Great weekend at Korumburra Working Horse and Tractor Rally

IT was mixed weather for the Korumburra Working Horse and Tractor Rally, with Saturday’s hot blustery conditions giving way to Sunday’s mild and overcast climate, but those who came appeared too involved in the mechanical and equine splendour to mind.

Brian and Gary Aitken and Rachael Lawry stood out, travelling around the rally grounds in style aboard Gary’s 1907 Foden traction engine, manufactured in the English town Sandbach.

Its main task during its working life was pumping water out of the Murray River, being stationed downstream from Swan Hill.

“I bought it as a lump of rust, restoring it in the mid 1990s,” Gary said.

Tractors were tested, battling a stubborn sled in the tractor-pull display.

Eddie Hicks’ 1969 Australian made Howard tractor once served on his father’s 10-acre farm but looked right at home in the tractor pull, albeit with an array of modifications.

“They were actually a vineyard tractor but so far I’m up to 43 different implements made for it,” Eddie said, describing it as a proper mini tractor.

He admitted some of the modifications the tractor has undergone wouldn’t strictly meet tractor pulling rules, but doesn’t mind.

“If I don’t take a trophy home, I don’t care and it’s just for the fun of it.” Eddie said.

While the traditional rural pastime of woodchopping is under threat through a shortage of suitable logs, the sport was on show at the vintage rally, with Cobram lad William Hoyle one of those in action.

He took up the sport as a small child and looks a picture of fitness, something that doesn’t necessarily always apply to woodchopping competitors.

Historic Caterpillar machinery was doing just as it should, getting dirty, with members of the Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club (ACMOC) showing what their yellow workhorses can do.

Lance Creek’s Daryl Robins brought along his 1956 machine, with Steve Jackel of Yellingbo showing off a sprightly looking 1952 Steelweld splendour made in Australia under licence from Caterpillar.

Horse and carriage rides were an unsurprisingly popular attraction.

There could be little complaint about the Korumburra Working Horse and Tractor Rally, other than it only happens once a year.

Trucking splendour

A GLORIOUS International Harvester KB-6 truck dating from 1949 was on show at the Korumburra Working Horse and Tractor Rally, with Nyora owners Don and Bev Ferguson delighted to chat about its history.

Don explained it has a Dodge cabin, with International Harvester and Dodge having long shared componentry.

It was assembled in Australia, so has always been right-hand drive.

Don bought it at a 1991 Quandialla clearing sale.

During its working life, the 1949 truck had a semi-trailer and originally served Tooth’s Brewery in Sydney.

The eye-catching green machine was lovingly restored after a strenuous working life that left it knocked about.

Restoration included work on its grille and bumper, with the latter needing straightening.

New engine rings were fitted, along with a replacement clutch and brake linings.

Its hub caps were repaired and chromed and its battered looking exterior revitalised with a much-needed paint job.

The truck is still powered by its original ‘super blue diamond’ engine.