Forestry Memories

Monaughty Forest - Deep cultivation

Monaughty Forest - Deep cultivation

Date Added: 11 November 2008 Contributor: Norman Davidson Year of Photo: 1964 Picture No: 380

Photograph courtesy of George Beaton (Kintore)

Ploughing machine operator Bob Esson (from nr Dinnet) stopped to speak to road squad staff at Monaughty Forest on hill south of Newton Nursery area. Outside tractor L-R are: Unidentified Monaughty Forest man (may have been banksman for tractor), Harry Gray (Roads Foreman on tracks), Ernie Wilson (Torphins) and Richard Fraser (Insch).

Some doubt about type of tractor and what work it was carrying out. It looks like a Caterpillar D7 or D6 dozer converted to pull a very large deep plough or tine. The name Challenger is written on the beam on the right hand side. Any suggestions and more details very welcome? The year is thought to be about 1964.

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Groups: Forestry Areas, Forestry in Action, Groups of people, Northeast Scotland , Road and Bridge Engineers and Works, Tractors Ploughs and Drainage Machines

2 Comments

Closer study of the photograph and reference to some more photographs submitted by Norman Sutherland indicate that this is almost certainly a Challenger 33 tractor. It must be assumed it is pulling a large deep penetrating plough or tine but the linkage to the back of the tractor is unusual as there does not appear to be any lifting system at the back and only a heavy draw bar is in view with grease bucket and fuel semi rotary pump above.
Can anyone help with identification of plough type and attachment method? Comment left on 24 November 2008 at 11:54 by Norman Davidson
The attachment on this tractor appears to me to be the Fowler heavy towing winch. Comment left on 01 December 2015 at 19:03 by Phil Davidson
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