlights was the Doe tool carrier with Doe four-furrow reversible plough, which sold for £5,800. But most were there for the tractors and the first of these going under the hammer was a 1962 Massey Ferguson 35X Multi-Power (230 FFM). This machine was in very good, grade 4 condition, and sold for a decent £12,000. Next came a simply stunning Ferguson g/g FE-35 diesel (699 YUX), which went for a new world record price for this model of £9,800. Things slowed down a bit after that, with a Fordson E27N Perkins P6 making £5,500,…

One of the many highlights at this Hall early in June, was the spectacular display of Fordson E27Ns at the show. As well as celebrating the venerable model’s 80th anniversary, enthusiast owners had also set out to break the record for the number of these tractors gathered in one place, at one time. The most recent previous record was apparently set at a show at Belvoir Castle, in Leicestershire, back in 2005, when an impressive 71 attended. However, we gather that 201 were at the Fordson 500 event that took place way back in 1996. So the 101 E27Ns that made it to Newby Hall this time smashed the 2005 figure, but fell short of the total achieved in 1996. Hopefully we’ll be able to confirm the position once and…

The latest Euro Auctions sale, held in mid-June, lived up to expectations, with plenty to interest tractor buyers who were both on-site and online. Highlights included the 1966 County Pre-Force Super-6 4WD. It was an overseas import and, judging by the photographs, was obviously in need of work. It was suffering with a steering fault but was fitted with excellent tyres and found a new home for £4,000. Also catching the eye was the very tidy, 1947 Field Marshall Series 1. By the look of this one, it would be ready for the rally field after little more than a good polish and an oil change. It was sold for just £5,250. You can check future Euro Auctions events at: euroauctions.com…

A friend of mine, Alan Thomas, knows A I’m interested in Ferguson TE-20s and, following a recent visit to West Wales, sent me details about one he’d spotted. The down-at-heel grey Fergie was parked, apparently abandoned, on a grass verge between St Dogmaels and Poppit Sands. A few years ago I’d have been straight down there to investigate further and hopefully rescue the machine, but not these days, sadly. While I have no idea who owns the tractor, or whether it’s still there, I thought it was worth mentioning just in case a local reader is able to investigate further and save the old girl.…

Details correct at the time of going to press. To avoid disappointment, please check with the auctioneer before setting off, especially when travelling long distances. July 25th July Kidderminster Machinery Sale The Gallops, Stanklyn Lane Stone DY10 4AR Halls tel: 01743 450700 26th July Online Timed Machinery Collective Auction Edward Buckland edwardbuckland.co.uk 26th July Collective Machinery Sale The Beech, Little Hereford Shrops. SY8 4BG McCartneys tel: 01584 872251 26th July Summer West Meon Collective Auction Crossroads Saleground, West Meon Hut, Petersfield GU32 1JX Wellers Auctions tel: 07966 437095 26th July On-farm Dispersal Sale of Implements & Machinery Greenmoorside Harrison & Hetherington tel: 01228 406200 30th July Thrapston Collective Machinery & Equipment Sale Bletsoes tel: 01832 732241 30th July Dispersal Sale of Private Collection Gloucester HJ Pugh & Co tel: 01531…

Yesterday, while enjoying my usual ‘stroll’ through the magazine over breakfast, l was impressed to read about the turn-out at the National Vintage Tractor Road Run 2025, and spotted the Massey-Harris 745S at the bottom of page 37. This was of particular interest to me as l spent a lot of my early teens on our 744D. Also, the MF 1200 featured in the buying guide caught my eye. It’s an interesting and rare tractor that I’ve never seen before. Anyway, the upshot of this initial flick through the pages of the much loved T&M, was that my curiosity was piqued and I was spurred into visiting a local tractor show; the Aldham Old Time Rally, which I’d heard usually has a good line-up of tractors. Well, the effort was…

I read your recent story about the Ford 6600 (A fortunate find!, July 2025), and must start by pointing out that you should have done a bit more research. The article lists my late friend, Keith Broclie, who ran what was Uphill Sales. Sadly, he died in 2021 or 2022, and I think I was one of his last customers; I’d ordered quite a lot of glass for a Ford 4600 with Lambourn low-profile cab, which I’m still restoring. Based on my experiences, I think that Darren Phillips was very lucky to find a Ford 6600 in such good condition. Back in 2014, I too was looking for the same model but, due to export demands, they were somewhat rare. I did track one down – also an R-reg –…

I have many fond memories of harvest time, especially during the 1970s and ‘80s as I was growing up in rural Suffolk. Most of the combine harvesters I remember working were the very common Massey Ferguson 515/525 and New Holland Clayson machines, together with the ubiquitous Claas Senator and then, later, the very poplar Claas Dominator. But there was one combine that really made a big impression on me, and that wasn’t just because it was on the large mixed farm right next to my house. It was also because it was such a unique sight with its white and blue livery. The machine in question was a Lely Victory, a British-built combine that had, as its party trick, a very wide (for the time), hydraulically-folding header. This eliminated the…

6 ISSUES FOR £19.99 SAVE UP TO 56%* The Country Smallholder is a monthly magazine focused on all aspects of owning and maintaining a smallholding, offering practical advice and information on hobby farming, poultry care, organic gardening, and much more! GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE: ■ Never miss an issue ■ Save up to 56%* ■ Look forward to delivery direct to your door ■ Receive our free bi-monthly e-newsletter EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE 1. VISIT SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/CSH6XAD 2. Call 01959 543 747* and quote CSH6XAD 3. Use this QR CODE to go directly to our website Terms & conditions: UK Direct Debit or Continuous Credit Card offer, you will pay £19.99 for your first 6 issues then £28.99 every 6 months there after.* Savings are based on the standard basic rate, which…

6 ISSUES FOR £19.99 SAVE UP TO 56%* The Country Smallholder is a monthly magazine focused on all aspects of owning and maintaining a smallholding, offering practical advice and information on hobby farming, poultry care, organic gardening, and much more! GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE: ■ Never miss an issue ■ Save up to 56%* ■ Look forward to delivery direct to your door ■ Receive our free bi-monthly e-newsletter EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE 1. VISIT SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/CSH6XAD 2. Call 01959 543 747* and quote CSH6XAD 3. Use this QR CODE to go directly to our website Terms & conditions: UK Direct Debit or Continuous Credit Card offer, you will pay £19.99 for your first 6 issues then £28.99 every 6 months thereafter.* Savings are based on the standard basic rate, which includes…

The prices shown on the following pages are based on tractors sold at auction, on the internet, privately and from some overseas markets, too. Prices change as time progresses, and it’s not always an upward trend, but you will get a good indication of what’s currently happening in the market by referring to our guide. If you are thinking of buying a tractor, here are a few pointers to help you. Should you be looking for something specific, weigh up your options – 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. If a fault is highlighted, make sure you have a good idea of how much it will cost to repair,…