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On the flat plains of mid-western Australia, three hours north of Perth, a new agricultural landmark dominates the skyline - The Big Tractor.
The huge machine is an exact replica of a 1949 Chamberlain 40K tractor and stands at an impressive 11.5 metres tall and 16 metres long, making it the largest tractor statue in the world.
The town of Carnamah has proudly added this giant structure to Australia’s celebrated list of "Big Things."
More than 2,000 people were in attendance for the grand reveal of the towering red tractor on 5 October. The project, which has been years in the making, is the result of a collaboration between the Vintage Tractor and Machinery Association of WA (Tracmach) and the Carnamah Historical Society.
The concept for the Big Tractor was first floated over 20 years ago by Bob Lukins, the founder of Tracmach. Inspired by the success of other Australian “Big Things” he envisioned a giant tractor that would symbolise the region’s rich agricultural history and attract visitors to Tracmach’s field days.
However, the logistical challenges of constructing such a massive sculpture meant the idea remained just that – an idea – for many years.
It wasn’t until John Piavanini became president of Tracmach that the project gained new momentum. After surveying members and confirming ongoing interest, Tracmach decided that the Chamberlain 40K, the first fully Western Australian-built tractor, would be the ideal model for the sculpture.
The Chamberlain 40K, produced in Perth’s Welshpool in 1949, was a game-changer for Australian farming with its 40-horsepower engine and durable design, tailor-made for the harsh WA landscape.
Despite the enthusiasm, the project faced numerous obstacles, particularly in securing a location. The Shire of Gnowangerup initially expressed interest but pulled out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, Carnamah stepped forward, buoyed by support from local businessman Hal Walton, a former Chamberlain dealer and owner of the largest tractor museum in Australia.
With the site confirmed, attention turned to fundraising and design. Engineer Frank Kidman volunteered to create detailed drawings of the 40K, scaling it up by five times, and fabrication work was undertaken by DIAB Engineering in Geraldton. The construction team, more accustomed to building mining machinery, embraced the challenge of crafting the 42-tonne steel behemoth.
Over 21,000 hours of labour went into the tractor’s creation, involving 62 individuals and 2,200 separate components. The tyres alone, fabricated from steel, are 7.8 metres in diameter – larger than any commercially available tyres. The finished tractor was transported to Carnamah in seven pieces and assembled on site with the help of cranes.
The project has been entirely community-funded, with Tracmach and local volunteers raising $600,000 through raffles, donations, and sponsorships. The Henderson family, among others, donated tractors for a raffle, and generous support came from individuals like Dick and Barb Garnett, who contributed both funds and a fully restored Chamberlain 40K for display alongside the Big Tractor.
The Big Tractor now stands as a testament to Western Australia’s agricultural heritage and the resilience of the farming community. Tracmach President John Piavanini hopes future generations might even consider attaching a five-times original size Chamberlain plough to the sculpture.
The grand opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with patrons of the project Bob Lukins, Hal Walton, and Brendan Haeusler all taking part. Following the ceremony, a parade of 50 Chamberlain tractors – ranging from the oldest to the newest models – passed by the Big Tractor, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The Big Tractor is expected to draw visitors from far and wide, cementing Carnamah’s place on the map as home to this monumental tribute to Western Australia’s agricultural past.
Where: Carnamah, Western Australia, Australia
When: 05 Oct 2024
Credit: Tracmach/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**
2024-10-05
Cover Images/East News
Cover Images
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14cm x 7cm by 300dpi
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