The Chamberlain Type 40K tractor glistens in the sun at the Royal Geelong Show 2024. Proudly proclaiming that it is “Made in Australia”. This model has a 2 cylinder 6L kerosene engine made. This tractor is owned by David Baker of Mt Duneed, and is number 298 from 1950 out of a total 403 Type 40Ks.
A few weeks ago I had a quick trip to the Royal Geelong Show, for some Corgi showing. During a break in the show, and the rain, I managed to escape and look a the machinery exhibits. This Lancing Bagnall tractor / tug was a bit different to the steam, oil and traction engines on display.
Not content with a monument on a plinth, Wentworth has a grey fergie tractor on a pole as well.
The little grey fergie, the grey Massey Ferguson tractor, became an icon in Wentworth in 1956. With floods threatening the town from both the Murray and Darling rivers, volunteers on their tractors built and repaired levees 24 hours a day. The light and nimble fergie proved more useful than it’s bigger heavier brethren in this delicate work and they saved the town from complete inundation.
Chamberlain tractors were the Australian made for Australian conditions, they were eventually taken over by John Deere. The last Chamberlain was built in 1986 after 37 years.
Australian agricultural machinery manufacturers Ronaldson-Tippett of Ballarat were in business from 1905 through to 1970 when the company was wound-up.
