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Lauriston farmer Anthony Hampton describes his penchant for accumulating and restoring Massey Harris tractors as “a illness with no identified treatment.”
Hampton started accumulating Massey Harris tractors after recognizing a uncared for tractor within the paddock of a farmer who had simply constructed a brand new residence.
“I stated you have obtained very nice stables and a pleasant home, and in between, you have obtained this outdated piece of junk laying within the paddock.”
The farmer advised Hampton if he was that frightened about it, he may take it away himself.
After per week of mulling it over, Hampton took the farmer up on his supply and picked up the tractor.
Forty years and numerous tractor restorations later, Hampton is the proud proprietor of an instance of each mannequin tractor Massey Harris launched in New Zealand.
And some extra.
Massey Harris tractors had been manufactured in Racine in america, with the corporate based in 1847 by Daniel Massey in Canada as an agricultural implement enterprise.
In 1891, Massey merged his enterprise with competitor Alanson Harris to kind Massey Harris.
The primary Massey Harris tractors had been produced in 1918.
In 1950, Massey Harris tractors bought effectively in comparison with counterparts akin to Case however lagged behind John Deere, their main competitor.
Whereas identified for his or her self-propelled combines, Massey Harris tractors had a status for being sturdy however missing in energy and options.
In 1953, Massey Harris purchased out tractor producer Harry Ferguson’s firm in an effort to enhance their efficiency.
It wasn’t till 1958 that the identify Massey Ferguson was rolled out.
By the Sixties, Massey Ferguson claimed to be the most important tractor producer on the planet.
Whereas Hampton makes use of fashionable Massey Fergusons on his cropping farm, it is Massey Harris tractors that fill each spare little bit of shed area on his property.
Hampton’s massive farm shed is so stuffed with Massey Harris tractors it is arduous to maneuver round.
In addition to the principle shed the place the tractors are saved, different sheds on the property host Massey Harris tractors in varied states of restore as they await their flip to be lovingly restored.
“It does not matter what number of sheds you’ve; you by no means have sufficient,” Hampton stated.
Hampton sources elements from Canada and paints and restores every tractor himself.
When requested what number of classic tractors he owns, Hampton stated he misplaced depend way back.
Hampton is treasurer and member of the Mid Canterbury Classic Equipment Membership, whose show is at all times a agency favorite on the Ashburton A&P present.
“I prefer to take them alongside to A&P reveals and rallies, that form of factor.
“I am unable to take the whole thing, however I try to give a distinct one and outing every time.”
The Mid Canterbury Classic Equipment Membership holds an annual Wheat and Wheels Rally, with the subsequent scheduled for April 6 and seven on Hampton’s property.
This yr’s rally celebrates 100 years of the Farmall tractor, however the occasion is about rather more than farm equipment.
“All makes are welcome, and it is not simply tractors.
“There shall be traction engines, basic vehicles, automobiles, motorbikes and something outdated.”
The rally will embrace a bouncy fort for youths, meals and craft stalls, a army show, classic harvesting demonstrations and equipment parades.
“We’re getting group organisations concerned as effectively.
“Lauriston College shall be operating a meals tent, Lauriston Hearth Brigade shall be operating a bar, Methven Lions shall be doing the gate and the parking and Methven Search and Rescue are going to be the night time time safety.
“There’s one thing for everybody,” Hampton stated.
By Claire Inkson
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