To say farm machinery is in my blood is certainly not an understatement! From a very early age when I was sat on a bale of hay, feeding the following cattle from the transport box attached to my late uncles MF 35X on his Cumbrian fell farm in the late 1960s right up until the present day, I’ve always had a fascination with tractors and all types of machinery. Having taken tens of thousands of photos over the years, I was asked in late 2006 if I would contribute to the pages of ‘Classic Tractor’ magazine covering the North West and Southern Scotland regions and 15 years later I still throughly enjoy getting an article into print. I decided on my many photo shoots that I should also video the action in the fields and so I set up this RU-vid channel. I’m so grateful for those of you who watch, like, subscribe and comment on my videos and also my gratitude goes to the owners who let me film their fabulous machinery.
A dark skies backdrop, rain not far away, lighter crops and a wet summer, about sums it up David, a great video with a tidy claas combine and also the valtra is looking very nice, i missed alot of harvest as been a short window this year with silo etc all going at same time, cheers Steve . 🎥🌝
@@B1066agri That certainly sums this summer up Steve and now with the dark nights here it looks like it’s finally passed. Yes a nice looking Claas combine and the Valtras are very smart. I too missed a lot of the harvest not only because I’ve been away having a break but also because of as you say a short window but I’m pleased with what I’ve captured this year with a couple of nice surprises along the way. Cheers, David.
Good evening David and welcome back. Hope you and your partner had a nice break. Great to see a nice combine video and its nice to see the crop still upright after the harsh rain of this year. Its been the same up here although most crops got lifted in the good spell, but the spring barley took its time this year to mature and then it was a fight to find a decent break to harvest. Despite having been about combines for over 60 years, they still to this day amaze me and just love watching them. (Don't think they would let me near operating one these days). The field out the front of my house is 96 acres, and usually I get a perfect live show for a couple of days, but this year it was done in about 7 hours, as my neighbour had a demo of a New Holland CR11 with MacDon FD250 50ft Flex header. What a machine and it was filling trailers as quick as they could come. These Valtras sure come in a few different colours which I have to say I like, as they tend to stand out. Thanks for the video David. Cheers, Fraser.
@@frasermathers2287 And a good evening to you Fraser, it’s nice to be back! Yes had a lovely break, very relaxing with good weather and a few enjoyable day trips out (I also managed to sneak a couple of days farming activities filming in!) I was pleased myself to capture some late harvest action, the summer hasn’t been kind this year and a lot of the farmers I know have said this has been the worst summer they can remember in a long time so after all the rain it’s good to see the crop hasn’t taken too much of a battering! Yes very late for the spring crops, normally all done and dusted by the end of August but it was very late in going into the ground and being so wet without a lot of sun has taken its time to ripen! They’re certainly incredible machines Fraser, how far they’ve developed since the 1960s is beyond comprehension and like you apart from turning the key I wouldn’t know where to start on a modern machine! 96 acres!! That’s some field, probably the same as many farms total cereal crop round here! I would love to see that NH CR11 in action though I’ve more chance of winning the lottery (and I don’t even buy a ticket!) than seeing one around here, lucky if theres a few with a header half the size in the Cumbrian area! Ah yes the Valtras are very smart Fraser and the colour options make them very refreshing to see out in the fields and as you say stand out! Great to hear from you my friend, seems ages since we chatted but I always enjoy reading your great and interesting comments. A few more videos to follow this next month, both modern and classic content in them so hopefully you’ll enjoy them and seeing some late summer’s activity especially now the nights have drawn in. Take care my friend, cheers David
@@davidwinthrop7077 Had to laugh David when you said you even managed to get some farming activities in whilst on holiday, yup like us all, you can never get farming out of your system. Glad you had a nice break. Cheers, Fraser.
@@msheep66 Many thanks, pleased you enjoyed watching. Unfortunately I didn’t manage to capture the straw baling, if it been the next day I would have but as usual this year a change in the weather and back to the rain put paid to that. Fingers crossed for next year though! Cheers, David.
Heavy machinery always leaves me in awe. The sheer size, power, and ability to conquer nature’s toughest obstacles is truly incredible. These machines embody human resilience, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in construction and engineering.
@@MachineryMastery-b1o I definitely agree with you on all points as it’s incredible to see how these machines working in the fields have evolved over the past decades! Awesome power and outputs and as you say the engineering and technology that has gone into the design and development of these machines is outstanding. Wonder what will happen over the next decades and where it will go from here? Great comment, cheers, David.
@@desfarrer6045 Thanks Des! I’m very well, hope you’re in fine fettle yourself! Been out filming some late harvest and haylage today while the good weathers here!
