Next Generation of Massey Enthusiasts

Next Generation of Massey Enthusiasts

NEXT GENERATION OF MASSEY ENTHUSIASTS

The Kent County Agricultural Society as a farming organisation has always embraced the Heritage Section of the annual Show where visitors are fascinated by the farm machinery both modern and vintage.

The progression from the Kent County Show to the Detling Steam Rally to the new Heritage Transport Day was an opportunity for the exhibitors to parade their vehicles at a stand-alone event. The next generation of enthusiasts are often visitors who identify with the care and attention bestowed upon the vehicles and share a common respect for the simple yet robust engineering that has historically kept a nation fed, on the move and allowed them to take for granted the rapid modernisation of the world.

One such visitor to the Kent County Show in the early eighties was Robin Andrew. At age two and a half he was mesmerized by the Stationary Engines at the July event. His father did not have any connection to the classic vehicle fraternity although he was a good mechanic and had rebuilt a number of Land Rovers. It was a few years later, in 1985 Robin and his father bought their first engine, a Lister D which had been used to run a milking plant vacuum pump. Even as a small boy the thrill of restoring and watching this majestic machine was something that Robin remembered fondly. Over the next decade Robin bought another eight stationary engines and each year joined the Heritage Section of the County Show.

Robin bought his first Massey at age 16, the 1956 TEF 20 was a non runner and had been in a barn near Borough Green. It took him two years to get in in running order. He undertook a complete engine rebuild, replaced the clutch and other worn components, he did not re-spray this particular tractor as he decided to sell it once it was running. His passion for Massey was now firmly rooted and his second venture in 2000 at the ripe old age of 20 was a 1962 Massey Fergusson 35. This was the last of the 35’s and this particular vehicle was in excellent condition and ran beautifully. The tractor had been dry stored with the log book indicating it had completed a mere 1900 hours running over 38 years.

Whilst the engine and bodywork were sound it still needed some love and attention and had no service history. Robin and his father gave the tractor a good service as well as replacing two perished water pipes, fan belt and a strainer from the hydraulic lift system. Robin was able to take the tractor to a number of events but it was the Detling Steam Rally and Kent County Show that he felt most at home.

Over the next decade Robin bought a number of other vehicles to compliment his nine stationary engines and his Massey 35. He is currently restoring a 1956 David Brown 25D and a Ransomes Crawler MG6 Diesel from 1958. He has fully restored a 1956 Benford Dumper Truck and a 1939 Fordson Standard with three working Drake and Fletcher orchard sprayers. He is particularly proud of his 1938 Allis Chalmers M Crawler.

Robin sees his vehicles as more than a hobby and works at Hadlow College teaching mechanics, the same course he himself took as a student. His family life revolves around his love of classic farm vehicles and although he now has a young family they share his passion and commitment. His two and half year old daughter takes a keen interest in the tractors and enjoys nothing more than sitting on his lap when he takes them out.

Robin will be bringing a selection of his vehicles to the Heritage Transport Day and Auction on Saturday 31st March.

Advance tickets will be available to purchase online at

or by phone on 01622 630975. (£1.50 booking fee per transaction applicable) Advance tickets will be £5 per person, children under 12 free. Gate prices £7.50 per person under 12’s free. Gates open from 10am – 4pm. For more information on exhibiting your Classic Massey, please contact the Kent Showground on 01622 630975 or follow us on facebook – Kent County Show. Twitter – kentcountyshow.

Lucy Hegerty

Event Organiser 01622 630975