ZOMBIE TRACTORS ! - BEACH OF THE LIVING DEAD !

[@TheRanger0ne]

I have an association with that particular Muir Hill 121 tractor going back 40 years. It was originally supplied by Tractamotors of Melton Mowbray in 1974/75. I was born & bred in Melton Mowbray and lived there until 1997. In 1982 when I was an Agricultural Mechanic for R.Cripps we took this particular tractor in p/x for an IH 1255. This Muir Hill was then sold to Richard Chandler Agricultural Contractor and after the service, prep and clean I welded 14 Bettinson lugs, 7 each to each side of each of the wheel rims making a total of 56 lugs I welded on to this wheel set. The pattern on each side of each rim was one master lug with two others at 120° arcs for cage wheels and 4 others welded at 72° arcs for dual wheels. In September 1983 I was then working for Scalford Tractors and this Muir Hill tractor was brought into us with a stuffed rear differential. Dick Barker the tractor workshop foreman was doing the repairs, but I was sent to over to Nelson Greens to strip out a S/H crown wheel, pinion, diff, half shafts and all the bearings, etc. Which I did from a scrap Muir Hill EX MOD military engineering loader-excavator. in 1987 when I was working for Burgess Farm Industries, Richard Chandler traded-in this Muir Hill on a two new tractors deal. A Fiatagri 90-90DT with A/c, 540/1000/ground speed PTO and 4 remote spools; 3 double acting and 1 single acting. All 4 were plumbed to the rear of the tractor but three ball valves and tee’s also redirected one double acting and the single act service to the front for a winter mounted snow plough (lift + left & right angle) the second tractor was a Fiatagri 70-90DT fitted with a Chillton MX Loader and I mounted the manual cable joystick on the left hand side of the cab, thus allowing right handed gear and range shifts whilst working the loader. The Muir Hill was driven by me the 15 miles or so to the Thistleton Tractor and Farm machinery auctions and that was the last I saw of it….. for a while! I moved to Norfolk in 2006 and in the past 2 years since retiring I have become a regular visitor to Cromer. I was last in Cromer on Thursday 25th of August with my 8-year-old Great Nephew and his two friends. We noticed this Muir Hill and I took down the serial number details, etc. and they matched those in my diaries. Did you notice the anomaly with the wheels & tyres? 16R38 on the fronts and 12R38 on the rears, but the rims and centres had been set out so both sets were the same outside overall widths. The rims & centres were also post 1983 GKN Sankey 8 stud X 8 bolt square dishes. Before 1983 the GKN Sankey wheels were 8 stud x 8 bolt octagon dishes. … so they are not the wheels I welded the lugs on for Richard Chandler. Please see my photos of this Muir Hill Tractor: facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159417867413387&set=a.10159041629578387

[@LordMuck]

That's fantastic ! Imagine seeing it again after all these years. They seem to fit those square dish rims to the Muir-Hills at Cromer. Maybe the originals are worth saving...

[@mitchp350]

Being a commercial fisherman myself for the last 45 years, I found it very interesting that they launch their boats from the beach, and then haul them back up. But probably the way they have been doing it for years, and have no other options in their area. I did see on one of the boats Gt Yarmouth, had a chuckle as I live in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. I can remember in my parents time and before that, pretty much all fishermen, were farmers as well. They had families to feed and money was not abundant at that time, so if you could fish and make a little, and farm to help feed, and sell a little, everything seemed to come together. It seemed as if it was a much happier time, not the jealousy that is so prevalent today.

[@ricksmowers5094]

It's such a shame to see them rotting away, I'm a fisherman myself and understand that they need them for launching and retrieving, but if they had somewhere to store they probably wouldn't be as bad

[@Joe62300]

It’s the salt

[@richardneale246]

I was born in Norfolk and have lived here all my life. I too feel sad when I visit Cromer to see the decay and rust of these old tractors. At least they are still doing the job they were built for, not rotting behind a barn. Great Vlog, thanks for giving Cromer a mention Lord Muck.

[@g0fvt]

I live near Caister, some very sad old beasts down by the lifeboat station. It is sad but it is not wanton destruction, just people trying to make a living. They are maintained and patched up but it is a losing battle.

[@comedyash]

I am actually quite sad for the TW20 but all these tractors are serving a most brave and noble last chapter to help the fisherman provide for themselves. Very intersting would like to see these tractors in person thank you for sharing.