@@davidwinthrop7077 its been a real fight David it has nights are cutting in fast as well lovley by day but very cool at nights h with a lot of rag in the mornings so it's after dinner before ya can get going 😋
@@desfarrer6045 I know Des, summer (if you can call it that!) has been and almost gone and as you say it’s cool and damp over night and the nights have really closed in! Talking to a farmer friend today who’s in his 80s and he can’t remember a worse summer! Normally has his grain harvest in early August but still 50 acres to harvest after I went home tonight!
@@aala7337 Yes back in the day International tractors were a very popular choice on many a farm here in Cumbria. Sadly not as many about now but I do know of 3 or 4 farms (including this one) that are still loyal to the brand and they are still going strong as workhorses to them. Great comment! Cheers, David.
Very nice filming David, great machinary and remember the International baler wel,l good balers too, all in a cracker of a video, very enjoyable, cheers Steve .🚜🎥
Excellent video I believe you filmed in the best 5 days of the summer. Great collection of classic tractors. Always like watching a conventional baler. Failed to film ours this year as I was on holiday when we did ours. Same days as you filmed. Enjoy your break.
@@msheep66 Many thanks and I think you’re right about those 5 days this summer because I don’t think we’ve had 5 in a row apart from that last week in July! Yes a lovely fleet of classic tractors, all so well looked after and that also goes for the implements like the International 445 baler that runs a treat! I’ve always enjoyed watching you Marshall fleet working, great tractors but hopefully you’ll catch them next year. Yes looking forward to a break, been a very busy year at work so I’m ready for it. Cheers, David.
@@TechnoMoffat Thanks Tim. Still a popular combine round here especially with the farmers who have a smaller acreage and want to harvest their own crop.
@@colmanlong1032 Can’t beat the old classics Colman especially when they do such a good job. Would have loved to watch and film that 990 and 674 working together. Cheers, David.
Magnificent film , straight to my childhoood and starting work as a teen . Lovely bits of kit , still seem to be used on smaller fields around . Look forward to the next 👍
@@stephenrice4554 Thanks very much Stephen and like you reminds me so much of my childhood watching my uncle make hay and then helping out in my teens. Yes lovely classic machinery, perfect for working in the smaller fields and for travelling up the narrow roads and through the narrow gateways. Hopefully a few more weeks of field work to go so with any luck I’ll be out filming with the camera! 📷 Cheers, David.
@@paulthompson8467 It’s a lovely fleet Paul, has about eight classics in total, all immaculate and not one younger than 25-years-old. Your right, the 475 is a gem and certainly not many around especially in such original and tidy condition as this one! Cheers, David.
Well David, you have really spoiled us this week, and that opening black & white shot really brought a very large smile to my face 😊. I am sure that it was very nostalgic for you, and brought back fond memories of your teenage years and likewise for me, so many thanks for that. As for the tractors, well it was just paradise and all in such great condition and all running as sweet as could be. It is obviously a family concern and across a few generations, but also a family that know how to look after and respect their equipment. I would happily pay to sit and watch that all day and even muck in and lend a hand, although not so sure about climbing up on a trailer anymore. Loved seeing the little International 475, which brought back the memory of a very close call I had running a load for barley to a neighbours farm. I had taken a detour via a local shop for a can of juice, but forgetting about the steep hill and bend on route, a hill that I am still not sure how I made it down. There were no trailer brakes in these days and we had greedy boards so overloaded too, and tractor brakes that were not at their best. But I survived to live another day, but stupidly told my uncle what I had done expecting to be praised for saving the load, but no.....well you can imagine what he had to say to me!😂. Thanks for the video David, and glad to hear your taking time out and you and your partner enjoy your break. Cheers, Fraser.
@@frasermathers2287 Now Fraser, that’s what I’m here for and it was your idea from a few weeks ago about having a black & white scene so I thought ‘why not?’ so thank you my friend. Oh yes very nostalgic indeed Fraser, standing in that field watching those lovely tractors working in such a beautiful setting took me right back in time to all those years ago when I was young and carefree, such happy and memorable times! Beautifully kept and maintained equipment, a credit to this family and like you I would happily pay to sit on a bale to watch the operation and breathe in that fresh air and also I would struggle to get up on that trailer, never mind moving those bales around by hand on a very warm and sunny day! The 475 was my favourite too though the 885XL comes a very close second! (Then again that engine note on the Case 1056 takes some beating!) Now that’s a great story from it seems your colourful past 🤣! Yes tractor brakes weren’t the best in those days and as for trailer brakes? What are those! I can just picture the scene and a rather flustered and red-faced Fraser following the ticking off from your uncle! At least it was just a can of juice and not something stronger! 🤣 Thanks for watching the video Fraser, pleased you enjoyed it just as I’m going to enjoy a few weeks off with my loved one, we enjoy each other’s company and spending precious time together. Take care my friend, hope to hear from you again soon. Cheers, David.
