The Massey Ferguson Quattrino is considered by many to be the rarest Massey Ferguson ever built, with it being thought that only around 14 were ever produced.
Built in the early 90s to take on the MB Trac and similar machines, it scored over its rivals by having four wheel steer, making it far more manoeuvrable – although, at the cost of weight and stability due to the design increasing the overall height.
It might be considered more an experimental project for the company, dipping its toe into what was then seen as a developing market segment, however, the demand for such machines never matured, leaving JCB to take the concept forward and satisfy whatever requirement there might be.
Just how many of those original machines are left is not known, probably less than a handful. One of them was was brought to Ireland last year by Joe Whelan of Kilrush, who has been giving it a full restoration.
Joe believes that it is the only fully functional example left, as many were scrapped or salvaged for parts. Those that are working are being used as forestry tractors in modified form.
The right person for the job
As Co. Clare’s leading Massey Ferguson dealer, Joe is well placed to gather the items and expertise together to get the job done.
The Quattrino is now back to working condition with a three point linkage attached and the steering options all being available again.
The frame has been tidied and all the bearings, linkages and other moving items have either been repaired or replaced.
The main job remaining is to return it to its original red MF livery. When it first came over, there was some uncertainty as to what its original colour was, as the company that produced them for MF sold built and sold a small number in its own white livery.
Finding some red paint under the white has confirmed that it would have left the works in red, and so this is the colour to which it will be restored.
Progress so far was on display at the dealerships open day held on Easter Monday. Although still in white, a closer inspection revealed that a lot of work had been done.
Joe told Agriland that that besides a few details that still need attention, all that is really lacking before it can be considered complete is the respray.