[@michaelgunning347]

They better keep them going cos the new tractors in a few years , won’t last a week

[@pettsonochfindusdvd4787]

There is fisher here in Sweden that use a old volvo bm650 using it to launch his boat out and take it in he wash it off after evey use it to make sure that traktor doesn't Rust away is still looks like it when it was New just a Little bit Sun bleached now that traktors been there sense 1976 new

[@wezdarsit]

What a brilliant video such a treat to see those amazing tractors I know a lot will say they are wasted but they are someone’s living vital to survival they can’t all be hidden away wrapped in cotton wool in someways that’s nearly as bad thanks again for such a great look at these machines doing what they were built for 👍😊

[@dustymiller7758]

Great old tractors, shame they are going to rot away but they are keeping peoples livelihood going.

[@simonbreckerbohm]

Der arme 956 XL... Einfach schade drum. Und hier in Deutschland kann die inzwischen keiner mehr bezahlen.

[@willbrown4888]

The TW 20 and the 956 is almost criminal to leave it to the sea. 🚜

[@Scrapmantim]

Great vid as usual! Reminds me of Hastings beach. There the fisherman are now using Komatsu’s and Cats and the odd big Thwaits dumper. But in years gone by they were nearly all Track Marshalls. Cheers

[@neilporter3286]

That steep and shelved gravel beach reminds me of bracing winter walks from my then-home at Hemsby up to Winterton on Sea, where legs tired from walking on shifting gravel would be revitalised with a few pints of local ale in the Fisherman’s Return PH. We have some similarly poorly shrimpers tractors here on Southport beach, with some lovely (?) improvised features like mudguards fashioned of the uprights from Dexion shelving and plywood to replace the long-gone tinwork. So enjoyed this video that has links to periods of my life separated by almost 40 years - true nostalgia!

[@pauldaniels5259]

The TW20 is mine, the 956 was my brother's, which has now gone and been replaced with another Muir hill.

[@davida.p.9911]

If they could talk, they'd probably say....."Sure, I'm going to my death, but i served my time on the farm and now im living my later years. Im glad to have a second life" 🙂🚜

[@goujonhcr2889]

This hurts to watch the TW 20 Rotting away

[@jankotze1959]

Nice video of all the great old tractors

[@mikestewart2409]

Can’t believe the old majors are still on the beach😢

[@tdolan500]

I like an old clean tractor as much as the next guy but there’s something I love about seeing old machines serving out their final years like this. We don’t need a breeding pair, as long as there’s one perfect example somewhere I’m fine with it.

[@charleshart6992]

Excellent! Spending next week in North Norfolk, so will be visiting these tractors!!

[@jamesbarran-scott437]

The thing worth considering is that old metal will get hard to replace… simple, rugged tractors and crawlers as long lasting as those aren’t made anymore. I suspect the cost of a bi yearly waxoyl would be money well spent for the owners

[@gnaedigerfels]

they are still being made, the chinese and ex yugoslawia still makes em like the agromehanika tractors

[@tacomas9602]

That TW20, aw man

[@JonDingle]

Sad to see melod but as you say, bought fair and square to earn a living. To be honest l don't like crabs of any kind or shellfish. I am seem to recall seeing old tractors on trips to the beach. Quite sad to see the TW, 956 and Muirhill there. To save them from their peril would require more than money because you need a place, time and resources to fettle them. Very interesting stuff to see.

[@wyattoneable]

Rough tractors but great stories.

[@lyndonwebber1389]

I enjoyed that , something about old machinery, telling its own story 👍

[@jamesjohnson5640]

Hard to see them like that. But its also a testimate at just how well made they are, to keep running and working in that environment over the years until they just collapse. As you said, the fishermen need to make a living too. Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@johnthefarmer]

That was a tough watch! Christ, it's akin to visiting elderly friends/relatives in a care home...

[@LordMuck]

Hard to see when you know what's going to happen isn't it ?

[@AdzyRJT]

Great vid mucker. We were there looking at the poor old things just yesterday. At least they are still earning their keep and haven't been scrapped (yet). There's still some useful life in the old girls.

[@reaperhunter7297]

I'm just glad they're getting used instead of just sitting and rotting

[@benjaminthetabbyfox_83]

at least theyre not rotting in some rotting wooden barn in kansas forgotten and sad they may be old and rusty..but hey at least theyre working

[@Jasonsminiadventure]

As much as this was painful to watch coming from a bluecollar background I understand the necessity of it.

