QHWMA Harvest Days weekend

An American tractor dating back more than seven decades has been restored in northern Victoria, and will be shown off as part of an annual showcase this weekend.

A tractor made more than 70 years ago in Wisconsin, USA has been restored at Quambatook in northern Victoria.

After being gifted to the Quambatook Heritage Working Machinery Association last year, the LA Case tractor has been the main focus of the association ahead of its annual Harvest Days event this weekend.

Quambatook Heritage Working Machinery Association members Ian Fisher (left) and Ian 'Darby' Munro in front of LA Case tractor and Sunshine no. 4 header. Picture: Kerry McFarlane

Ian ‘Darby’ Munroe, who oversaw the restoration project, said the tractor’s petrol engine was “stuck” and couldn’t be moved due to rust, while two pistons were also stuck.

“I had two attempts at freeing the pistons, after the first go we towed it around, but it was still stuck. After we freed up the second one the tractor started on the starter motor!” he said.

The tractor’s restoration comes ahead of the QHWMA’s annual Harvest Days on January 27-28.

The event will showcase the QHWMA’s collection of tractors and machinery from yesteryear, with about 50 machines on display in a heritage variety of wheat grown especially for the event.

QHWMA member Ian Fisher said they were looking to get a few hundred visitors from all across Victoria.

“Other people will bring stuff in too, a couple of fellas are coming over from Nhill, and there’s a club in Ballan that are bringing some members,” he said.

“We’ve got quite a collection of old tractors and harvesting machinery, with some of it dating back to the 1800s.”

A vintage tractor-pull will be held at 4pm on Saturday, with Sunday’s events beginning at 8am followed by a Harvest Thanksgiving service.

The LA Case tractor coupled to a 1950 Sunshine no.4 Header. Picture: Kerry McFarlane