Chamberlain Champion 9G, S/N DM6700, 1964
Chamberlain 9G
This tractor was purchased from a farmer in south-western NSW in 2008.
I had been undertaking tractor treks for several years using my little grey Ferguson TEA20, which lacked in speed and creature comforts when compared with the increasing numbers of trekkers using the more comfortable Chamberlains. After getting very wet and cold on one occasion, I resolved to get myself a Chamberlain. This led to acquiring this tractor, which attracted me because of its enclosed cab offering excellent protection from the elements.
The tractor was recovered using my vintage truck, and the first step was to clean it down and strip off all hydraulic equipment and PTO drive, wheel weights etc and give it a thorough service. This done, it was then necessary to fix a number of shortcomings, including a new voltage regulator, new water pump, new rear tyres (deliberately set up with tread in reverse direction to normal), machine the brake drums and reline the brakes, replace a number of seals to correct oil leaks, and have new glass fitted to the windscreen which was badly cracked, and also to the doors which was missing. Another job was to rectify severe steering backlash. This was accomplished fairly simply, and I can assist others with the method if asked. A water and dust proof tackle box was made, fitting neatly between the rear of the mudguards. Later, tail, stop and turn indicator lights, new headlight sealed beam inserts, and an alternator to replace the generator, were fitted. This was felt very necessary to make it more traffic friendly, as modern motorists have no road sense when encountering a slower vehicle such as this. There are no plans to do a paint job on the tractor, but to leave it as it is.
I had been undertaking tractor treks for several years using my little grey Ferguson TEA20, which lacked in speed and creature comforts when compared with the increasing numbers of trekkers using the more comfortable Chamberlains. After getting very wet and cold on one occasion, I resolved to get myself a Chamberlain. This led to acquiring this tractor, which attracted me because of its enclosed cab offering excellent protection from the elements.
The tractor was recovered using my vintage truck, and the first step was to clean it down and strip off all hydraulic equipment and PTO drive, wheel weights etc and give it a thorough service. This done, it was then necessary to fix a number of shortcomings, including a new voltage regulator, new water pump, new rear tyres (deliberately set up with tread in reverse direction to normal), machine the brake drums and reline the brakes, replace a number of seals to correct oil leaks, and have new glass fitted to the windscreen which was badly cracked, and also to the doors which was missing. Another job was to rectify severe steering backlash. This was accomplished fairly simply, and I can assist others with the method if asked. A water and dust proof tackle box was made, fitting neatly between the rear of the mudguards. Later, tail, stop and turn indicator lights, new headlight sealed beam inserts, and an alternator to replace the generator, were fitted. This was felt very necessary to make it more traffic friendly, as modern motorists have no road sense when encountering a slower vehicle such as this. There are no plans to do a paint job on the tractor, but to leave it as it is.
Rally bound!
The tractor fulfills its purpose admirably, with the sprung front axle and big balloon rear tyres soaking up corrugations on dirt roads, and when required, a good turn of speed of about 45Km/h (30mph) can be maintained. The brakes are excellent. The bench seat allows a passenger to be carried in comfort, the only downside being the considerable noise, probably magnified by the cab, necessitating the wearing of good quality ear protection.
The tractor has been registered under the NSW Historic Vehicle Registration scheme, so it can be driven to nearby events on public roads to save having to float it on the truck. This has been put to the test by hitching up my tandem trailer (the electrical coupling was included with the lights upgrade) loaded with a stationary engine, and driving it a round trip of 150Km (~100miles) to a weekend event. The tackle box nicely holds all the necessary camping equipment. It takes place in several treks each year, and performs quite well and is not particularly stressful to drive considerable distances, such as the Great Snowy Mountains Tractor Trek in January 2012, when more than 500Km was travelled.
The tractor has been registered under the NSW Historic Vehicle Registration scheme, so it can be driven to nearby events on public roads to save having to float it on the truck. This has been put to the test by hitching up my tandem trailer (the electrical coupling was included with the lights upgrade) loaded with a stationary engine, and driving it a round trip of 150Km (~100miles) to a weekend event. The tackle box nicely holds all the necessary camping equipment. It takes place in several treks each year, and performs quite well and is not particularly stressful to drive considerable distances, such as the Great Snowy Mountains Tractor Trek in January 2012, when more than 500Km was travelled.