Scottish agricultural implement makers

Only a small number of the Scottish agricultural implement and machine makers exhibited at the Royal Show of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. When they did, they were exhibiting their most important implements and machines that would attract the English market. They also exhibited their most innovative ones. Sometimes they also entered them for the Society’s medals, the award of which was prestigious and could have a significant impact on the reputation of a maker.

In 1893 there were significant advances being made in the development of weighing machines and milking machines. Scottish makers such as Alex Wood & Sons, Glasgow, J. D. McJannet, Woodlands, Stirling, and Mr John Gray, Stranraer, took their manufactures to the show to enter them for awards and to get wider recognition for their manufactures. Other manufacturers also took their well-renowned implements and machines.

The Scotsman newspaper usually provided extensive accounts of the Scottish exhibitors to the Royal. It did so in 1893, providing a comprehensive review of their exhibits. This is what it wrote in its issue of 19 June 1893:

“At Chester

There are less than a dozen Scottish implement makers represented, but those who are forward make a very creditable appearance, considering the expense that is involved in the conveyance of a large collection of heavy implements. Taking the exhibitors from the north of the Tweed in the order in which they appear in the catalogue, the first stand is that of Messrs Alex Wood & Sons, Glasgow, who have an excellent display of those weighing machine for the manufacture of which they have gained a high reputation. Two of their machines are entered for the Society’s medals, one being the “Wynyard” cattle weighing machine. It has a strong iron pen with double leaf gates at each end, and a dial graduated from 3 ½ lb to 30 cwts, and constructed entirely on the lever principle. Another notable exhibit is what is called the “Smithfield” weighing machine for carts, cattle &c. It is fitted with an adjustable pen, which in about a minute can be altered for either carts or cattle. By a simple arrangement the side gates of the pen are merely folded back against the end gate, and the widest hay cart may then be drawn over the breadth of the weighing machine. Several other admirably contrived weighing machines are shown on this stand. Close by, Mr J. D. McJannet, Woodlands, Stirling, who has done so much to popularise the “block test” in Scotland, exhibits a weighbridge for carts and cattle, together with a cattle cage, both having the appearance of substantial workmanship and simplicity of construction.

Among a neat and useful collection of dairy utensils, Mr John Gray, Stranraer, shows Nicholson & Gray’s patent milking machine, which in 1891, when it was first exhibited at work in public, was awarded medals at the Royal Society’s Show at Doncaster, the Highland Society’s Show at Stirling, and the London Dairy Show. Since then some further improvements have been effected on the machine, and it is shown here in portable form, for small dairies, and arranged for two or four cows. The horn of which the teat-cups are made are now transparent, so that the person in charge may see the milk flowing into the can. An inflated tongue has also been inserted in the mouth of the cup to imitate, as near as possible, the action of the natural calf in sucking, and this ingenious arrangement pressing against the teat causes the cow to give her milk more freely. The degree of perfection to which this invention has now been brought would seem to give it a strong claim on the attention of dairy farmers in this country as well as abroad, where it has already been received with considerable favour. Messrs Carrick & Ritchie, Waverley Engineering Works, Edinburgh, show several of their well-known turbines, one of these being combined with a dynamo, and specially adapted for lighting country mansions, or for transmitting power to drive farm or other machinery situated at a distance from the water power.

Messrs John Wallace & Sons, Glasgow, show a number of American chilled ploughs, mowers and reapers, and potato diggers. Some useful implements are exhibited by Messrs Ben Reid & Co., Aberdeen, chief among them being a thrashing machine, fitted with shakers and blast, and having an elevator attached for bagging the grain. By an improved gearing the speed is got up inside the barn as well as outside, and an easier motion is secured. The other articles on this stand include drills, broadcast sowers, manure distributors, grubbers, and pumps. Mr William Elder, Berwick-on-Tweed, has, as usual, a varied assortment of implements of practical value on the farm. His broadcast sowing machine has the advantage of being able to go through ordinary gateways by having the box arranged on a swivel, so that it can be swung round without disconnecting the gearing. The seed-box has been enlarged, and is fitted with six divisions, so that the seed will not fall to the end of the box when sowing along hillsides. His turnip and mangold sower will sow eight different quantities of seed, and a regular and continuous delivery is obtained. There are about a score of other articles on the stand, and they are varied and well selected to meet the wants of farmers. Ayrshire is, as usual, well represented by Mr Thos Hunter, Maybole, with a highly meritorious collection of hoes, cultivators, grubbers, harrows, and root cleaners; and Messrs Alex Jack & Sons, from the same town, have also a neat display, including their “Caledonian Buckeye” mowers and reapers, their beautifully made farm carts, turnip and mangold drills, horse rakes, and an improved potato raiser with the gearing enclosed.”

Quite a display by all accounts!

The Scottish exhibitors at the Royal Show of the Royal Agricultural Society of England were always small in number, but included some of the major names. Indeed, attendance at the show says a lot about the stature and aspirations of these businesses. In 1912 when the show was at Doncaster a number of the Scottish makers attended to compete for the Society’s silver medals and to show their new innovations.

A short article published in The Scotsman of 2 July 1912 provides an illuminating account of the innovations that the Scottish makers were taking to the show as well as the names of the Scottish makers that attended:

“New Scottish implements

The display of implements presents the fullest degree that instructive variety which always characterises the Royal Showyard, and as an exposition of the mechanical aids to agriculture nothing better could be desired. The number of stands in this department is 442, the amount of shedding allotted being 13,538 feet, while there are numerous open-space exhibitors. Forty-seven machines and appliances of various sorts have been entered as “new implements” to compete for the Society’s silver medals. One of the new inventions comes from East Lothian, this being Mr David Wilson’s (East Linton) “Excelsior” potato raiser. This machine was exhibited at the Royal Highland Society’s trials, but while it was highly satisfactory in most respects, it could not work when the tops were there. To deal with the tops Mr Wilson has introduced cutters in each side of the drill, which it is claimed, will now overcome the difficulty experienced last season. The Agricultural Implement Company, Dundee, show two new implements. One is Mr W. M. Martin’s patent potato raiser. Manufactured in Perth, it consists of a revolving sieve containing internal worms, which take the earth containing the tubers from the adjustable share, and while conveying same backwards, riddle the potatoes from the soil, which are then delivered on the ground without being bruised or scattered. The other new implement by the same inventor is a haulm cutter for use when the haulm of potatoes require to be cut. It consists of revolving fan-like cutting blades, with guides for leading the haulms into the blades, and which throw aside the haulms when cut.