[@jamieshields9521]

Great story on Zombie tractors👍when I was kid n even now I love seen farm machinery wreckers yards, seen what tractor or combine is park up to be broken apart, everyone got story to tell. Unfortunately like those crawlers n combines that were few n far of them n rare once they are gone they are no more. I do wonder where the fisherman will get their next cheap crawlers from?

[@andrewduncan3194]

Lord Muck its crying shame to see so many classics rotting away it's just a pity they can't wash them down and store away from the weather ☹️

[@stevefarms7494]

It can't be cheap buying some of the tractors so with that said to protect the investment a gallon of paint will protect the tractor so it will last a lot longer

[@Doug_shaddock]

I used to walk past all those tractors as a boy every year sad to see them disintegrate like that,keep up the good work mucker 👍

[@claetuswoodroofe1854]

Thanks for showing the tractors I think morcame bay has similar tractors in the surf

[@mikebaldwin4220]

Being in the U S I’ve never seen those brands of crawler tractor,Thank you for showing them to us …..

[@jonperry4657]

Well mucker what an excellent video throughly enjoyed that I didn't know they ever used tracked machines certainly opened my eyes well done👌

[@pauldaniels5259]

As the owner of the TW20 ,i know its sad to see one on the beach here, but unfortunately the fordsons aren't big enough for my boat.

[@LordMuck]

Yes it's a big boat Paul. Are you able to slow the inevitable ? Some kind of rust prevention ?

[@pauldaniels5259]

I have some rust prevention stuff to paint on it when I can get it dry, spray a diesel an oil mix on a lot of it, but being a public beach l get a few complaints, also council don't even give us use of a tap or electric down there

[@LordMuck]

Have you tried ProLan from Withams ? Incredible stuff and also enviro-friendly

[@pauldaniels5259]

Will have a look, would like to try and keep this one going for a few years, had a 101 before this, that got stuck in reverse gear when I was being launched, you wouldn't believe they float.

[@pauldaniels5259]

@@LordMuck Thank you just ordered 5 litres,sounds like it will slow things down, when you come to Cromer again try to look me up,come for a trip to sea.

[@onelonleyfarmer]

I liked this one.

[@Mudsuitable]

Although its sad to see those old work horses in such a bad way I am happy to see them still being relied upon to keep food on the table for many people. Plus I'm sure they're loved and cherished by the ass kickers that run them and I bet those fishermen have that one or maybe two tractors that were their absolute favorite that they'll never forget and wish they still had. Thank You for this vid Sir!

[@astravanmk2]

Was here on holiday the other week admiring all the tractors. Instantly thought Lord Muck.

[@paulthompson8467]

Heart breaking to see how them old majors have ended up hope your wee dog enjoyed the beach👍

[@andrewmurton8379]

As a kid having the family holiday each year at West Runton I can remember the old Field Marshall’s being favoured, even today when I see one at a show or in a museum it brings back fantastic memory’s. I still love hearing one running with that big single cylinder engine thumping away, there’s no sound quite like it. Great video, thank you.

[@Ultra4115_]

It's so sad to see that Ford and many others but still so cool to know their workhorses and to see them work when most tractors with just a bit of surface rust goes to a scrap yeard, I don't think I would mind buying a beach tractor, their probably cheap to buy and super reliable

[@LordMuck]

They're probably rusted to fuck and everything is seized.

[@massiveretard176]

As someone who has a beach quad that we use for launching our boat… don’t buy anything that’s lived most of its recent life on a beach and in salt water. The salt destroys everything and just caused so much damage it’s not worth it.

[@briancronin8476]

That Tw 20 needs to be saved.. 😭

[@stephencowan6070]

Brilliant video kicker. I wonder if zinc nodes bolted in certain places would help to stall the corrosion. Maybe the only help when the tractor is constantly in salt water. We use them in our work on the nuclear power stations, we bolt them to the cooling water giant wheel bucket drum screens for filtering out seaweed, these drumscreens have really stood the test of time due to the protection from the anodes.

