Based near Rathory, Co Louth, Peter Martin is a suckler farmer and a mechanic with a keen interest in all things vintage.

Peter grew up with fond memories of his father and grandfather using an Allis Chalmers WC tractor to drive a threshing mill. His grandfather, Alec, purchased the tractor new back in 1947 from McGee’s of Ardee. He paid £300 for the tractor.

After longing to restore a similar tractor to his grandfathers’ for many years, Peter finally approached a local man to purchase the same model tractor. This dismantled tractor was left in a shed for over 40 years. It was also built in 1947 and was also a WC model, the same as Peter’s grandfather’s tractor. The tractor was sold new by McGee’s of Ardee and had three owners all within a six mile radius of Peter’s home.

The original Allis Chalmers WC model tractors were manufactured from 1933 up to 1937.

The project

Peter had built up a six-week period of annual leave from his job and decided to dedicate the entire period to restoring the tractor. The restoration project started in mid-November in 2015 and was completed six weeks later, just before Christmas.

As can be seen from the original picture, before the restoration began, the tractor was nothing more than a shell. The original engine came with the tractor but it had been removed many years previous and was in disrepair.

Peter began by overhauling the TVO petrol engine. This included welding the block, seating the valves and reconditioning the head. All major parts came from Milwaukee in the USA. This included a new water pump and parts for the starter and radiator.

All panels and mudguards are original. Peter sanded the tractor by hand before priming and painting it himself. He also fitted new tyres.

These tractors came with a dangerous braking system. To bring the tractor to a halt, the driver would be forced to steer the tractor with his/her knees before pulling two manual levers to control each wheel.

History

The original Allis Chalmers WC model tractors were manufactured from 1933 up to 1937. From 1938 the manufacturer introduced a new styled model that remained in production right up until 1948.

The newer ‘styled’ WC model came with a rounded radiator and larger tires. It is reported that a total of 178,202 WC models were sold worldwide.

The Irish distributor of Allis Chalmers was McGee’s of Ardee.

JF harvester

Unusually, this tractor came with a PTO. These were some of the first tractors in Ireland equipped with a PTO. As a result, Peter wanted to find an implement that he could test the tractor out.

Peter’s father and brother in law, Joe Gosling, purchased a new JF single chop harvester in 1970 at a cost of £200. This same harvester was sitting in a ditch for almost 40 years and Peter decided to attempt to restore what was left of it.

Peter teamed up with a local metal fabricator, Tony Kane, who helped him restore the harvester. The harvester needed parts including a gearbox, belts, bearings, and flails to bring it back to life. The project was a success.

Although the Allis Chalmers was very underpowered for the JF harvester, it was capable of cutting a small garden on Peter’s farm.

Social aspect

Peter explained that his keen interest in vintage helps to take the loneliness out of farming. Peter is a member of the Louth Village Vintage Club and he hosts an annual social night on his farm. Each summer over 50 vintage enthusiasts bring their tractors to an old building situated in a field on Peter’s farm. Live music and a BBQ keeps the guests entertained for the night.

He often meets up with other vintage enthusiasts on a Sunday. He explained, “I find that a leisurely drive on a Sunday with a few farmers on vintage tractors can be therapeutic. This way we can have a good chat and a catch up”.

Other activities on the farm

Peter is currently in the process of restoring his father’s 1974 International 574 tractor. His father purchased the tractor back in 1982 for £2,500.

Peter has completely overhauled the engine including the head, pistons and liners. He also re-bushed the axle, fitted new track rod ends and is currently working on the cab.