@@timrousell3404 You and me both Tim! I can remember as if it were yesterday those long summers making hay on my uncle’s farm so filming this brought all those memories flooding back. Thanks for watching and your comment Tim. Cheers, David.
Thoroughly enjoyable few minutes watching these old timers at their work. Brings back happy memories of stacking the loads of small bales of hay then later straw and riding back on the top of the trailer to the barn, wind in the hair as we meandered back to the yard whilst directing traffic following behind us when safe to pass. Thank you so much for posting.
@@funsi3 Ah I’m really pleased you enjoyed the video and watching these classic tractors that were new when I imagine both you and I were much younger. Yes happy memories for me too as I remember exactly how you describe those beautiful long summers working in the fields. I too along with my younger brother also used to ride on top of the bale trailer and I can still remember my late uncle shouting “Make sure those bales are stacked properly, I don’t want any falling off!” With No regards for the passengers! Thank you so much for watching, pleased you enjoyed the trip back into the past. Cheers, David.
@@DanSmith-fu7ex Many thanks Dan and like you I love this farms tractor fleet. Yes the Nash 475 is a beauty, not so many about now especially this original and in such good condition. I agree, time for a return visit as there have been quite a few additions to the fleet since the family was featured in late 2008. Great comment my friend, got me thinking 🤔! Cheers, David.
I will leave it with you to inquire about a revisit for C T, did u see the 475 that was for sale recently at the cheffins harrogate sale was is fairly good nick and very tidy cab and had a genuine looking 2750 hrs
@@DanSmith-fu7ex I’ll have a crack and put it to the boss about a return visit Dan as not only has the 475 joined the fleet but also a Matbro TS290 and the lovely JD 6610 that features in a few of my videos! No I didn’t see that one Dan but I bet it was a nice tractor. Do you know what kind of price it made?
Now that’s a brilliant little setup, so many classics! That international baler and tractor combination is a very smart outfit, really looks the part. Cracking video David.
@@jacooboophotography Oh it’s a lovely setup Jacob, a fleet full of classics! Yes the 885XL and 445 baler is very smart and very original, you wouldn’t think they were both 40 years old! Thank you as always my friend. Cheers, David.
@@johnearle6667 Thanks John. Yes a great little outfit, a small family farm all in-house and cutting about 50-60 acres. I agree it certainly wouldn’t suit a large acreage but a nice steady pace for this farm and all gathered up in a few days. Cheers, David.
@@FarmersSss Aren’t they just Farmer S.. Lovely tractors and as you say very sort after now so well looked after so will be worth as much as they paid for them in the first place if not more? More lovely classics from this fleet in my next video if you fancy taking a look! Cheers, David.
Some classic machinary working in wonderfull scenery David, very nice angles and lighting with some outstanding Tractors of note the JD 6610, very nice , cheers Steve . 🚜🎥👍
@@mikeymcmikeface5599 Thanks Mikey and pleased you enjoyed the video. I see your point on turning the camera away after each shot, I do this to allow a smoother transition when editing into the next section rather than a sharp cutoff but I’ve noted what you suggested and will look at that in the future. Thanks for watching and your comment. Cheers, David
And a good evening to you David and what an outstanding location for this weeks video. You would also even think you knew what you were doing with that camera when you frame your shots 😂. I think I spent as much time looking at the backdrop, as I did the equally outstanding tractors which as you say, are almost in showroom condition. They are all running as clean as a whistle and sound great with lots of power still in reserve. Up here, apart from some of the vintage clubs, most farmers have lots of newer kit with very little older tractors being used daily. Its obvious that these guys know how to look after their kit and get good value from it and looking forward to seeing the 1970s/80s Internationals next. Hope you had a good week and thanks as always. Cheers Fraser.
