Real tractor - 986

I would like to start out with something a little familiar to everyone, the 986 tractor. This photo was sent to me a few years ago and I always liked the looks of this typical farm photo. 986 Tractors are common on many farms.  There are about 820 Australian and 20,550 American tractors made of the model number.   There are variations between the American and Australian tractors, such as the engine used and horsepower rating. Many are still being used on farms today doing the same jobs since the tractor was introduced in 1976 (1978 for Australian)

Hugh and Tania Reid (owners) are located at North Star near Moree, NSW. The farm is all cash cropping, including Wheat, Barley, Chickpea, Faba Bean, Sorghum and Millet. IH vehicles on the farm are a 1971 Acco C1800 "Butterbox" Bogie drive with the 354 Perkins motor and 18 tonne grain bin. The 986 tractor has 5900 hrs on the clock and is used for loader work, Grader blade work and on the chaser bin.- photo taken November 2007

IH book

Here's what the front cover of my book looks like.   The book itself is about 200 pages, hardcover, and full color. There's at least one photo on every page - most pages have two photos. It retails for about $45USD. I think it's definitely a book that every red tractor person needs to have in their collection.

Introducing.....me.

I'd like to share with you the information that I have amassed over the years writing a magazine and then a book about IH tractors in Australia. I started out listening to stories from farmers of the years these tractors were introduced. Then I was just looking for answers for myself and others  - such as "How many A-514 tractors were made?" and "What does a A-554 weigh? (or 564 or AW-7 or...)"

That's how I ended up writing a book all about tractors- "International Harvester Australia: Geelong Works" I found enough answers. The title is long. I know. I usually just refer to it as IH Geelong.  (ps. you can buy it from Amazon, order it from your local or big bookstore)

I've been able to find and answer most things that are thrown at me, but one. I still don't know exactly how many A-514 tractors were made. I have an idea, (I found an engineering report projecting the numbers) but nothing has come to my attention as facts. (I like facts.)  

I hope to share a few stories from both you, the reader, and the IH factory. There are also a lot of stories from  real people that should be out there for others to listen to. I've had the pleasure of  listening to many of these and I think everyone would have a good time if I was able to share some of them with you.