The Ferguson Tractor Project: A Tale of Unexpected Engines and History!

Kylie’s, creative heart, needed a tractor. Not just any tractor, mind you, but a sculpture for the upcoming Price tractor pull – a grand old beast she could douse in glorious pink to advertise the event. The catch? It couldn't run. Nope, no rumbling engines, no tempting parts for sticky-fingered scavengers. Just a beautiful, stationary monument to the farming spirit.

So, the hunt began! Leon scoured the land, finally landing on a promising "wrecking tractor" in Waikerie. It looked the part: rusty rim, flat tyres, no radiator, no fuel tank – a true relic. Perfect! He loaded it up, imagining its new life as a static display for the next Price Tractor pull.

But then, the twist! Just for kicks, before giving it a proper send-off to "non-running" status, we tried to turn it over. To our absolute shock, this rusty old heap FIRED UP! The engine roared to life, a completely unexpected turn for something destined to be a garden gnome.

"Hold on a minute!" we thought. Kylie's strict instructions echoed: "Look like a tractor, but not run." And definitely no valuable engine parts for the taking!

A quick pow-wow later, a brilliant idea sparked. We had another, genuinely seized engine from a different project. A quick swap, and presto! Our unexpected runner was now a proper, non-running sculpture. Problem solved, and Kylie's vision was back on track.

But the surprises didn't stop there. As we delved deeper into its battered frame, a rich history emerged. This beauty, we believe, rolled off the assembly line in 1956. Its working life? Likely the bustling Port Adelaide wharf in the mid-1960s! Can you imagine? It even boasted a special, driver-operated quick-release drawbar, a custom order for its demanding wharf duties. And here's a true oddity: its third and fourth gears were locked out, deemed too fast for the tight confines of the wharf. This old girl had stories!

With its identity secured and its running days officially over, we fitted some fresh tyres to give it a sturdy stance. The original seat was long gone (and too valuable to risk theft anyway!), so we fashioned a brilliant replacement from a 60-litre drum – resourceful and theft-proof!

Finally, our wharf-worker-turned-art-project rolled into Correll & Co Farm for its first official step into its new life: a hot wash, scrub and a crisp grey undercoat.

This tractor's journey has been nothing short of an adventure. It's a testament to its past, a nod to its future.

The Blue Tractor Project. 

Our little tractor project was already a hit, a true rags-to-riches story for a 1956 wharf warrior. 

The Price Tractor Pull Rally, is a fantastic bi-annual event, is all about community. It’s a two-day family festival packed with food, market stalls,  kids' fun, and of course, the roaring tractors. This year, a wonderful local group called SOS Yorkes stepped in. They do incredible work supporting community wellbeing, and they had a truly inspiring idea.

Instead of painting a tree, as part of the widely recognised Blue Tree Project, they decided to create a Blue Tractor Tour! YP Classic & Vintage Tractor Pull Club was absolutely on board. Word of this fantastic "Blue Tractor Project" spread like wildfire. Soon, Warooka Hardware, along with Wattyl Paints and Unipro Brushes, generously donated all the paint. grants secured, the special project was officially renamed "The Blue Tractor Tour."

This isn't just a static sculpture anymore! The  now-blue Ferguson is hitting the road, touring the Yorke Peninsula region to promote personal wellbeing. Yorke Peninsula  businesses are lining up to host the Blue Tractor in their towns, creating a powerful symbol of support for our friends in our community. You can even grab some delicious Blue Tractor biscuits and pick up a paintbrush to help give this special tractor a fresh coat of blue, becoming a part of its ongoing journey.

A powerful blue message, our beloved tractor is ready to roll out and make a real difference!