Among the other Scottish exhibitors who have stands are Messrs Kemp & Nicholson, Stirling; A. Jack & Sons, Maybole; J. Wallace & Sons, Glasgow; J. & R. Wallace, Castle Douglas; P. & R. Fleming, Glasgow; Marshall & Philp, Aberdeen; Barclay, Ross & Tough, Aberdeen; Carron Co., Stirlingshire; Alley & McLellan (Ltd), Glasgow; A. Pollock, Mauchline; George Sellar & Son, Huntly; W. Elder & Son (Ltd), Berwick: T. Hunter & Sons, Maybole; James Marshall, Aberdeen.”

How many of the names of the Scottish makers that attended do you recognise? Do you think they could be described as representing all that was great about agricultural implements and machines?

The Highland Show of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland in 1872 was held at Kelso. It exhibited the latest implements and machines as well as some of the bread-and-butter ones that were widespread. This was the first time that the show had been in the district since 1863. Since that time there had been some significant developments in the making of agricultural implements and machines, not only in terms of their breadth, but also in new makers and the extent of their manufactures.

What was being exhibited at the show? The Kelso Chronicle provided a systematic account of the different types of exhibits (normally accounts noted what each stallholder had on their stand). This is a helpful account for being able to compare makers and their manufactures. Here is what the newspaper observed at the show:

“Agricultural implements

The implements in the exhibition numbered 1777, which was not equal to the three previous years at Edinburgh, Dumfries, and Perth, but largely in excess of any former year, and 676 more than at the Kelso show in 1863. Of these, however, a large proportion could be only by courtesy called agricultural implements; but of standard cultivators of the soil there was an excellent display, and the implements and machines were in general well adapted for the district.

Steam cultivators

Steam ploughs and cultivators have the first claim to notice. At the last Kelso show, Messrs Howard alone exhibited steam cultivators, having on the ground a complete set of apparatus, with a three furrow steam plough, which was claimed as a new invention. On the present occasion, there is exhibited a working model of Fisken’s patent steam-cultivating tackle; while Messrs John Fowler & Co., shows many different articles, most of them connected with steam cultivation; and a steam plough, price, £100, is shown by G. W. Murray & Co., Banff Foundry, Banff.

Common ploughs are shown by many eminent makers from various parts of the country. Among the exhibitors are-Messrs Jack & Sons, Maybole; James D. Allan & Sons, Dunkeld; Thomas Brown, Edington, Chirnside; Thomas Gray, Uddingston; John Gregory, Westoe, South Shields; Law, Duncan & Co., Shettleston; Lewis & Co., Shrewsbury; G. W. Murray & CO., Banff; T. Pirie & Co., Kinmundy, Mintlaw, Aberdeen; Reid & Co., Aberdeen; G. Sellar & Son, Huntly, Aberdeen; Thomas Thompson, Stobswoodfoot, Hawick, whose ploughs have carried off the premiums at many a Border ploughing match; and David Young, Hassington, who shows in all six articles of excellent workmanship.

There is also a good display of double-furrow ploughs, exhibited by Messrs Jack & Sons; John Pringle & Co., Kelso; Andrew Shiel, Coldstream; Richard Bickerton & Sons, Berwick; John Gray; John Gregory; R. Hornsby & Sons, Grantham; A. & J. Main & Co., Glasgow; G. W. Murray & Co.,: John Murray, Kilmarnock, who claims to have made a new invention; Thomas Pirie & Co; Thomas Reid, Monkton, Ayrshire; George Sellar & Son, Huntly; and John Fowler & Co. Messrs George Sellar & Son lay claim to a radical improvement in respect of the style of the skifes or sheats, which are found to be the weak points in these implements, when they come in collision with stones. The exhibitors state that they have tried skifes made of flat wrought iron bars, of malleable cast iron and of cast steel castings, and all in a measure have failed. The improved skifes are made of T wrought iron, and these have given satisfaction both at home and in the colonies. For a plough specially adapted for taking one furrow up and two down hill by a single movement of a small lever, the ploughman can have single or double furrow at pleasure. The same makers show another novelty in the shape of a combined common and subsoil plough, which during the past year has been found to answer the purpose admirably. By the use of this single and subsoil plough a saving is made of one man and one horse. The subsoiling part can be separated at pleasure, leaving the common plough complete and entire. The subsoiling part can also be fitted to almost any plough at a trifling expense. The whole of these ploughs are of very superior workmanship. The double furrow plough, shown by Mr Reid, also claims to be a new invention, the improvement being that he has a lever to regulate the depth of the front wheel, and the same lever acts so as to turn the plough easily, and to carry it easily over stones or other obstructions.

The show of grubbers is not very large; but some useful articles of this kind are exhibited by Jack & Sons; Thomas Brown; John Gray; Thomas Hunter; Kemp, Murray & Nicholson; Law, Duncan & Co; Ben Reid & Co.; T. Pirie & Co.; James Scott, Tweedmouth; and John Smail, Huntershall, whose grubber-harrow is shown as a new invention. There is likewise a good display of drill-grubbers, for cultivating between the rows of drilled turnips.

Harrows are shown in considerable variety-among the exhibitors being Jack &S Ons; Lillie & Elder; Mackay & Fairbairn, Sciennes Place, Edinburgh; John Pringle & Co; Andrew Shiel; John Gray; William Gray, Wishaw; John Gregory; Thomas Hunter; Main & Co; Pirie & Co; and Reid & Co.

Mr David Young, Hassington, shows a Norwegian harrow, the only one on the ground. This is a most useful article for retentive soils, and produces a finer mould than a combined application of roller and harrow. The action of the Norwegian harrow is a combination of the light grubber, roller, and harrow.

Rollers, pressers, and clod-crushers are fairly represented, among which is an improved consolidating land-roller, 6 feet wide by 30 inches in diameter, with self-lubricating grease boxes, made by Jack & Sons; two very good articles by Lillie & Elder; and others shown by John Pringle & Co., Allan & Sons, Thomas Hunter, Kemp, Murray & Nicolson, and Main & Co.

