Tractor heritage, news and features

John Deeres at Carrington

The major tractor theme for 2010 has been settled upon. It will mark the 50^th anniversary of ‘The New Generation’ of John Deere, which is being looked forward to by all JD enthusiasts in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The early 90s gathering here for two-cylinder machines was the best and this has set the standard to carry on. It was followed by the largest gathering this century, some ten years ago now, at Tractor Millennium, Newark.

Although some 42 JD tractors were gathered last year at Newby Hall, it is expected by the organisers to have 200 of this make on display here, from 1918 Waterloo Boys and Overtimes right up to the latest 8295R and more!

There is a working element to this show and the ‘green’ make will be able to work more than ever before. Herbert Epton is a keen JD collector himself, particularly of the classics and will set the standard. He is particularly keen to have a line up of all the 60s and 70s Dubuque and Manheim built tractors. This is to include the biggest ever display of Lanz single-cylinder tractors as Lanz-John Deere was taken over by JD in 1956. However all the North American favourites are looked forward to, including a line of 4020s and others. It’s hoped that Nigel Burgess’s concours industrial JD will be ready for the show after a very extensive restoration. A special ring display of this make will be part of the show too, with a guest commentator.

The chairman of the show, Malcolm Robinson, tells us that the other special display will be crawler tractors of all ages and he has some exciting tractors lined up for this section. This will include land owner Robert Crawford’s excellent Marooka and Track-Marshall machines. Crawlers from all ages are required for this display, which again is set to be something very special. The organisers are keen for a younger element to be part of the show and are especially pleased to see crawlers and tractors from the classic - modern era here as well, particularly rare types.

Besides the special displays all other types of tractors, implements and stationary engines are very welcome to this traditional show, but one that is changing with the times. One must not forget that steam, commercials, motor-cycles and all the fun of the fair are part of things here too.

The Rally is scheduled for 29-31 May and entry forms are available from the chairman Malcolm Robinson, tel: 07768233948, evenings, tel: 01507 533657 or Herbert Epton, tel: 07867638287, evenings, tel: 01205 480935.