A journey through tractor history at the Royal Bath & West show
10th May 2023
This year’s Royal Bath & West Show promises to showcase the fascinating history of tractors, featuring over 50 rare and vintage tractors from across the UK. The event highlights how
This year’s Royal Bath & West Show promises to showcase the fascinating history of tractors, featuring over 50 rare and vintage tractors from across the UK. The event highlights how agricultural revolutions have reshaped the British landscape and food production.
Retired chief steward and tractor enthusiast Patrick Palmer, a 40-year Royal Bath & West Show veteran, explains, “Tractor innovations have greatly impacted modern agriculture and society. Mechanization and increased productivity have allowed people to explore other pursuits. The show’s vintage tractor entries provide an up-close look at the evolution of tractor technology.”
A significant development in tractor technology was the transition from tractor vaporizing oil (TVO) to diesel in the late 1940s, improving operations and economic efficiency. Mr. Palmer recounts the issues with TVO, which wouldn’t ignite at low temperatures, necessitating the use of a small high-quality petrol tank to start the tractors before switching to the TVO tank. This process often caused problems, requiring operators to clean the spark plugs and try again.
An early diesel tractor, a David Brown 30d, led the parade at last year’s show celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, emphasizing the importance of diesel’s introduction. The event will feature demonstrations of vintage steamers, tractors, and heavy goods vehicles in a dedicated arena and a parade in the main arena on all three days.
This year’s tractor entries include a 1947 David Brown, the oldest entry, as well as other vintage vehicles and implements like a 1948 Grey Ferguson, Fords, a 1986 John Deere 3040 two-wheel-drive, and a 1992 John Deere 4055. The vintage tractor main ring parades will take place on 1-3 June 2023 at The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN.
Visit the Royal Bath & West Show website for competition entries and ticket information.