Of turnip sowers nine specimens are shown-one of them exhibited by William C. Caverhill, Berwick on Tweed, but made by W. Sawney; a useful combined mangold and turnip sower, with improved feeding boxes, by Jack & Sons; another of excellent qualities by Kemp, Murray & Nicholson; and improved two-row turnip and mangold sowing machine, by Thomas Sheriff & Co, West Barns, Dunbar, and two excellent articles from William Storie, Lanton, Jedburgh-one of them with indicator for regulating the seed, and one a combined turnip and mangold sowing machine, with graduated regulator. They are all shown by Scotch makers except the first.

Drill grubbers, drill harrows, drill ploughs, drill rollers, horse hoes, &c, are shown in considerable variety and at very moderate prices, showing how much has been done to facilitate turnip culture and abridge mere manual labour.

Reaping and mowing machines

Reaping and mowing machines are represented in great abundance and variety, all the local and district makers being in strong force. Mr Walter A. Wood, of London, shows six different specimens of his lights and manageable implements, which are much admired. Machines by the same maker are shown by Hooper & Company, Kelso, who have also implements of the same class, made by Samuelston & Co, and Picksley, Sims, & Co. Jack & Sons show their patent Buckeye combined reaping and mowing machines, which have long held a good reputation. Messrs Lawson & Son, George VI Bridge, Edinburgh, show five different articles of this class, four of which claim to be new inventions. There is, first, the Superior “Screw” mower, made by the Superior Machine Company, Virginia; next the superior Screw Mower, with reaping attachments, made by the Superior Machine Company, Virginia; the Screw Mower, made by the Screw Mower Company, New York; and two combined screw mowers and reapers, all of which are entered as new inventions. Messrs Little & Elder, Berwick, have four different implements, three of which are entered as new inventions, and the fourth as a radical improvement. A one-horse reaper and mower is shown by Mackay & Fairbairn. Mr Mollison, Kelso, shows two patent double-speed combined reaping and mowing machines, a new invention, which is much admired. The well-known form of Picksley, Sims & Co., exhibits six different implements; and two manual and self-acting back-delivery reapers are shown by Allan & Sons. Bickerton & Sons have five implements, showing improvements on their well-known Buckeye, Junior, and Excelsior machines. Brigham & Co., have six implements, which have acquired a good reputation in the district; and Thomas Brown, Edington, has a reaper with improved self-adjusting stay. Mr Dum, Kelso, shows Wray’s excellent little machines, for which he has the agency in Kelso; and several good implements are shown by Mr John Doe, Errol. George Gillis, Haydon Bridge, shows a lot of good implements, as also does John Gregory, and Haughton & Thompson, Carlisle. Mr Andrew Hogarth, Kelso, shows his excellent machines “The Border Chief”, “Kelso Eclipse”, “Tweedside Reaper and Mower”, and “Little Wonder Reaper”. The other exhibitors are-R. Hornsby& Sons; Kemp, Murray & Nicholson; Law, Duncan & Co; Lewis & Co; Main & Co; William Mattison; G. W. Murray & Co; G. & W. Porteous; Reid & Co; James Scott; Edwin Sherwood; and Thomas Halliday.

Horse rakes are shown in large variety, of which Hooper & Company, Kelso, shows three-one of them a new invention by Howcroft & McGregor, made by Picksley, Sims & Co. Two good implements are shown by Andrew Shiel, Coldstream; and among the other exhibitors are Bickerton & Sons; Brighton & Co., Gibson & Tait; John Gregory; Haughton & Thompson; Kemp, Murray & Nicholson; Law, Duncan & Co; Main & Co.; G. W. Murray & Co.; G. & W. Porteous; Reid & Co; and Jas Scott.

Thrashing machines are exhibited by G. W. Murray & Co., Hornsby & Sons, Robey & Co. (Lincoln), and Williamson Brothers (Kendal).

Traction engines-eight horse power and six horse power-re shown by John Fowler & Co.

Rick stands are shown by Mackay & Fairbairn; Gibson & Tait; Thomas Pearson & Co; and Thomas Halliday. Rick covers for corn and hay are shown by Mackay & Fairbairn; and by Mr John Unite, whose covering has been practically tested at the show: the sheds having been covered with canvas by him.

Fanners for dressing corn are exhibited by Penny & Co., Lincoln; Main & Co; James Miller, Haddington; G. W. Murray & Co.; John Richardson. Carlisle; Haughton & Thompson; Kemp, Murray & Nicholson; Reid & Co.; and William Sawney; and corn screens were shown by Penney & Co., John Pringle & Co., and Main & Co.

Of turnip cutters, cake breakers, and other articles for preparing food for stock there is, of course, great variety, and many of the specimens are excellent.

Wire-work fencing, which has now reached great perfection, is in great excellent at the stands of Wm C. Caverhill; John Gray; Hooper & Co; Mackay & Fairbairn; John Pringle & Co.; Gibson & Tait; A. & J, Main & Co.; G. W. Murray & Co.; and Ben Reid & Co.

Messrs Henderson & Son, plumbers, Kelso, had an extensive stand, comprising many useful articles in connection with framing, especially in cattle feeding troughs. They have also the honour of supplying the ornamental bronze drinking fountain, for which they were awarded a medium silver medal.

Mr Sinton, Jedburgh, has a lot of above forty of his excellent churns, which have now taken the premium at many a show, and only last week secured further honours at the Royal Northern Society’s Show at Aberdeen. They are of excellent workmanship, and on a principle that combines efficient operation with easy working. Mr James Eastwood, Blackburn, exhibits a lot of churns of his own make, which have had a great success in this country and in Ireland. They are of a peculiar construction, and seem to be very useful articles.”

Do you recognise any of the names at the Show?

On 25 April 1914 the North British Agriculturist carried an article on haymaking machinery. It is worth quoting to see how that machinery has changed in the last century. It writes:

“The present spell of good weather has made all farmers busy, and it is surprising how rapidly the next two months will flit by, and the strenuous work of hay cutting and making occupies the farmer’s attention. In many cases the farmer is unprepared, and at the critical time he has arrears to make up in thinning his turnips, &c. This is especially the case when sowing has been delayed, as it was last year. Therefore, all the wet days that intervene between this and hay time should be utilised, at least in part, in making preparation for the approaching work. New machines are perhaps needed, and the old ones may need considerable renovation. It is far better to have everything ready a week before the time than be a matter of a few hours too late.