[@stephencowan6070]

Brilliant video mucker *

[@LordMuck]

😂

[@EssexFarmingPhotography]

Great video I saw a Ford 8210 slowly dissolving away in wales and there was a Ford 7810 that had just been left in the water after the harbour had been closed over night

[@zundappz4]

Hello mucker!! Here in Portugal we have a big extension of beaches so in lots of them they use the same way to put in or out the wather the boats or to pull the nets with fish from the sea. I find lots os masseys,fiats,fords david browns a f some of then with french plates for example!! I have fotographed the mist of all that i can find allong the years!! A few years ago a saw a ford county in one of those beaches, every year i go there to try to see it again and since that day i never saw it again, but i didn't gave up to find it..yet!!🤣 nice vid mucker!!

[@Rockport1911]

Ive been to the big beach south of Lisbon laszt year and could find some Masseys pulling boats back in, they where in good condition tho not rusty at all, the nicer weather down there sure helps alot :)

[@davesworkshop2714]

It's a sad sight. Ironic that a Fiat seems to handling it well!

[@singtracks]

Great video and pleased you're still putting norfolk on the map...not sad to see them at all .brings me a great big smile and happy memories every time.

[@billupstateny9151]

Salt air has always been brutal on sheet metal 🚜🇬🇧

[@gerrymclaughlin9532]

Oh dear that 956 would bring a tear to a glass eye and those Case’s aren’t far behind it for me, very interesting video 👌

[@AliMackMechanical]

Unfortunately the salt kills them but there still earning there keep. Pretty much what happens to them on the West coast of Scotland. Most of them them are still in use.👍

[@morganoflahertymachineryofirel]

There is a place called coromane near ne where they do the same on a smaller scale. Next thing the environmentalist will want to stop them because of the rust .

[@HMSHOOD1920]

I know salt water is bad for them, but you’d think the owners would take better care of the tractors.

[@LordMuck]

In fairness, for the facilities and the conditions, those fishermen probably do more to keep their tractors running than a lot of farmers would.

[@mrrooter3630]

It's not always a death sentence, a neighbour of bought a 165 last year that spent the last 20 years bringing in and letting out boats on the beach and he's after fully restoring it, now it did need a good few new bits including, wheels, spindles and a cab but now she's as good as new. Shame to see such rare machines left to the elements.

[@LordMuck]

That's good but the rust will probably return unfortunately. I've seen tractors blasted bare and repainted that had worked in water and the salt seems to get right in to them. I wonder if location (Atlantic, North Sea, English Channel etc) has an affect ? Is it possible some are worse than others as I've seen beach tractors in Wales but they seem to fare better ? It's good he saved the 165.

[@Rockport1911]

Poor carb fishers: Getting framed for murdering good used tractors. You cant save them all and unless they make tractors from plastic and stainless steel only this cycle will continue...

[@trevorthorp8]

My wife just got back from Cromer tonight (Sunday)with tractor photos shown on your vid . Thanks again for your work and views.

[@patkelly7999]

Great video Kurt and Puppo, I feel Your pain, but I get it, it is what it is👌👍🙏🙂

[@billyjoel747]

Really enjoyed this one mucker. You should do a “mucker tractor tour” series 👍🏻

[@kenmurray4232]

Good video. Shows just what the salt does to anything iron. With the amount of road salt that gets dumped on our highways in Ontario, Canada this was a common site for old cars and trucks. I used to buy the cheapest old beater just for the winter. If I got 2 winters I was money ahead. It is a shame to see so many go this way but they did give their all.

[@trevorpearson1832]

Another interesting video. Thanks.👍

[@daveadams4128]

Truly heart breaking, that TW20 for christ sake ATB Dave

[@mikejh321]

Great vid mukker love going round looking at all the old kit at some beaches still earning a crust

[@paulriggers1558]

if you go down late at night, i bet you can hear them sobbing

[@fenlandrob6203]

Thanks for that upsetting insight into were a lot of lovely old tractors end there working life, I don’t mind seeing the old majors but the other ones it was hard to see them. Fenland Rob

[@Jacksh12]

Just looked at the crawlers Friday very interesting Cheers Mucker 👍

[@46harry]

Good video and level headed outlook on the situation 👍. Been to Cromer plenty times myself and seen the majors, but can't say ive ever seen the crawlers down the beach, definitely have a look if im ever that way again

[@TheJamesandmary]

Before the Fordsons In the early 70s there was rows of Marshall's, can just remember being shown them as a little boy.

[@chox2001]

I often visit withernsea that’s the same tractor’s spending their last years upto the axels in salt water. 🙏

[@jonwright7394]

Love going to Cromer, hope you enjoyed your fish and chips, the tractors look sad but I do like seeing them there.

