Britain's leading manufacturer of gritters and highway vehicles North Yorkshire's Econ Engineering will be exhibiting machinery from its museum at this year’s Tractor Fest.
The biggest gathering of tractors in the UK takes place this weekend on Saturday and Sunday June 10 and 11 at Newby Hall, near Ripon, Econ engineering, based in the city is the official sponsor.
More than 1,000 vintage and modern tractors, 600 stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on show.
Organised by the Yorkshire Vintage Association, Tractor Fest has grown over 15 years to become the UK’s largest tractor show.Econ's range of highway maintenance vehicles are used on highways across the UK.
The firm played a key role in the recent Coronation celebrations with vehicles spreading sand to ensure central London’s roads were suitable for the royal horses and procession.
Econ was established by William Lupton who invented the UK’s first mid mounted hedge and verge trimmer as well as the first spinning salt distribution gritter. The company has recently established a museum of its machinery across the decades following the discovery and restoration of an original hedge cutter by Bill’s son, Jonathan and the full collection will be on display at Tractor Fest.
Factory manager Colin Trewhitt said: "Econ was founded as an agricultural company and we remain close to that sector. Inspired by Jonathan’s example, the Econ team has located and renovated one of our trimmer/tractor combinations from each decade and we are pleased to be sharing the collection with visitors to Tractor Fest and to be associated once again with the show.”
YVA chairman Kevin Watson said "We are delighted to have the continued support of such a successful market leader as Econ Engineering. Their support over many years has enabled us to develop Tractor Fest into the UK’s largest tractor show and to rival some of the leading shows in Europe."
This year’s Tractor Fest promises to be bigger than ever, showcasing John Deere model D tractor and MG cars, both of which are celebrating their centenaries this year. This year’s festival will also showcase factory-built portable engines and tractors with Perkins engines. A host of entertainment, crafts, food and drink will be on offer while admission includes access to Newby Hall's gardens, adventure playground, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions. Tractor Fest is also sponsored by Europe’s Cheffins and The National Vintage Tractor & Engine Club and supported by Ripon Farm Services.
Saturday 10 June – Sunday 11 June from 10am to 4pm at Newby Hall and Gardens, Ripon, North Yorkshire
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