The hay-making machinery of the present day furnishes yet another example of the ingenuity which has been displayed in recent years in applying mechanics to the solution of the labour-saving problem. First and most important, comes the mowing machine, with which everyone is familiar. Care should be taken that the figers are all sound, and that the knife works without friction. Any faulty knives or those which show considerable signs of wear should be replaced. in fact, the whole machine should have a thorough overhauling, and the risk of breakdowns will be correspondingly small.

The small farmer will have little use for the other implements now so extensively used on large farms, excepting of course the horse rake. The swathe-turner, hay-tedder, hay-maker, &c, have however earned their places in the farm-steading equipment. The swathe-turner does away, to a great extent, with the necessity for thorough wedding, though in the practice prevalent in Scotland the swathes are both thoroughly turned and tended. By means of helically revolving prongs or blades the buttons of the swathes are lifted up from the ground and gradually pushed over, and in most cases two swathes are turned into the one windrow. In some machines three swathes are made into a row. The result is that the hay has a considerably increased chance of being better made. One great advantage is that the ground itself is left for the most part uncovered, and has thus a chance of thoroughly drying between the rows, which is conducive to the drying of the hay.

The hay maker and the hay tedder do away with any necessity for hand tossing in bad weather, though the former has often been accused of treating the hay badly. Preferably, the tedder should be used as it gives better results. In the making of the hay, however, in Scotland a rigorous use cannot be commended. The hard, dry, and sometimes over-ripe ryegrasses and clover are damaged, the former by having the stems ruthlessly broken, and much of the valuable clover seed is knocked on to the ground, as are also the fine leaved grasses. The wedding of the hay leaves it to the mercy of the weather, and also by covering the whole of the ground does not give the hay the advantage of drying winds, and reliance has to be placed on the power of the sun. If, however, the weather is muggy, and the hay still retains much of its sap, the weeding is certainly of the greatest advantage, as its action corresponds exactly to the hand tossing which is practised on similar occasions.

The first cycle of operations is completed by gathering all the hay into the rows prior to the making of the elementary rucks or ricks. The horse rake has now been resolved into a standard pattern, either self-acting or worked by the driver. The tines, which extend the whole distance between the two large ground wheels, are so shaped that on the lever being actuated the whole contents are discharged. each tine has a certain latitude, so that despite inequalities of the surface of the land, the tines scrape the soil or skim lightly at a little distance from it. A great improvement has been instituted in recent years by the introduction of the side-delivery rake, which gathers the hay into one long row and this militates against careless driving and inefficient working of the levers by a careless workman. It also is of much benefit in those years in which a heavy crop renders so frequent the tilting of the tines that the wear and tear on the machine is greatly increased. This difficulty is frequently encountered when the clover crop is beyond expectations, and when the conditions for thorough driving have not been of the best.

So, there are some elements that you will recognise, but others that have changed greatly as a result of changed husbandry practices and technologies.

A section of haymaking machinery in the last 100 years, exhibited at Fife Vintage Agricultural machinery Rally, June 2014.

In the 1880s and the early 1890s there were significant improvements in the development of haymaking implements and machines win the Scottish hay field. These were to have a profound impact on the work undertaken for many decades.

John Speir of Newton Farm, Newton, wrote an article on these developments which was published in the North British Agriculturist on 5 June 1889. It describes these recent improvements and their significance. They followed an earlier series of articles from 1886. The article is quoted at length:

“Near the close of the year 1886, I wrote you a series of articles under the above heading, in which were described the construction, use, and advantages of the rick lifter, outside stacking horse fork, and inside or shed horse fork, on the American principle. Then the rick-lifter was in use only in isolated farms in the west, but nowhere else; the American shed form was in use on at least two farms in Ayrshire; while the horse fork, for ordinary ricks, was, as far as I know, only used by myself. The advantages gained by the use of these apparatuses are so great that they are doubling or quadrupling every year in the vicinity of Glasgow, where alone the rick-lifters and forks are made, and in a few years, I have no doubt, they will become as common with us as they are on American farms. In the south-west the growth of timothy as a hay crop has very much increased of recent years, and the stacking of such long, tough hay on many farms was almost the most severe work of the year, and work, besides, which could only be undertaken by strong, able-bodied men. Since the introduction of the rick-lifter and horse fork, not only is the work very much lighter, but each man will secure three times the hay he did before. As several improvement have been made in these machines since I last wrote you on this subject, I thought I might do worse than draw attention to them, seeing the haying season will soon be on us, and farmers will be beginning to consider whether or not they should invest in any of these apparatuses. A new rick-lifting apparatus has also been introduced, which, I expect will be useful in many situations where the expense of the ordinary lifter would be grudged.

The rick-lifter, as far as its main features are concerned, still remains the same, strength being, however, added to parts which were founded to be weak, and weight taken off other places found to be too strong. The best improvement which has been made is in the hauling-on apparatus, the roller of which, in the best class of lifters, is now placed across the front of the platform, but lower than it, whereas it was formerly always placed above the level of the platform. In the old pattern, whenever a large rick had to be lifted, and was drawn anything more than the usual length forward, so as to get the load balanced, the hay became entangled in the roller, and was a serious source of trouble where large ricks, or one having very wide bottoms, were being removed. Now, however, owing to the lowness of the roller, the rick can be drawn forward right over the top of it without ever becoming jammed. Owing to this improvement, the platform can be made much shorter than formerly, and yet be able to accommodate a larger rick; while the whole apparatus, being reduced in size, is more handy and serviceable. Combined malleable and cast-iron wheels, of a light yet strong and neat pattern, are now used by one of the Glasgow makers in preference to the solid wooden wheels used by some makers and the wooden spoked ones used by others. Nearly all makers now use a self-locking apparatus, so that whenever the platform drops down on the shafts its mechanically locks itself, and a handle at the near side of the shafts enables the driver to at once relieve the catch and tip up the load. The pawl of the ratchet wheel is now generally made to work above the lever instead of under it, which, though a minor and simple improvement, is also a very important one.