[@sillygarrett19]

I understand the fishermen need em but I wish they had a place to not only store them but to also wash them off of the salt water and that’s trusting that they’d care to wash em. Heck at least they could occasionally spray them with wd40 to slow down the rusting.

[@whitestream5233]

Interesting video , very sad to see some of those old tractors rusting away. I bet changing a wheel would be challenging. Those rusty nuts are bound to shear off .

[@gmartin8240]

Great video Mucker, it is a shame to see some of the tractors and crawlers . They all have to do a job , shame about the TW . Well done Mucker 🚜 🔧👍

[@mikeclifton7778]

I remember watching a documentary on the cocklers who work Morecambe bay, using old Fordsons, Nuffields etc. These machines were used to carry the crews and equipment right out across the sands and often they were lost to the soft, wet sand. I have attempted to find this film online to no avail. Excellent video as usual Mucker, nicely done.

[@belyear]

I completely understand those that are disappointed in the slow death of these tractors. I take a bit more controversial point of view - They are living out their working hours. There is no shame in running them into the ground.

[@Alfiepowers]

Its kind of sad to see them rot away like this i wish someone made a tractor just for fishermen so they dont get corroded

[@kevind3185]

Cow Manure is pretty bad for corrosion.

[@antlane365]

I think this video is the closest I will get to a holiday this year. Someone should make a stainless and plastic tractor.

[@rossmarkle1713]

Just the same it is rather sad to see the sad end of these machines

[@baroja5303]

seguramente funcionaran casi todos la falta detanta tecnologia los hace faciles deusar saludos muck

[@chox2001]

I think the problem with tractors Everyone love’s them but not many people can afford to keep one store it and look after it. Maybe if 2 or 3 enthusiasts get together and buy a tractor between them then more can be saved.

[@hedgehogjoe1605]

I could cry 😢 bout that 1594 and the TW

[@simonperry330]

Well Done something Different as Usual in the early 70`s I remember seeing Field Marshalls on boat duties. Time and Tide waits for No Man.

[@beyondnow1600]

I live on the coastline in Ireland and my local mechanic says about 60% of his costumers problems are rust related problems. We have good views by the sea but large mechanical bills ☹️

[@chrislovejoy8249]

Wot sad ending for them old tractors still another good video Mucker 🚜👍

[@dellhell8842]

A very interesting video. I've been told by a reputable KZbinr that a straight pipe works wonders on corrosion prevention on those old TWs. Some of those tractors including the TW20 are sort of immortalised in Google Maps.

[@LordMuck]

He also reckons it's good luck to touch a cat inappropriately

[@diddywright6165]

I live 10 minutes away from Cromer and have done all my life, seen a lot of tractors come and go over the years, hard to watch them sacrificed to the sea but those crab boys have to earn a living.

[@svernon7472]

Really enjoyed that video!I can remember watching the old stuff on the beaches on the east coast of Yorkshire as a child.cheers Mucker.

[@TheGingerGenius78]

Many crawlers and such in the Beaches in Hastings and Dungeness down south exactly as you describe it’s the tool that does the job ! Sad to see but fishing isn’t a high paying industry and like many they are trying to make a living and as such older machines are cost effective and keep running too !

[@jamessmith7691]

There's a product called fluid film. I put it on everything. Even hydraulic fittings last much longer. Always a good show !

[@stefanobio7045]

Thanks for posting this video mucker.....

[@ralphvelleca2499]

Over the pond always interesting 🤔

[@paulatkinson2849]

Such a shame to see all that history rusting away at least they are going out working just as they was made to do 👍

[@mikeduin8311]

That's what they are at the end of the day, working machines. But as someone who likes to see tractors is a bit of shame to see them in this shape. Nice video with some totally different tractor content! Hope you had a 99 together with those fish 'n chips! Cheers, Mike

[@fredharrowven1040]

Hi there me lord you well, It’s nice to see you in the Norfolk Area been down to Cromer a lot as I only live down the road and often take a look at the tractor’s like you say what is left of them. Well me lord you stay safe and well and take care of yourself. 🚜🚜⭐️⭐️

[@DJC995]

Nice One Kurt Thanks again

[@stuartbrazier2464]

Great video I'm surprised to see The Case and Ford Tw20 .Never seen crawlers being used at the seaside before