Translations across the Pond
Your article on the Ferguson tractor is most interesting. I expect that there are entire books on the three point hitch, but you managed to avoid getting bogged down in all the details of the system. That is a feat in itself.
I did run into one “translation” which I simply did not understand. In the second paragraph, you note:
“…so when he was given the chance to leave the farming life and the graft that went with it…”
My American Heritage Dictionary (this side of the pond) has definitions for “graft,” which apply to horticulture and to conduct that makes unscrupulous use of one’s position. Neither of these fit the sense of your use, so I gather that there is another definition on your side of the pond. Linking back to the first paragraph, I infer that “graft” as used here relates to hard toil.
Your excellent photos show that many of the collectors put a lot of effort into the appearance as well as the function of the tractors. The paint on the grill of the tractor in the lower right corner of page 29 almost certainly has more gloss than when it came off the assembly line. Jimmy Waters took this a step further when he chased back through the records to find that his tractor was built on the night shift of 8 May 1952.
For the implements, the “Culverwell Sack Lifter” looks like the platform pivots. If so, then it would be a real time/effort saver in that the operator would only have to get “close” to make a transfer.
With the link box, does the box remain horizontal as it is raised? From the photo, it appears that the box rides against the lower arms and will slant forward as the arms rise. Not a problem for many things, but milk churns or other liquid containers would need a good lid to avoid spills.
Enjoyed the article, and your excellent photos.
–Glen Philips, VA
Yeah, those sorts of translation errors are what happens when the same language develops separately across an ocean. Thanks for the catch and your feedback, Glen! It’s always good to hear from you.
–Ed
John Deere Weights Identified
You are going to get a thousand emails on this. This is the front weights for a 4010, 4020, etc. and 2-cylinder tractors. There are two starter “L” weight cast brackets that bolt along the side and front of the frame and then the weights in pic are added as needed.
Also works great for a push bar or battering ram. Sure enjoy the magazine. Thanks for your work!
–Mark Burrell, OK
Thanks for the information, Mark! We appreciate you providing more details on these weights!
–Ed
More Tales from Wales Appreciation
Just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading Farm Collector over the past several years. My wife and I both really enjoy reading Josephine Roberts’ “Tales from Wales” articles. She has a knack for always coming up with some interesting stories from Snowdonia. We look forward to each one and have for years. Keep up the good work! Thanks!
–Toby & Marilyn Fields
Thank you both for the feedback! It’s always good to hear that people are enjoying our stories!
–Ed
