The tractor is a 1963 Massey Ferguson 65 which is the quintessential little red tractor from story books, cartoons and kids films. We have also purchased a broyeur (topper for cutting grass), a small (2 soc) plough and acquired for free a disc harrow, a spike harrow (found covered in briars in our field), a log carrying frame and a fertiliser spreader (left behind by previous owner). Our neighbours Didier and Aline are also happy to lend us some other implements for the use of some of ours.
As our knowledge of tractors is quite limited - mostly from car repairs and a bit of common sense - we purchased a tractor based on recommendations from friends and neighbours and the 65 has a Perkins engine which means it is an easy starter and solid - the last thing you need is a tractor that is difficult to start. Its reputation seems to be true and since we got it home and we have had no serious trouble so far. Al is currently waiting for some araldite to set on the glass fuel filler as he found a fuel leak and traced it to that. We are also looking for a second hand starter motor as it is a bit sticky and needs several attempts to kick the old girl to life.
As you can imagine the kids are pretty impressed with it and their ultimate treat is a ride on it. Ben has even been promoted to steering while sitting on daddy's knees.
We tried using the first implement today - the grass cutter and all has gone well. It isn't that easy to do detail but at 150cms wide, it is a whole lot quicker than our old push along petrol mover (by about 100cms). We are yet to try the plough but that is another skill all together so we may take some guidance from Jacques the friendly farmer (who cut our hay) and make sure we don't break anything or dig up the telephone line etc.
The topper:
Cool kit! Loving it :)
ReplyDeleteJealous, I can't believe you got one first.
ReplyDeleteDamn!!!