Agricultural Tractors in Australia 1900 - 1959 Episode-5

Episode 5 of the Tractor Factor, explores the birth of the Australian designed Chamberlain tractor. From the birth of the first Chamberlain tractor produced which was the model 40k that had 40 horsepower (30 kW) twin-cylinder, horizontally opposed engines. They weighed about four tonnes and were considered to be ideal for the needs of Australian farmers. In 1955 the production of kerosene powered tractors was replaced by diesel powered models and as a publicity stunt in the same year Chamberlains entered the new diesel powered Champion model tractor in the Redex around Australia rally trial, it became known as "Tail End Charlie"[2] The tractor in question was fitted with modified cab, bench seat and high speed gears. Initial attempts to enter the event were met with disbelief, and it was only officially recognised as a recovery vehicle for one leg of the rally. Tail-End Charlie is reputed to have completed one stage of the race whilst towing as many as six other entrants that broke down on the way. In a subsequent rally, the powers that be relented, and the Chamberlain machine completed the whole course. In 1970 the J Deere Co. of America purchased a controlling interest in Chamberlain. During the 1980s Chamberlain became a fully owned subsidiary of John Deere thus trading as Chamberlain John Deere. An expansion and refit of the Welshpool Plant was undertaken in 1978. The Welshpool manufacturing site was redeveloped and a new office complex built in 1982, however by 1986 due to significant decline in demand, the manufacture of the famous Chamberlain tractors ceased. There is nice sequence of Cletrac 15 from 1920s along with some tractor racing.