Despite overnight rain, the recent West Cork Vintage Ploughing and Threshing Association enjoyed the very best of weather for its annual event (Sunday, September 9) at Timoleague, Co. Cork.
A strong wind and warm sun combined to dry out both the silage and wheat fields, which had been reserved for harvesting on the day.
This machine may not be particularly well-known today, but it was a landmark development for the Belgian company.
Following on from the MZ series, it was the primary model in the second range of self-propelled combines from the company. The arrival of this machine saw Claeys become the largest European manufacturer of combine harvesters for a period.
To avoid confusion (the Claeys brand-name sounded vaguely similar to Claas), the entity changed its name to Clayson in 1963.
The following year Sperry New Holland took a majority interest. Eventually, the entity became part of what is now CNH (Case New Holland).
A total of nine combine harvesters (pictured below) were present at the event; all were working in the field simultaneously. It made for an impressive sight, as they moved through the crop.
Over on the silage ground, there were at least 10 forage harvesters working, including two Fiatagri (Hesston) 7725 self-propelled machines (pictured below).
John Deere tractors belonging to John and Ricky O’Leary were also present – one of which was coupled to a Taarup double-chop harvester (effortlessly scything across its full working width).
Other notable rigs included a (trailed) New Holland precision-chop forager, powered by a Deutz six-cylinder ‘donkey’ engine (pictured below).
The event was sponsored by Mc&S Agri Sales (of Ballincollig and Bandon); the dealership had a range of current-generation (New Holland) tractors and equipment on display.
Money raised from the event will be donated to local charities.
Below, for your viewing pleasure, is a further selection of pictures from the event.
Click on a thumbnail in the gallery (below) to open up a full-size image; once opened you can scroll sideways to see the next picture.