The above alterations have all been thoroughly tried and have been found to be real improvements, whereas there are several others which have been made, but have not been long enough tested to class them as improvements, or simply alterations or novelties. The most important of these is probably the use of a horse for hauling on the rick, instead of the manual power at present generally in use. This is attained in one system by attaching to the end of the roller a light grooved pulley about 3 feet in diameter and 3 or 4 inches broad, with a curved groove round the face. The other arrangements of the rick-lifter are the same as formerly, only the lever and ratchet wheel are dispensed with, and the end of the shaft is made square, and on which the large grooved pulley is temporarily fixed. The lifter having been put in position, and the ropes or chains fixed as for manual power, a rope 20 yards long or so is wound the large pulley, which is then slipped on the square end of the haulage roller. A horse is now yoked to one end of the rope on the large pulley, and when power is applied to it the rope is unwound while the rick is being hauled on to the platform. The rick having been drawn on, the pulley is taken off, and the rope rewound on it, when it is ready to be used on another rick-lifter, if used on the field. The principal difficulty of this arrangement appears to lie in the enormous distance the horse is from his draught when the rope has been unwound one or two times the circumference of the pulley, which, to have power, must be made large, otherwise the horse will be unable to haul the rick on. An improved modification of this arrangement is likely, however, to be tested this summer.

Another arrangement which has been tried consists of two sets of double pulleys, one set on each side of the rick-lifter. The rick-lifter having been placed in position, one block on each side is fixed to be a strong staple at the front of the platform. Both sets of blocks are then drawn as far asunder as possible, and connected by a short, stout rope behind the rick. The rope of each pair of blocks is then fixed to a plough tree, to which a horse is yoked, and the blocks, when drawn together, pull on the rick. Several ricks of from 15 to 16 cwt were loaded in this manner; but this system suffered the same as the one already described, in the horse being too far away from the load, and the hay at times blocking up the ropes in the pulleys. It had, therefore, to be discontinued, as being no improvement on the hand-lever presently in use. Another arrangement of pulleys has also been proposed, but as yet has not been practically tested the idea only existing in model. Models, however, are proverbial for working much better than full-grown machines.

In the present pattern of rick-lifter, all the levers work up and down like a pump handle. One maker has, however, made a change in this, and adopted a horizontal motion, similar to that of a ship captain. In this case the lever is also lengthened and the power increased, but as it has not yet been thoroughly tested, I am not prepared to say whether or not its adoption will be an improvement. A new style of rick-lifter was last summer made and exhaustively tried and found satisfactorily, a description of which I will reserve for another paper, as full details of it would make this one too long.

What a massive change to the hay field!

Most of the accounts of the Highland show provide an overall account of what implements and machines were on display throughout the implement yard and the motion yard.

A small number of accounts published in newspapers in north-east Scotland wrote articles on the show from a north-eastern perspective. These drew attention to the makers from the north-east that were exhibiting their manufactures at the show. This not only showed what they were exhibiting but also what the north eastern makers were contributing to the show. For agriculturists, it could also provide them with information on what their local makers were making and who they could purchase items from.

Banffshire journal and general advertiser provided one such account in its pages on 24 July 1877. It was a lengthy and detailed account and provides invaluable information on what makers in the region were making and exhibiting. It is quoted at length:

“Implements

The implement yard of the Highland Society always affords scope for a day’s pleasure and instruction, even although as on this occasion there are few novelties of invention. To-day the stands are mostly in complete order, and the heavy machinery in readiness for being put in motion. The number of heavy engines and machines for motion are fewer than they need to be at southern exhibitions. Many are devoted to various implements of husbandry, and among these some of the most attractive are from the northern counties.

Banff is worthily represented by the products of the Foundry of Messrs G. W. Murray & Co. They have one of the largest stands in the yard, no. 130, of 200 feet in length, and display thirty-three different machines and implements. The greatest novelty is perhaps the patent one way plough, which is now ranking as a marked success for use on the farm. They have various specimens of single and double furrow ploughs, thrashing machines, including the successful “Tiny” thrasher, chain pumps, oilcake mills, and various reapers by Hornsby and Wood. Messrs Murray have also a stand of machinery in motion, very much like that which attracted so much attention at Aberdeen last year. Another Banff exhibitor is Mr Francis Murison, Itlaw, the inventor and patentee of the one way plough and combined drill plough, which he shows along with a turnip lifter and drill harrow combined.

The county of Aberdeen is also well represented in the implement yard. Messrs Sellar & Son of Huntly show as usual a selection of ploughs most highly finished. They have samples of the digger or cultivator with two and three breasts, invented by Mr J. W. Barclay, MP; various patent harrows invented by Mr R. Sellar, and grubbers and drill scufflers. Messrs Craig & Clark, Oldmeldrum, have brought prominently forward in connection with their circular-framed grubber or scarifier a combined cultivator and digger which has been tested in Aberdeenshire with complete success, and has been rewarded with the gold medal of the Royal English Society. Several Peterhead firms exhibit. Messrs Mitchell & Son have in one stand under cover the patent farm yard manure distributor, invented by Mr John Fraser. In an open stand they display Pirie’s ploughs, sowing machines and reapers. Mr Jas Simpson, Peterhead, exhibits a broadcast sowing machine.

The city of Aberdeen has several representatives in the implement department. The chief of these are Messrs B. Reid & Co., who in a large stand (130 feet) show various drill and broadcast sowers, of which they are patentees and makers, horse rakes, hand thrashing machines, reapers by various inventors, and besides general agricultural implements, a selection of wire work. Messrs Harper & Co., Aberdeen, have a stand with wire foot bridge, and wire bowers, with iron columns. Messrs Davidson, Aberdeen, have a stand with seven specimens of springed vehicles.

The city of Aberdeen has several representatives in the implement department. The chief of these are Messrs B. Reid & Co., who in a large stand (130 feet) show various drill and broadcast sowers, of which they are patentees and makers, horse rakes, hand thrashing machines, reapers by various inventors, and besides general agricultural implements, a selection of wire work. Messrs Harper & Co., Aberdeen, have a stand with wire foot bridge, and wire bowers, with iron columns. Messrs Davidson, Aberdeen, have a stand with seven specimens of springed vehicles.

