A tractor? Yep, you read that correctly. When Pat sent our not-so-grey nomad, Marty Ledwich, on a hunt for some unusual vehicles touring around the country. We’re not sure he had old tractors in mind. As it turns out, as long as you’re not in a hurry to get to where you’re going, this could be a really fun way to see the country.
Imagine you’re about to retire and you have desires to travel around Australia. Perhaps with a caravan or camper in tow. What would you choose to be the vehicle you do it in? A nice new Ford Ranger fully decked out with the latest gear from ARB? Or perhaps you want a bit more luxury and have your heart set on a new Range Rover. Whatever your intentions, I’d put money on it that an old tractor would be the last choice on your list. Not so for these dedicated people who we met in Cobar, NSW. They are travelling around the country in Chamberlain tractors since the 1950s and 60s. Plus raising money for charity while doing it.
It turns out that touring around Australia in a tractor is not all that unusual. In fact, we’ve seen other people doing it a few times while on our travels. But this was the first time we had an opportunity to take a closer look at the vehicles and the people who own them.
History
Chamberlain tractors were actually designed and built in Australia from 1949. A gentleman by the name of Bob Chamberlain designed his first tractor while working as a tractor mechanic in Victoria. He later built a prototype that was to become the basis for the 40K model. It had a 40 horsepower (30kw) twin-cylinder horizontally opposed engine and was considered ideal for the needs of Australian farmers.
In 1955 Chamberlain developed the Perkins diesel-powered Champion models and, in an effort to attract some publicity, they entered the new diesel-powered tractor in that year’s Redex Trial as a recovery vehicle. It featured a modified gearbox that allowed it to travel at speeds of around 100kph. Even so, during the trials, it became known as “Tail End Charlie”. While its use was limited, there were reports of Tail End Charlie completing one stage of the trial while towing up to six other vehicles that had broken down along the way.
During the 1980s, the company was taken over by John Deer, trading as Chamberlain John Deer. By 1986, production had ceased due to declining demand. A sad time for the Aussie icon.
The Brooks’ Chamberlain 9G
One of the tractors we saw belonged to Jo-Anne and Scott Brooks from Stockton, NSW. It was purchased in 2000 by Jo-Anne’s father, Bert Newbigging. He started to restore the old girl so he and his wife could participate in tractor treks around the northwest of NSW. Sadly, Jo-Anne’s mum passed away before the restoration was completed. Later the tractor was left to Jo-Anne after her father passed away and her husband, Scott, immediately fell in love with it. He took over the restoration and has got it to the state you see here today.
At its heart is a Perkins 4.270 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine. At 4.4 litres in capacity, it’s good for around 247 Nm of torque. It has 9 forward gears and 3 reverse.
Jo-Anne and Scott have driven their Chamberlain to many parts of NSW and it even went all the way to Tasmania for a club tour. On this current trip that we caught up with them on, they left Stockton in Newcastle on April 29 to attend the Jerry Plains Bicentenary celebrations. Then they planned to head to Walgett, down along the Darling River to Menindee and head home via Hillston and Condobolin by the end of May. I’m not sure if they actually made it home.
Is tractor touring for you?
I don’t know how many of you reading this would be inspired to get yourself a piece of vintage farm machinery and use it to tow a caravan around the country but, if you are, then there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Firstly, many of these old tractors haven’t been made in years so you can’t exactly run down to the nearest Repco outlet and purchase a replacement fan belt if one breaks. Also, they came with little to no essential gear for touring. You have to modify these vehicles yourself if you want luxuries like air conditioning or a fridge slide. But, judging by the photos, there’s a good chance someone has done it before and can give you some advice on how to go about it.
You also need to be a little more resourceful than the average grey nomad to tour Australia in a tractor. The old Chamberlains may have been quite reliable back in their heydays,. But today towing big loads across vast distances on the hard tarmac, they tend to require a little more care and attention to get the job done. There is not likely to be a Chamberlian service outlet in the next town. So you’ll have to do much of the maintenance yourself.
Finally, these vehicles are slow. Very slow. Don’t expect to be doing more than around 50kph especially if you intend to tow a 3-ton caravan. Unless you’re retired and have all the time in the world to doodle around for as long as you want, you’ll need to carefully plan your annual holidays in an old Chamberlain.
Fortunately, owning and touring in old tractors is somewhat popular in Australia. And there are many clubs dedicated to the hobby. Jo-Anne and Scott are members of the Manilla Vintage Machinery Group, the Chamberlain 9G Club of WA and the Hunter Valley Vintage Farm Machinery Club.
It’s all for a good cause
One of the aims of these tractor treks is to raise money for charity. Specifically the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the various state children’s hospitals. If you’re interested in helping these guys with their fundraising efforts, get in contact with the Chamberlain 9G Tractor Club of WA. Their email is chamberlain9g@westnet.com.au. Or you can visit their website https://www.chamberlain9g.org.au
Safe travels.
