What are friends for if not to help raise money for a good cause, and it was three young ladies at Buttevant in Co. Cork who were blessed with the offer of a tractor run to help raise funds for their trip to Calcutta with the HOPE foundation.

The run itself was organised by Billy Breen and Tiernan Mulcahy, both aged 16 and enrolled at Colaiste Mhuire, Buttevant, which was also the base for the event.

Buttevant tractor run — (L-r) Billy Breen and Tiernan Mulcahy

On the day, there were at least 70 tractors cars and trucks which registered for the run, which took them out into the North Cork countryside on what turned out to be a chilly, but thankfully, quite dry afternoon.

Buttevant vintage

Ford was the brand that dominated the vintage entry, although a couple of red machines in the form of a Massey Ferguson 35 and 135, managed to creep in to the mix, both nicely preserved and well presented.

Sharing the same basic engine, although Ford purists will debate the point, was a Ford Dexta that is kept for shows and tractor runs.

Purchased around 20 years ago it had already been fitted with a Lambourn cab originally intended for a MF 135, hence the fillet around the top of the bonnet.

Although not strictly a Ford, the 86hp County 774 present was originally sold to the ESB which helped account for its still excellent condition, as it was original and in fine shape.

These were four cylinder machines and quite compact for an equal sized 4WD tractor.

Ford and County tractors — (L-r) JJ Heelan, John O’Flyn (owner of the County 774,) Denis Sexton

Blue and green predominate

The run at Buttevant was notable for the vast majority of tractors being either New Holland or John Deere, there was a handful of Massey Ferguson and Case machines taking part, with one of the most impressive being an Case Puma 220 ASF.

Case Puma 220 at Buttevant — The Case Puma 220 was the largest Case present and second only to a John Deere 7R 330 in size overall

New Holland tractors are the most most favoured imported used tractor brand are and immensely popular around North Cork, and were well represented on the day. This enthusiasm only being matched by John Deere Deere followers.

New Holland tarctors — (L-r) Daire McCarthy and Nathan Murray with a pair of T7.210s belonging to local machinery importer and contractor Egmont Agri

A John Deere 7710 belonging to local hedge trimming contract, Richie Hughes, appears to be an ideal tractor for the job weighing it at 6.5t and offering 155hp from its six pot engine. This example is 23-years-old with no sign of it giving up yet.

John Deere at Buttevant — With a solid 6,500kg 4WD and 155hp on tap the John Deere 7710 makes an ideal platform for a hedge trimmer.

Other New Hollands included a 7740 from 1997 which is still in use on a dairy farm for fencing duties and other general light work. It was brought out for the run by Jerome Walsh, who obviously has a great attachment to it.

(L-r) Jason Barret, Jerome Walsh, Jake Hunter, Nathan Murray

The recent heavy snowfall around Buttevant had caused the collapse of several roofs in the district, one of which sheltered a vintage Case tractor belonging to Brendon O’Conner of Liscarroll.

Brendon Oconner — Brendan O’Connor looks after his machinery – his T5.105 could pass for new, despite being a 2018 model

Thankfully, it survived, but Brendan had to bring his very tidy NH T5.105 instead, while he waits for the insurance assessor to call, he hopes to have the Case out for the planned vintage rally at Buttevant on February 2.

Last but by no means of least interest, was a Valtra 8150 from 2002. Originally introduced as part of the Valmet Mega Range in 1995, it lived though the transition to Valtra and featured a 50%- 50% weight split, thanks to the engine being placed over the front axle.

Billy and Tiernan hope to have raised between €1,500 and €2,000 when all is counted which will be split equally between the Hope Foundation and Pieta House.

Buttevant vintage

Blue and green predominate

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