From Morayshire there is exhibited by Messrs Munro, Forres, a turnip lifter invented by Mr John Munro. A turnip topping and tailing machine is also shown by Mr Duncan Rose, Academy Street, Inverness.

One of the greatest objects of interest in the implement yard is the apparatus of binding sheaves attached to the reaper of Wood & Co. That firm have a large stand in the centre of the show. The implement with binding gear is placed in a conspicuous position, and should be seen by every visitor to the show.”

Quite a varied display from makers in the north-east of Scotland.

The tractor trials of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland in October 1922

In October 1922 the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland conducted trials of farm tractors and tractor implements at Fordel, Dalkeith. These were important, following on from earlier trials in 1917. These trials were widely reported in the newspaper press and in the Society’s own Transactions.

The following are two accounts of these important trials. The first is from the Aberdeen press and journal of 19 October 1922:

“Tractor trials

Satisfactory work at Dalkeith

(from our own correspondent)

Yesterday the Highland and Agricultural Society continued their demonstration at Fordel, Dalkeith of tractors and tractor implements. The numbers forward surpassed those at the opening proceedings.

Two Fordson tractors operated lots no. 1 and 9 respectively. To both were affixed two furrow Oliver no. 7 ploughs, specially constructed at the instigation of Mr Henry Ford to suit the Fordson tractor. The same shares were used on the previous day on the stubble break, and with disc coulters the work accomplished was deemed highly satisfactory. The furrows were ploughed to a depth of 6 ¾ ins by 10 in wide, clearly taken out, and the green well turned down. Three Case tractors were prominent. The new design. No. 3, with a three-furrow Ransome plough, did admirable work, the feature being the uniformity of the furrows and the compactness in turning. Lot no. 18 was operated on by their 10-18 bhp Modeae, in conjunction with a two-furrow Massey-Harris plough. Here the furrows were turned to a depth of 7 in by 10 in wide, compactly laid over, well taken out, and the work was recognised as being in the front rank. Their heavy tractor A, 15 to 27 bhp, was working a three-furrow Cockshut plough, and the work was fairly good.

Two 25 hp Glasgow tractors stood their tests remarkably. To one was attached a three-furrow Oliver plough with specially-designed Morton mould boards, lea socks, and disc coulters. Furrows 10 in wide by 7 in deep were beautifully turned and well taken out.

The New Morton two-furrow was one of the best in the field, and the work accomplished evinced entire satisfaction. The furrows, 10 inches by 7 inches deep, were turned with commendable precision. Three Hart-Parr tractors were in operation. To one was attached a three-furrow Martin, the work of which did not meet with approval. To counteract this, on lot no. 4 their design with a Sellar two-furrow no. 27 attached, the deficiency was more than made good. A self-lift Begg plough did good work. An Austin with a two-furrow Ransome plough turned a regular, well-set-up furrow. The plough known as R.S.L.D. and is fitted with the new R.N.D. mould board. The International Junior was represented on three lots, their best ploughing been done by a two furrow Sellar attachment.

The British Wallis, with a Ruston-Hornsby three-furrow plough, scarcely maintained its high reputation of the previous day. The furrows were 7 inches deep by 8 ½ inches wide, but were not too closely packed. Two Cletrac tractors, with two-furrow Ransome plough, did fairly satisfactory work, while a 20-hp Blackstone tractor, with three-furrow Howard attachment, was deemed unsatisfactory. Two Simar rotary tillers again operated on the stubble field. The heavy weight, a 28 cwt or 25 bhp machine, had a large following, while their lighter-weight, a 7 cwt design of 8 bhp. Is most suitable for market gardeners.”

The second account was published in The Scotsman of 3 February 1923. In essence it is a summary of the account published by the Highland Society in its Transactions:

“Farm tractors and implements

Midlothian demonstration

Highland Society’s report

The directors if the Highland and Agricultural Society issued yesterday a volume on the demonstration of farm tractors and tractor implements, which was held, under their auspices, at Fordel, Dalkeith, in October. It contains a description of the tractors and the implements by Professor R. Stanfield, consulting engineer, and reports by the Committee.

Tractors

The Committee, in their general observations, record their appreciation of the marked advance which has taken place in tractor construction since the Society’s last demonstration in 1917. They note with satisfaction that many of the suggestions embodied in the report on that demonstration have now been given effect to. This is probably nowhere more noticeable than in regard to weight, the limit of 40 cwt set by the Society being found to exclude very few of the tractors at present in use in this country.

With regard to horse-power, and considering the work which a tractor is required to do on the farm, the Committee are of opinion that a minimum of 25 bhp is desirable. In arriving at this decision, the Committee have in view the fact that the tractor must have sufficient power, not only to draw a three furrow plough under ordinary conditions, but also to pull a cultivator to a proper depth, and taking a width at least equal to the full over-all width of the tractor.

The Committee’s former recommendation regarding the use of spuds, rectangular in section and about 3 ins to 4 ins in width, and from 4 ins to 5 ins in length, is now very generally adopted. There is a marked improvement in the accessibility oof the working parts, and, in most cases, in their protection from the effects of exposure to weather and the entrance of grit.

There is no advance to record in the adoption of spring connections and release devices between the tractor and plough. The use of a wooden peg, which shears through under excessive strain, appears to be the most popular method of release.

The use of an adjustable hitch, fitted either to the tractor or the implements, is now widely adopted with advantage.

It was noticeable that the tractors demonstrated were provided with. A variety of speeds suitable for the different operations which they are called upon to perform.

Practically all the tractors were easily manipulated and turned at the headlands, a 24 feet headland being found sufficient. Some of them could be turned in considerably less. Those tractors having a driving wheel in the furrow are more easily steered, and appear to obtain a better grip.

All the tractors appeared capable of being used with any implement as a one-man outfit.

Ploughs

In regard to ploughs, a distinct advantage since the last trial has also to be noted. Much good work was performed. All ploughs are now fitted with a self-lift arrangement. Many of them are also provided with an efficient means of adjustment to different widths and depths. In view of the varying conditions of soil in Scotland and the variety of work to be undertaken, a plough that is not adjustable must be regarded as being unsuitable. There is still room for improvement in this respect, not only in providing means of adjustment, but in the ease and rapidity with which adjustment may be effected. In this connection it may be noted that a tractor plough, taking 2 or 3 furrows, requires more adjustment than a horse plough.

