Tag Archive for: Tractor

113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show

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113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show: The Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show returns next month with one of its most ambitious programmes yet. 

In an incredible show of dedication to Caterpillar, more than 110 individual machines will be brought to Newark Showground to mark a century of the iconic yellow brand, alongside a host of other major engineering milestones.

113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show

113 machines travel to Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show

Enthusiasts from across the UK are set to gather on 8 and 9 November, where a weekend crowd of over 10,000 people will witness exhibits which have been brought from all over the country by enthusiasts.

With a vast array of diverse machinery being celebrated in 2025, visitors are being encouraged to purchase discounted tickets before the special offer expires at the end of October.

Adult tickets just £16 until the end of the month, and the event promises to be one of the best displays of vintage tractors, stationary engines, commercial vehicles and trade stands found in the UK.

Caterpillars old and new to catch the eye 

The show will host the largest-ever gathering of Caterpillar machines seen in the UK, with 113 exhibits spanning a century of tracklayer development, from early Holt crawlers of the 1910s to modern-day giants.

Among the headline attractions will be the Caterpillar D10, brought by Ash Croft on behalf of Cat Plant. At up to 77 tonnes, the D10 is one of the largest dozers in the company’s range, designed for quarrying and coal mining and sure to be a showground showstopper.

While the D10 commands attention, many enthusiasts will be drawn to the historic machines that tell Caterpillar’s story. Highlights include the Holt 75, built in the 1910s and described as the oldest surviving example in the UK – the Caterpillar 60 – first introduced in 1925, with a fully restored 1929 example owned by Tom Balls. Caterpillar’s RD8, a diesel-powered crawler from the 1930s used on major construction projects and in military service during the Second World War, will also be on show.

Tom, whose family business J C Balls & Sons is sponsoring the Caterpillar class, said: “We’ve got collectors coming from all over. To have more than a hundred Caterpillars in one place is something that’s never been done before in this country. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime sight.”

Simon Eccleston, CEO of the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS), which organises the show, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to mark the centenary of Caterpillar at our show. These machines are symbols of innovation, persistence, engineering and community, and it’s a privilege to bring together owners, restorers and admirers under one roof.”

Alongside the Caterpillar celebration, the 2025 show will spotlight several other landmark anniversaries including 80 years of the Fordson Major E27N and Field Marshall Series One, 60 years of Zetor imports into England sponsored by Chantry Agricultural Engineers, 60 years of Cummins engines, and a major tribute to Gardner Engines sponsored by Stamford Shepherd Huts.

There will also be celebrations for the Ford D Series lorry, launched 60 years ago, and for Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies. Heritage potato implements, handling equipment and a wide range of club displays will add further depth to the show.

Among the personal stories on display is one particularly touching restoration. “Old Sodbuster”, a 1948 Fordson Major E27N owned by Kate Hodgson from North Yorkshire, was the first tractor restored by her grandfather Ray Worley nearly 40 years ago.

Decades after he sold it, Kate rediscovered the same machine for sale, still bearing his hand-painted nickname. “It felt spooky but also meant to be,” she said. “Restoring it with my partner Joshua has been a real labour of love, and showing it at Newark during the Fordson’s 80th anniversary feels like the perfect tribute.”

Another standout is Nottinghamshire’s Paul Hird with his Series One Field Marshall – one of the earliest survivors of its kind. Bought on a whim at auction, Paul later discovered its history through another enthusiast at Newark. “I like originality,” he said. “Something that’s lived a life and carries its modifications tells a story – that’s what I look for when I’m judging other exhibitors’ machines too.”

The stationary engine section will once again offer a working display of the power sources that once drove rural life, with many engines in full running condition throughout the weekend.

Beyond the exhibits, the showground becomes a marketplace for collectors and restorers, with hundreds of traders offering parts, tools, books and memorabilia, as well as expert advice for ongoing projects.

The Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show runs Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November 2025 at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire.

Discounted advance tickets and camping passes are available until 31 October, and children aged 16 and under can enter for free. All tickets can be booked at www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com.

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New tractor mowers from EGO

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New tractor mowers from EGO: Following the ground-breaking success of EGO’s zero-turn ride-on mowers, leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO Power Plus, is expanding its ride-on range with two new tractor mowers.

The twin-blade tractor mowers utilise up to six EGO ARC Lithium™ 56V portable batteries, providing the same power and performance as the equivalent petrol machines. Using EGO’s portable batteries enables the user to tailor the amount of capacity they use, giving them flexibility with run-time, cost, and usage in other EGO tools in the range.