@@frasermathers2287 A very good evening to you too Fraser and I hope you are keeping well my friend. Oh it’s definitely one of my favourite locations this area, one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas of Cumbria that I know of and like you I could spend hours just looking into that lovely countryside, machinery working in the fields or not! Yes think I’ve got to grips with the camera now though it’s taken a few years to get the hang of it! However on the subject of the tractors, as you say they are outstanding, absolutely pristine and running like a Swiss watch! They’re the perfect machines for working in the fells and are completely the opposite of the more modern machinery working in your neck of the woods and you’ve hit the nail on the head by saying the owners certainly know how to look after their equipment and in doing so they’ll be worth almost as much if not more than the purchase price in the first place! Oh some beauties in store for you next week Fraser, you’ll think you’ve been transported back 40-50 years, hope you will enjoy the results! Great to hear from you as always my friend, seeing as I worked Bank Holiday Monday I’ve got three days off now so I’m going to make the most of it ,weather permitting) by just relaxing in the garden with a good book and maybe a small tipple! Cheers, David.
@@davidwinthrop7077 Sounds like next weeks video is going to be just perfect for this old sod! Enjoy your weekend David, as you deserve it with your long shifts at work and all the time you spend videoing and make sure if you do spill that tipple, its only in your mouth. 🍺Cheers, Fraser.
@@frasermathers2287 Haha Fraser🤣, don’t worry I will! As for next weeks video you’re not the only one that’ll feel nostalgic as being no spring chicken myself I too can remember when the tractors that feature in it were new! Yes I’ll enjoy my weekend, make sure you do too! Cheers, David.
Good morning David and what a sight to behold, not one, but two New Holland TX combines harvesting winter barley. You don't see many of them up my way anymore, although my neighbour used to run two NH TX63s with the last one only being sold about 4 years ago, but as his acreage has grown(considerably), the combine fleet changed to 4 x Claas LEXION 7500 series all with TerraTracs. It sure did look a little spongy underfoot and with very little stour at the header, was probably not coming off at the best moisture content, but with the weather being the way it has been, you have to take every opportunity when you can. Having said that, couldn't have been too bad with the MF 7718S still being able to bale, and both combines were coping admirably with the conditions. So pleased you were able to capture them together David, and as much as I love all the current technology, it's really great to be able to go back several decades and watch machines like these still earning their corn! (Sorry for the little idiom). As much as the new technology has sped things up and made operation easier for the operator, I would love to know what the grain loss was on today's modern combines versus 3 decades ago machines. Hope your week has been good despite current weather and as always my friend, my thanks for a great video. Cheers, Fraser.
@@frasermathers2287 A good afternoon to you Fraser and good to hear from you my friend. Yes two for the price of one this week and a very tidy pair at that. Still a few NH TXs operating round here, mostly farmer owned machines although the contractors have mostly moved on to bigger (not necessarily better) machines such as the Lexions and modern New Holland machines with one or two on tracks also. Yes it was a bit soft underfoot, I made sure I had spare footwear with me but thankfully nothing got bogged down! I can imagine some of the crop did go into the grain dryer but the MF 7718S baling seemed to be managing to bale with no problem at all! As you say Fraser you take your chances and grab them with both hands especially this summer where the weather has been very catchy indeed! I was pleased to catch them too, unbelievably only 30 years ago these TXs were the new technology and who would have predicted back then that there would have been machines with 40ft headers, gps and the option of tracks or huge wheels! Also thats a very interesting point comparing the amount of grain loss of today’s machines against those a few decades younger! Yes a good week for me Fraser, the weekend off though I’ll probably have the housework to do tomorrow while the boss is at work though I’m working this bank holiday Monday which isn’t so much of a chore and the extra money will come in handy for our holiday in mid September. Can’t wait! Always a pleasure to hear from you my friend, you enjoy your weekend too and we’ll speak soon. Cheers, David.
@@davidwinthrop7077 Thanks David and enjoy your weekend off. Next thing we will be comparing housework standards and methods..... errr maybe not, but I am sure "the boss" will happily point out any bits you miss, so I will just keep my mouth shut! Cheers, Fraser.
@@davidprentice7861 Oh the weather has been shocking here since the start of August David, lashing down with rain as I type your reply! Lot’s of crop waiting to be harvested but the fields are so wet and not a good forecast ahead! Thanks again my friend, cheers David.
@@davidprentice7861 Oh it’s been hellish David, I’ve never known it be so wet, even worse than last year. The fell farmers I know have only had about a fortnight of dry weather, I know they don’t have a cereal harvest but they’ve really struggled to get their silage/ hay crop in but thankfully most of them have. Absolutely horrible summer!
What a rare treat to be treated to a couple of very nice New hollands harvesting barly David . ground looks a bit soft and the staw will hardly be dry to bale, but when weather clashy do what you can, great video, cheers Steve . 👍
@@B1066agri Thanks Steve and it was also a treat for me to see two NH combines in one field! The ground was soft, very soft in places but thankfully nothing got stuck! Yes the weather dictates all, been awful up here the last few days! Cheers, David.