The ploughs were mostly fitted with revolving discs and skim coulters. It was noticeable, however, that not one of these was capable of effectively paring the turf from the edge of the furrow slice and laying it in the furrow bottom in such a way as not to interfere with the proper packing of the ploughing. In most cases the skimmed portion was merely folded over, and left in such a position that the furrows could not be compactly put together.

Sub soiling ploughs

The committee were impressed with the work done by the ploughs with subsoil attachments, and consider that this is a type of implement which farmers might adopt more extensively with advantage, especially where land has been continuously ploughed for a long period with plain bottomed ploughs.

This method of sub-soiling, where the subsoil is broken up but left in position, can have no disadvantage, and should be highly beneficial in improving the drainage and in mitigating the evil effects of excessive drought.

Grubbers and cultivators

The grubbers and cultivators were demonstrated on a field of unbroken stubble. It was originally intended to show them cultivating across the ploughed land, but this was abandoned in deference to the wishes of the framer, who thought it would be a mistake to cultivate a field so well ploughed at this season of the year.

The work done on the stubble field was creditable to the various implements. For deep work on unbroken or hard land the demonstration showed that a grubber is more suitable than a cultivator. The cultivators shown, however, should be extremely useful for medium or lighter soils.

In selecting a cultivator, it is desirable to see that there is ample clearance not only between the tines, but also between the frame and the surface of the cultivated land. It would be an advantage if grubbers and cultivators were of sufficient width to cover the track of the tractor.

As grubbers and cultivators are mostly required for spring cultivation, a demonstration in autumn does not provide a satisfactory test of their capabilities.

Harrows

The harrows also were demonstrated under unsuitable conditions, these being, of course, mainly implements for spring cultivation. The capabilities of the disc and spring tooth harrows are well known, and used with tractors they can perform much useful work. Various ingenious self-lift harrows were shown, and doubtless the self-cleaning devices embodied in these will prove to be serviceable when operating on dirty land. “

The full account can be read at: https://archive.rhass.org.uk/…/transactions-of…/604035

It is interesting, when reading these articles, to see how far tractors have developed in the last century.

Who were the early dealers of Fordson tractors in Scotland? 

By 1922 there was already an extensive network of dealers of Fordson tractors in Scotland. These were found throughout Scotland, but especially in the eastern counties where the largest extent of cultivated land. A number of them were already agents for agricultural implements and machines while others sold cars or were motor garages with experience of working with motor engines. For example, The Harper Motor Company described itself as Ford Motor Car dealers in 1920. Henry Alexander & Co., described itself as a motor engineer and garage. Harry K. Brown, was at Crown Garage, and a motor garage. Thomas Fairgrieve & Sons, described themselves as millwrights and engineers in 1925. 

In the early 1920s authorised agents for sales and service included:

The Harper Motor Co., Ltd, Holburn Junction, Aberdeen 
J. Harper & Sons, Blairgowrie 
Frew & Company Ltd, The Fordson Service Depot, Princes Street, Perth 
A McKercher, automobile engineer, The Ford Service Depot, Aberfeldy 
Henderson Bros, service dealers, Stirling and Auchterarder 
Thos Cuthbert & Son, Ward Road, Dundee 
A Simpson & Son, authorised Ford dealers, Commerce Street, Montrose 
H. K. Brown, authorised Ford and Fordson dealer, Raith Motor Works, Nicol Street, Kirkcaldy 

Alexander & Co., Nottingham Place (off Leith Street), Edinburgh 
Henry Alexander &Co., authorised Ford and Fordson dealers, Nottingham Place (off Leith Street), Edinburgh, and at Station Road, Peebles 
Forrest & Scott, Carluke Motor Garage 
James Martin Limited, Kirkintilloch 
J. & D. Waddell, 16 Kingston Road, Kilsyth 
D. R. Gordon, authorised Ford dealer, Bathgate 
Thomas Fairgrieve & Sons, authorised Ford dealers, Stow 
The Border Motor Co., Galashiels 
Croall & Croall, Tower Garage, Hawick 
T. Fairgrieve & Sons, Stow 
W. R. Tullock & Son, authorised Ford & Fordson dealers, Ayre Garage, Kirkwall
William Dunnet, Son & Coy, Thurso

How many of these names do you recollect as Fordson and Ford tractor dealers in later years?

A number of Scottish agricultural implement and machine makers made their way to England to work in the industry. Some of them like David Greig, Harvieston, Kincardineshire, played important roles in major companies such as John Fowler & Co (Leeds) Ltd. Another major figure was Alexander McGregor of Keith, Banffshire.

The Banffshire journal and general advertiser of 14 September 1909 sets out Alexander MacGregor’s story through its obituary. It is quoted at length:

“Death of successful son of Keith The late Mr Alexander McGregor, agricultural engineerMany friends in the North, and a large number of the farming community throughout the country will hear with regret of the death of Mr Alex McGregor, of Messrs Harrison, McGregor & Co., Albion Iron Works, Leigh. Lancashire. Which took place on Tuesday morning. Mr McGregor was in his 74th year. He had been more or less an invalid since he had a paralytic seizure fifteen years ago last Christmas eve, but that did not prevent him paving regular visits to the Albion works until a more recent date, when his health became worse.Mr McGregor was born in Keith on December 3, 1836, and was seventh son of the late Mr Peter McGregor. Born in humble surroundings, he attended the Keith School, but it was not until he commenced work as a youth that he began to show traces of that inventive genius which was to serve him in such good stead later in life. When a comparatively young man, he invented the adjustable and expanding breast ridging plough, which was such a great advance upon the ordinary plough that, he had taken the precaution of patenting it, he would have made a fortune out of it. He was brought up in his father’s business, and became a partner in the firm of Messrs McGregor & Son, blacksmiths and general engineers, mid Street, Keith. The business was sold in 1866 to Messrs Auchinachie & Simpson, and, leaving Keith, Mr McGregor entered into partnership with Mr Humphries at Aberdeen, and they commenced business as plough makers, agricultural implement manufacturers, millwrights and engineers. A disolution of partnership took place, and both Mr McGregor and Mr Humphries migrated to England, where their talents were afforded fuller scope. For some little time Mr McGregor was with Messrs Ransome, the well-known agricultural machinists of Ipswich, but subsequently went to work for Messrs J. & F. Howard, agricultural implement makers of Bedford, where his late partner, Mr Humphries, occupied a position of the manager of a department. It was whilst Mr McGregor was with Messrs Howard that he attracted the notice of Mr Reuben Sims, the then managing director of Messrs Picksley, Sims, & Company, Butts Foundry. Mr Sims offered Mr McGregor good terms to go to Leigh and superintended the manufacture of rakes and other agricultural implements. Mr McGregor accepted the offer, and went to Leigh in the spring of 1867.