New tractor mowers from EGO

New tractor mowers from EGO

Vince Brauns, Group Product Director at EGO, said: “Following the success of our zero-turn Z6 range, we wanted to introduce more mowers to ensure we could deliver a product for every user’s needs. The new EGO ride-on tractors set the standard in battery-powered collection and side-discharge mowers. Users can now cut substantially sized lawns in comfort and with complete confidence in battery longevity.”

The new range includes the TR3800E-B 98cm ride-on collection tractor mower and the TR4200E 107cm ride-on side discharge version. Both come with powerful twin blades and pressed steel decks to ensure that the mowers combine power and performance with robust durability.

The mowers feature a front mounting that can house up to six EGO batteries and features the company’s Peak Power technology, enabling the machine to draw on the power from all batteries at once. Both models come with the CHV1600E, a 1600W fast charger that fully charges six 10Ah EGO 56V ARC Lithium™ batteries in as little as three hours.

For improved operability there is an LCD control display centrally mounted on the dashboard, enabling quick and easy adjustments to both travel and blade speeds as well as providing real time data on battery capacity. A spring-assisted adjuster with 8 pre-sets provide cutting heights of 25mm to 100mm. In addition, Bluetooth connectivity enables the user to remotely monitor machine performance and ensure that batteries are charged and ready for cutting.

Driver comfort includes an adjustable spring suspension seat and large, wide tyres which ensure both a smoother ride, added grip and better weight distribution to protect lawn integrity. LED headlights enable safe use in low-light conditions while a front bumper helps protect the chassis from potential impact damage.

The TR3800E-B 98cm ride-on collection tractor mower has collection or mulch capabilities, with a substantial 300-litre collection box to maximise cutting times. Large handles make removing and replacing the box ergonomic and easy, while a single level makes emptying the collection box quick and simple.

The TR4200E ride-on side discharge tractor mower offers even greater productivity when grass collection is not required. It can cover up to 2 acres on a single charge and has an enhanced 107cm cutting width.

The ride-on mower range is part of a series of exciting product launches from EGO in 2024. This includes the new Pro X series of hard wearing and powerful tools for professionals, which features a lawn mower, hedge trimmers, line trimmers, brush cutters, and chainsaw.

For more information on the latest products from EGO, visit; www.egopowerplus.co.uk.

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One Kubota Tractor extends to full partnership deal

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One Kubota Tractor extends to full partnership deal: What began as one Kubota tractor at one football complex in Eastleigh is blossoming into a prolific partnership between dealers Rod Gaskin Ltd and Hampshire FA (HFA).

In his day job as HFA Facility Operations Manager, Pete Hussey puts their Kubota L2501 to task maintaining the five natural pitches at the Stoneham Lane Complex. This positive first-hand experience puts Pete in good stead when in his other guise – conducting Pitch Power surveys to provide valuable advice and machinery recommendations to benefit hundreds of grassroots facilities in the county.

One Kubota Tractor extends to full partnership deal

One Kubota Tractor extends to full partnership deal

“Hampshire FA acquired the Stoneham Lane facility in 2020, and while I already had two other venues under my remit, this was the first with natural turf pitches to look after” explains Pete. “I started from square one, understanding what equipment we needed and working with local dealers to find the best fit for our site and our requirements. The first priority was finding the right tractor that would give us versatility, reliability and become the heart of our maintenance programme. For this, we opted for Kubota.”

Specifically, the facility purchased a 50hp Kubota L2501 with full cab and a range of additional features including cruise control and air conditioning for optimal operator comfort. “Most of the jobs we do will take a number of hours to complete so it was very important for us not just to find a tractor powerful and durable enough to use with a wide range of implements, but that would also make for a positive all-round experience for the driver.”

“In addition, we have enjoyed outstanding reliability with this tractor which is testament to the Kubota build quality and the regular servicing and maintenance conducted by the team at Rod Gaskin.”

With the successes of this partnership bearing fruit for both parties, the tie-up became official in September 2023 with Rod Gaskin Ltd announced as Hampshire FA’s official supplier of grounds machinery. Pete explains, “This gives hundreds of grassroots football clubs and now schools and local councils as well, access to a fantastic range of quality machinery from brands like Kubota with an abundance of grants and funding available via the Football Foundation. The possibilities of this scheme are very exciting and can be the difference between bringing core, basic pitches up to a good or advanced level to benefit clubs and communities alike.”

Tom Merritt-Smith, Groundcare Sales Specialist at Rod Gaskin Ltd adds, “We have a great relationship with Pete and the team at Hampshire FA and are delighted to be working in partnership with them to support the growth of grassroots football. Being sports orientated, I know the importance of maintaining football pitches to the highest possible standards. We look forward to supporting Pete, Hampshire FA and clubs in the area with quality groundcare equipment and our aftersales facility for many years to come.”

