A unique agricultural event recently took place in Wongan Hills, where a vintage International 1440 header and a cutting-edge Case IH AF10 combine were showcased side by side during a community crop harvest. This gathering not only highlighted the advancements in farming technology over the past decades but also provided a nostalgic glimpse into the past of farming machinery.
Chris Wilding, a former farmer who retired in 2009, played a key role in the event. Wilding had previously cultivated 440 hectares of barley, wheat, canola, and field peas on his property before selling it after several challenging years. Despite stepping away from active cropping, he maintained some of his equipment, including the well-loved International 1440 header from the late 1970s.
Recently, Wilding dusted off this classic machine to lend it to steel fabricator Colin Fowler for the community crop, which covered 98 hectares of wheat. The header had seen substantial use, with over 5000 hours on its engine, but required only minimal maintenance to get back in operation. “We drained the fuel, put new fuel filters on it, pumped the tyres, and put a battery in it, and away she went,” Wilding explained.
Wilding praised the International 1440 for its simplicity and reliability, noting it averaged about 10 tonnes per hour with a grain tank capacity of 5100 litres. On the day of the harvest, Fowler operated the vintage combine while Boekeman Machinery representatives demonstrated the capabilities of the AF10.
The AF10 is a modern powerhouse, boasting the largest grain tank capacity in the industry at 20,000 litres and an impressive unloading rate. When paired with a FD261 MacDon front, it can deliver remarkable performance. Dillan Elliott, the general manager of sales at Boekeman Machinery Wongan Hills, revealed that the AF10 was achieving between 60 to 70 tonnes per hour during the demonstration.
Fowler expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to operate both machines, stating, “I had grown up with those machines, so it operated as I expected it would.” The juxtaposition of the two headers, one from the late 1970s and the other from the modern era, drew significant interest online, as the event was shared on social media. “We put it up as a lark on Facebook, and we had more hits than we expected. I think there’s a fair bit of nostalgia around that machine,” Fowler noted.
While the International 1440 may lack modern comforts such as air conditioning, its operational efficiency and historical significance made it a highlight of the day. The temperature reached a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius, adding to the challenge of the harvest.
This event not only celebrated agricultural heritage but also underscored the evolution of farming technology. The collaboration between Wilding, Fowler, and Boekeman Machinery exemplified community spirit and dedication to the agricultural industry in Wongan Hills. As farming continues to evolve, gatherings like this remind us of the roots and traditions that have shaped modern practices.