That was the stepping stone to a career that was destined to have a great effect upon Mr McGregor’s future, and upon the history of the Lancashire town of Leigh. For about six years he faithfully served Messrs Picksley, Sims & Co., as a foreman. At that time the firm had a small place in Albion Street, which was chiefly used as a warehouse. Mr McGregor, the late Mr Henry Harrison, father of the present Mayor of Leigh, and of Mr T. D. Harrison, the general manager of the Albion Ironworks, resolved to start in business on their own account, along with Mr George Rich. Negotiations were opened with Pickley, Sims & Co., and in February, 1873, that firm sold the three enterprising gentlemen the Albion Foundry. The firm of Messrs Harrison, McGregor & Co., gradually built up a splendid name. The improvements made in mowing and reaping machines and other agricultural implements were so excellent that from a small beginning with about fifty workpeople they increased in leaps and bounds until they became a firm of world-wide repute. Mr Alexander McGregor exercised his inventive genius to the full on behalf of his own firm, and among agriculturists his name became a household word, his fame and that of the firm extending throughout Europe and America. In America, France, and Germany the firm built up a great reputation, the present Mayor of Leigh contributing largely to its success, while his elder brother, Mr T. D. Harrison, also did splendid work on behalf of the firm. The Company were also singularly fortunate in securing as the works manager Mr McGregor’s younger brother Robert, a man of great skill and untiring perseverance. Leigh owes a great deal to the Albion Ironworks, for from employing about 50 men in 1873, it increased so largely that upwards of 1200 hands are employed, the firm being probably the largest manufacturers of agricultural machines in Great Britain. So successful was the Albion Ironworks that the older firm of Messrs Picksley, Sims & Co., could not compete with the new rival, and gradually sank out of existence, the works being closed some years ago and the bulk of the work-people securing employment at the Albion. When in December 1891 the firm of Messrs Harrison, McGregor & Company was converted into a Limited Liability Company, Mr Alexander McGregor was appointed managing director, and held that position until his death. Mr McGregor was twice married. His first wife was Miss Anna Foxcroft, of Leigh, who died about 35 years ago, leaving one son, Alexander, who is now in Canada. His second wife, who survives him, was Miss Emma Murray, of Manchester, and their children are Frank, Peter, William, Minnie, Bessie, Eleanor, and Constance.

As to his general characteristics Mr McGregor was not only an eminently practical man, but he was blessed with great foresight and tenacity of purpose. He had the faculty of commanding the admiration of his workpeople, and they worked untiringly, knowing that Mr McGregor would thoroughly appreciate what they did. In his younger days he was a most energetic walker, and his mind was centred in his business. He had few sporting instincts. His greatest happiness was in developing his works. Politics he did not care for, and he eschewed the, as far as possible. Several high honours would have been conferred upon him had he cared to accept them, but his inclination did not lie in that direction. For a great many years he was a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. Genial and generous to a degree, with a courtly and kindly disposition, he made many staunch friends, and he had no sturdier backers than his own workpeople, who recognised and fully appreciated his genius. He is dead, but his work will live after him, and the town of Leigh will never be able to pay the debt of gratitude it owes to him.

The funeral took place at the Leigh Cemetery on Thursday. The deceased’s late residence is not far from the cemetery, and consequently the demonstration of respect that would have been shown in the town had the cartage passed through the chief streets, were not possible. However, the flag at the Liberal Club was at half-mast. The floral tributes were very numerous, and at the funeral there was a large company of mourners.”

Quite a man!

n 1914 Barclay, Ross & Tough conducted its business from Balmoral Buildings, 67-71 Green, Aberdeen, and at Craigshaw, Aberdeen. It was two addresses that became closely known with its successor Barclay, Ross & Hutchison Ltd in 1920. 

The business continued in operation until 1 July 1929 when it was taken over by Scottish Agricultural Industries Ltd. In 1933 it advertised in the North British Agriculturist as Barclay, Ross & Hutchison Ltd, associated with Scottish Agricultural Industries Ltd”. In that year it exhibited at the Highland Show the “S.A.I. chemical dresser for all seeds”. 

One of the founding figures of the business was Robert R. Ross. He continued to be associated with the business until he retired on 1 July 1929. The Aberdeen evening express, provides an account of his work in an obituary of 22 May 1940. It is worth quoting at length: 

“Late Mr R. R. Ross
Agriculturists and business men throughout the North of Scotland will learn with regret of the death yesterday, at his residence in Hardgate, of Mr Robert R. Ross, a member of the firm of Messrs Barclay, Ross, and Hutchison, seedsman, and implement makers, Aberdeen. Mr Ross was eighty years of age.
Mr Ross was for many years secretary of the Royal Northern Agricultural Society. In that capacity he helped greatly to increase the membership, and in several directions he was responsible for widening the usefulness and influence of the Society. 
A man of tremendous energy and initiative, Mr Ross played an important part in the development of the agricultural industry in the North-east. 
His firm was kept invariably in the forefront in producing up-to-date machinery and other labour-saving equipment necessary for successful farming. 

Mr Ross joined, in the closing year of last century, the firm established by Mr Morrison Barclay in 1871. He retired from business eleven years ago when the firm was taken over by the Scottish Agricultural Industries Ltd. He, however, remained a director of the company up to the time of his death. 
Courteous, genial, and obliging, he enjoyed a great popularity.
When a young man Mr Ross was a member of the Aberdeen Rifle Volunteers and attended the Wet Review in 1881. He was a member of the Aberdeen Wet Review Veterans’ Association. 

Mr Ross is survived by two daughters and by one son, who is in New Zealand. Two of his sons were killed in the last war.”