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ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double

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ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double: One of Scotland’s most notable private estates, which has unrivalled cultural and historical significance, has welcomed a Wiedenmann Whisper Twister blower and ISEKI TH 5420 compact tractor.

Kinross House, in Kinross-shire, overlooks Loch Leven, the largest loch in the Scottish Lowlands. Its formal gardens were planted in 1675, and its magnificent estate includes a national nature reserve, and is a short boat trip from the medieval island castle where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567.

ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double

ISEKI tractor and Wiedenmann blower double

Beautifully and sensitively restored in the last decade, this magnificent Scottish Palladian mansion now operates as a luxurious private retreat.

Head Gardener, Colin MacDonald, who, is responsible for maintaining around 100 acres of exquisitely manicured lawns and landscaped gardens and a further 100 acres of woodlands said:

“We chose the Whisper Twister primarily to blow off residual grass cuttings and present lawns to best effect. Until now we’ve tidied up with backpack blowers but once regular grass cutting resumes, the Wiedenmann will save hours of time every week. It will also double up for leaf blowing and keeping pathways clear. We’re looking forward to discovering lots of new uses across the season.”

The ISEKI purchase replaced a smaller 20 hp tractor which had come to the end of its lifetime.

“The tractor choice was about being Stage V compliant, future proofing and adding horsepower. We needed it to be bigger, so 40 hp is incredibly useful. We’ve earmarked some attachments for cutting and managing the turf and pathways, all which we hope to have soon. Adding efficiency while still maintaining quality is important. We owe it to the House to always present the gardens at their best.”

Fairways GM’s Area Sales Manager, Michael Lindsay, conducted installation training with Colin and his team of three gardeners: Joanne Curran, (on tractor), Gavin Smith and Craig Paterson.

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Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

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Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising: A unique JCB tartan tractor has rolled off the production line at Staffordshire’s JCB Landpower factory honouring Scottish rugby legend and motor neuron disease (MND) campaigner Doddie Weir.

The Fastrac 4220 iCON wrapped in Doddie’s own design tartan livery was welcomed off the Cheadle production line by son Angus Weir, ready to report for fundraising duty with the ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’.

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

Tartan tractor scrums down for fundraising

Scottish and British and Irish Lions international, Doddie, who died of MND, aged 52, in 2022, founded the charity to fund research with the vision of ‘A world free of MND’. So far, more than £11 million has been committed to vital research in his name and the Foundation is dedicated to continuing the fight against the cruel disease.

The Doddie iCON Fastrac is the brainchild of Doddie’s schoolfriend and Director of Crop Services in the Scottish Borders, Douglas Stephen, who joined Angus for the unveiling. Douglas operates a number of Fastrac tractors, and approached his JCB Dealer, Kelso-based Scot Agri to build a special edition machine in support of the Foundation.

The blue and yellow tartan tractor will make starring appearances at major agricultural shows and rugby games north of the border over the coming months raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The grand tour will begin at the Royal Northern Spring Show, Inverurie on February 28th before moving on to the Fife, Northumberland, Royal Highland, Border Union,  Perth Shows and many other agricultural events over the summer.

Angus Weir said: “It has been fantastic to be here to unveil the new Doddie tartan tractor.  Dad would have absolutely loved it and I’m sure it will turn a lot of heads, raise a lot of smiles, and help continue his fundraising legacy.”

For Douglas Stephen it was an emotional day. He added: “Our Doddie was born into a farming family, was part of the farming community and loved tractors. He was also always accustomed to wearing big, bright, garish tartan suits, so this is right up his street. What JCB has done is beyond all expectations and they have really pulled out all the stops. Doddie was a great friend who is sorely missed and this will help us to keep his memory and MND legacy alive.”

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Director of Fundraising and Communications, Paul Thompson added: “We are incredibly excited about this collaboration with JCB and expect it to raise a great deal of awareness of both motor neuron disease and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The Fastrac looks brilliant, and we can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when nine tonnes of tartan tractor arrive at one of our events.

“When the tractor was unveiled, it was a real lump in the throat moment. Doddie was a farmer and loved his tractors, so we know that this collaboration would have meant a lot to him.”

JCB Territory Manager Sam Taylor said: “For JCB it is an honour to support the incredible work of the ‘My Names’5 Doddie Foundation’. Doddie Weir was an icon, not only in the way that he played his rugby, but also in the way he handled his MND diagnosis, setting an example of bravery, and inspiring others to take up the fight.

“The JCB Doddie iCON Edition Fastrac is a great example of teamwork – bringing together an amazing charity, a valued JCB customer, our brilliant dealer network, designers, and production team. We hope it will raise greater awareness of the condition and fund more groundbreaking research to find a cure for MND.”

Anyone interested in supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation can donate at https://justgiving.com/page/doddietheicon

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