Farmers and tractor enthusiasts had the opportunity to find out how well their machines performed, at a Charity Dyno Day organised by AGCO main dealer R W Crawford. 

The event, at the dealer’s Charing depot in early February, was attended by more than 200 people. Funds were raised for the Guts UK charity which invests in research into diseases of the human digestive system. 

Any make and model 

Tractor owners were invited to bring all makes and models of any age to be tested on three dynamometers from the Crawfords Kent, Essex and Sussex depots. The cost was £20 per tractor and technicians from each location were on hand to explain the testing process and interpret the results. 

Classics tested included a Ford 7810 (84hp); a Ford TW35 (154hp); and two Case 1056XL tractors (90 and 94hp). Top results were from a Fendt 939 (RWC Machine) (357hp); closely followed by a John Deere 8345R (328hp). Lowest hp winner: Jim Aikeman, Ford 6410 (67hp) 

Highest hp winner: Iain Smith, John Deere 8345R (328hp) 

Vintage display 

The Crawfords team tested 30 tractors during the day, but there was also an excellent display of 15 older machines brought to the event by enthusiasts and local vintage tractor club members who each donated £15. An immaculate John Deere 8430 owned by Nick Schatunowski won the ‘Best turned-out vintage tractor’, award. 

Massey Ferguson 135 owner Liam Smith attended the event; “It was the first outing for my MF 135 so the day was quite special for me. I particularly enjoyed seeing the six classic Ford tractors, and how some of them performed on the dynamometer. The TW35 was my favourite – mainly because it’s a tractor I would love to own myself. 

“I hope that this Charity Dyno Day becomes an annual event as I’m sure they would prove equally successful. The Crawfords team were so welcoming, helpful and enthusiastic, and the day really couldn’t have gone any better!” 

Helpful advice 

“Excellent weather contributed to the Dyno Day’s success and a total of £2,000 was raised for the charity,” commented Crawfords’ Marketing Manager Hannah Kelsey. “The day was enjoyed by everyone, and I know that our workshop teams got a lot of satisfaction out of explaining how they use their state-of-the-art dynamometers to check power outputs and diagnose issues, as well as giving hints and tips on how to improve each tractor’s efficiency and performance.” 

Blown away

“It was such a successful day which was supported exceptionally well by entrants, visitors and the Crawfords team. We had a real variety of tractors entered on the day.” Commented Crawfords’ Kent Product Demonstrator, Ben Marsh. We have wanted to put on an event like this for a while, bring everyone together and give something back to the local community and a charity close to our hearts. I am overwhelmed by the generosity and support from everyone. We will look to make this an annual event.”