Community members in Wongan Hills witnessed a remarkable display of agricultural history and innovation as two headers, separated by nearly five decades, were put to work in a local crop harvest. The event highlighted both the enduring reliability of older machinery and the advancements in modern farming technology.
Chris Wilding, a retired farmer, contributed his vintage International 1440 header to assist in harvesting a community crop of 98 hectares of wheat. Wilding, who stepped away from cropping in 2009, previously managed 440 hectares of various crops including barley, wheat, canola, and field peas on his property. After selling his farm due to challenging conditions, he retained some of his equipment, including the well-loved header he purchased from a Case IH dealership in Moora.
Just weeks prior, Wilding decided to lend his machinery to steel fabricator Colin Fowler, who collaborated with representatives from Boekeman Machinery to demonstrate the capabilities of both the vintage and modern harvesters. The International 1440, which has accrued over 5,000 hours of operation, required only minor adjustments to prepare for the event.
“We drained the fuel, put new fuel filters on it, pumped the tyres, and put a battery in it, and away she went,” Wilding recounted. He praised the simplicity and reliability of the International model, noting it averaged about 10 tonnes per hour and had a grain tank capacity of 5,100 litres.
In contrast, the modern Case IH AF10 was also showcased during the harvest. This advanced combine boasts the largest grain tank capacity on the market at 20,000 litres and features the highest unloading rate in the industry. When paired with the FD261 MacDon front, it is designed to maximize efficiency.
On the day of the event, Fowler operated the International 1440, while Dillan Elliott, general manager of sales at Boekeman Machinery Wongan Hills, handled the AF10. Elliott reported impressive results, achieving a harvesting rate of 60 to 70 tonnes per hour with the modern machine.
“We were thrilled to bring these two headers together and pull off the community crop in Wongan Hills,” Elliott stated. The juxtaposition of the two machines, separated by 48 years, created significant interest among local residents, sparking nostalgia for the older model. Fowler emphasized the importance of showcasing the machines side by side, noting the rich history associated with the International combines.
“We wanted people to see the machines operating together. There’s a fair bit of nostalgia around that machine,” he added, referencing the enthusiastic responses to their social media post about the event.
Despite the lack of air conditioning in the cab of the International 1440, which posed a challenge on the hot day of 40 degrees Celsius, the machinery performed admirably. The event not only celebrated the legacy of agricultural practices but also demonstrated the advancements that continue to shape the industry today.
As communities come together to support local agricultural efforts, this harvest serves as a reminder of the blend of tradition and innovation that defines contemporary farming.
