Sandy Rose trialling an inter-row cultivator to control weed growth
The images are courtesy of Michael Lawrence of Bankfoot whose grandfather, Sandy Rose, was Forester and Head Forester at Ledmore Forest Nursery from 1950 (when land was acquired) until his retirement in 1969. In 1966 the nearby Strathord Forest was brought under his charge.
Many nursery tools and equipment were developed at Ledmore Nursery by Sandy Rose. Shortages of easily available seasonal labour and the introduction of tractors with sophisticated hydraulics and flexible three point linkages were strong drivers to increasingly mechanise nursery operations.
Here Sandy is on the seat of an inter row cultivator developed as an addition to a Ferguson tractor toolbar. Not clearly seen but tines drop down from the horizontal tool bar and are spaced in between each row of lined out trees. The tines may have had small scarifier heads fitted but that is unknown. The aim would be to rake the strip of soil between the lines of young trees and dislodge any weed growth.
The purpose of the long lever held by Sandy is unclear but may be for levering the tines a short distance sideways to align them perfectly in the middle of the planted rows as the tractor moves down the alley ways. This refinement may have been an attempt to reduce damage by the machine to the stems of the lined out trees.
A further two images have been found and added as a PDF below.
The tractor driver is Stewart Paterson.
Any comments very welcome.
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Groups: Forest Nurseries, Forestry Areas, Forestry in Action, Other Vehicles and Machines, Tools, equipment and clothing