World first had great traction in the fields of Courier Country

The new versions were green with maroon wheels for all markets. The tractor came in several widths of a permanent nature. Initially it was 60”, 66” and 76” wheel settings, while a 48” orchard model was released later.

The new model in 1936 had an additional 56” tread version, suitable for local potato crops.

Belt pulley and PTO were fitted as standard, with narrow skeletal wheels for row-crop work and full electrics offered as extras along with a range of implements.

The tractor was priced at £270 for its UK launch in 1931.

Implements included inter-row cultivators, hoes and planters, a mounted power-driven hay mower and the No 23 trailed plough, specially designed for the tractor.

“Companies such as Mackintosh had a part in the high numbers of Massey Harris GP tractors in

this area.”

With the exception of the plough, these implements had to be lifted mechanically by a power lift or a long handle and brute force.

Agents Mackintosh of Forfar developed a successful mechanical subsequent MH tractors.

Companies such as Mackintosh had a part in the high numbers of Massey Harris GP tractors in this area, although Fordson, International and Case tractors sold in higher numbers.

As successful MH dealers during the 1930s their service complemented the innovative four-wheel drive, high-clearance and row-crop ability, making the tractor attractive to local farmers.

Farming at that time was still very mixed, with most farms growing root crops such as swedes, turnips, kale and mangolds, all grown on drills to feed livestock.

Potatoes were also grown acreages, much of them as seed.

The new sugar-beet crop also benefited from a row-crop tractor with good clearance.

The four-wheel-drive element was beneficial on some of the region’s steeper land, and not least for pulling out heavy loads of turnips or beet in muddy conditions.

These design features, along with the Massey Harris reputation and the support of several dealers such as Mackintosh, helped find eager buyers.

The lapse of time has made establishing the true numbers of the tractors used in the area difficult. But with the possibility of at least the 37 accounted for here (see panel) it seems likely the thinking of a total production figure of 3,000 is a bit low — unless the local farming population was so far ahead of the game.

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The Massey Harris GP with side-valve engine being demonstrated by Mackintosh of Forfar at Glen Ogil.

Pictures: Peter Small. A rubber-tired example with an MH Pulverator plough at a working event in Lincolnshire.