Australia has a small but dedicated group of private collectors who preserve tractors that shaped the country’s farming history.
Ron Dehne
Location: Victoria, Australia.
Approx. size: Over 130 tractors.
Focus: Ford and Fordson tractors (1920s–1990s).
Years active: Since the 1970s.
Background: Retired mechanic; recognized as Australia’s top Ford tractor collector.
Highlights:
- Owns what is believed to be the largest private Ford tractor collection in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Includes rare early models such as 1919 Fordson F and limited-run Ford 8N industrial versions.
- His collection is open to visitors by appointment and has been featured in ABC News and Farm Collector.
- Each tractor is restored to running condition; many retain original decals and implements.
Public activity: Provides machines for vintage field days and educational events.
Kevin Slattery
Location: Temora, New South Wales.
Approx. size: 80+ tractors.
Focus: Chamberlain and Australian-built makes.
Years active: Since the 1980s.
Background: Co-founder of the Chamberlain 9G Tractor Club of Australia.
Highlights:
- Owns multiple versions of the Australian-built Chamberlain 9G, Champion, and Super 70 tractors.
- Restores tractors himself and supplies machines for demonstrations at Tractor Pull Temora and Riverina Vintage Rally.
- Featured by The Land and Temora Independent for helping preserve domestic tractor manufacturing history.
Public activity: Long-time volunteer at Temora Rural Museum and mentor to younger restorers.
Ken Brinsden
Location: Toodyay, Western Australia.
Approx. size: 60–70 tractors.
Focus: Chamberlain, John Deere, and Caterpillar crawlers.
Years active: Since early 1990s.
Background: Mining engineer and agribusiness investor with deep roots in WA farming.
Highlights:
- Founder and funder of the Chamberlain 40K preservation project, displaying the prototype tractor built in Perth in the 1940s.
- Collection includes rare Chamberlain Champion 6 and Deere 4020 models adapted for WA farms.
- Works closely with the Tractor Museum of Western Australia for restoration and display.
Public activity: Supporter of Whiteman Park’s heritage program.
Ross Hardman
Location: York, Western Australia.
Approx. size: 40 tractors plus engines and stationary machinery.
Focus: Early International Harvester and Sunshine Harvester Company models.
Years active: Since the late 1970s.
Background: Farmer and restorer; active member of Avon Valley Vintage Machinery Association.
Highlights:
- Known for meticulous restorations of pre-war International 10-20 and Farmall Regular tractors.
- His workshop was featured in Farm Weekly and York Community News for keeping machines in working order.
- Supplies tractors for field demos at the York Heritage Steam Festival.
Public activity: Runs hands-on workshops for vintage-machinery apprentices.
Ray Maynard
Location: Gunnedah, New South Wales.
Approx. size: 35–40 tractors.
Focus: Australian and British tractors (Ferguson, Nuffield, Field Marshal).
Years active: Since early 1980s.
Background: Farmer and founding member of the Vintage Machinery Club of Gunnedah.
Highlights:
- His Field Marshal Series 2 and Nuffield Universal 4 are among the most photographed tractors at the AgQuip Field Days.
- Several of his tractors remain unrestored but operational.
- The collection has been documented in The Northern Daily Leader and local museum archives.
Public activity: Displays annually at AgQuip and North West Vintage Machinery Rally.
Peter Houghton
Location: Queensland (Toowoomba region).
Approx. size: 25–30 tractors.
Focus: Ferguson, Massey Ferguson, and International Harvester.
Years active: Since 1990s.
Background: Agricultural engineer, collector, and restorer known for accuracy of rebuilds.
Highlights:
- Runs a small private display space featuring restored Ferguson TEA-20s and Massey Ferguson 35s.
- Featured on ABC Rural (2022) for demonstrating vintage tillage using restored implements.
Public activity: Regular contributor to Queensland Heritage Rally.
Colin Pethick
Location: South Australia (near Mount Barker).
Approx. size: 20+ tractors.
Focus: Australian-made models including Chamberlain and McDonald.
Years active: Since 1980s.
Background: Retired farmer and founding member of Power of the Past Mount Barker show.
Highlights:
- Known for restoring rare McDonald Imperial Super Diesel tractors.
- Featured by The Advertiser (SA) for his role in the event’s long-term success.
- Maintains several original engines still used for field demonstrations.
Public activity: Active exhibitor and volunteer mechanic at regional heritage events.
