Welcome

Welcome to another packed issue of Classic Massey magazine, again with a variety of stories from across the country. This issue concentrates on a stunning restoration of an example of the legendary 135 model, which was rescued from a sugarbeet harvester in Cambridgeshire. Thankfully, the tractor hadn’t carried out much work, but it still required plenty of time to get it into its present condition.

Still on the 135 theme we visit Mike Creed in Cheshire. He has a beautiful example fi tted with a loader which he relies upon for regular duties on his smallholding, such as feeding or mucking out. Although he has owned the 135 for 24 years, it is still his only tractor.

We sent Peter Love off to visit the Duncan Cabs company up in Aberdeen, Scotland to talk to Bob Duncan and look at how the business has evolved over the years. This fascinating story shows how the fi rm developed the cab from 1954 when his father Alec Duncan started making them. Massey Ferguson has always been a key manufacturer and they have produced cabs for many examples. No two cabs are identical - but take a look at the article to fi nd out why.

Our Northern correspondent Peter Small brings us more working examples of some extremely original, late 1950s tractors. The 35 and 65 have belonged to the farm near Kelso in the Scottish borders for many years and are still relied on to this present day.

Mark Channell looks at a superb threecylinder 35 model for his regular buyer’s guide and reveals what to consider when looking for a potential purchase. At the top of his ‘most loved’ tractor list, Mark is not the only one who believes these are one of the best tractors built. Although they are extremely simple, he fi nds areas for particular concern and gives us the low-down on this model. Finally Jane Brooks looks at the development of Massey Ferguson combines as she delves into the archives at AGCO and brings us some exciting press photography.

Please remember to keep your photos, letters and stories coming in. We are always keen to find out what’s going on around the world. We would particularly like to hear from you if you run modern or classic machines in your business. Don’t forget it’s, you, our readers who make this magazine what it is, so please don’t hesitate to contact us, via e-mail or snail-mail, and you could also be part of CMFE very soon!

The next issue will be on sale on the Friday 30th April 2010.

Editor,
Howard Sherren

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