| Cereals
New Holland tractors on 5000
mile Blue Force Coastline
Tractor Challenge
Two members of tractor enthusiast club Blue Force are celebrating 100 years of blue tractor production in 2017 by
undertaking a 5000 mile, 51 day Coastline Tractor Challenge, not previously attempted on tractors. The pair set off from
New Holland’s Basildon factory on Thursday 13th April in two new T6 tractors supplied by the manufacturer.
lue Force club
members have a
passion for
preserving and
running vintage
and modern
Fordson, Ford and New Holland
marque tractors. Phil Gibson,
chairman of Blue Force, and Peter
Plehov, club treasurer, will drive a
route around the coast of
mainland UK & Ireland, stopping at
several points on route including
Bournemouth, Galway and
Edinburgh.
On Thursday 13th April, Phil
and Peter set off from the gates of
New Holland’s Basildon factory on
new T6.145 and T6.180 tractors,
which have been donated by New
Holland. Each tractor will tow a
B
shepherd’s hut, built by Phil and
Peter. One hut for sleeping
accommodation and the other for
fuel, oil and supplies.
Phil and Peter’s Coastline
Tractor Challenge will culminate at
Tractor Fest on the 10th & 11th of
June at Newby Hall, Ripon, North
Yorkshire.
Andrew Watson, Business
Director, New Holland UK and
Ireland, said: “We have always had
a close relationship with the Blue
Force Club so we were delighted
to assist Peter and Phil when we
heard about their challenge. We
look forward to following their
progress and wish them luck on
their journey.”
Phil Gibson said: “I have been
overwhelmed by the tremendous
40 | Farming Monthly | May 2017
support from New Holland, without
them we would not be doing any
of this.”
The trip is almost entirely
funded by donations that have
come from club members and
generous sponsors. New Holland
dealer Robertsons of Orkney have
funded the pair’s ferry crossings to
the Orkney Islands to guarantee
the islands’ blue tractor fans can
be part of the celebrations. Other
New Holland dealers along the
5000-mile route are hosting events
to celebrate 100 years of blue
tractors and support Phil and Peter
on their Coastline Challenge.
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