A story from our flatbed: moving a showroom-condition vintage Massey Ferguson 35 tractor from Kilkenny to a passionate Dundalk collector, turning heads at every stop across Ireland.
Every working day on the road brings something different, but some jobs stick in the memory long after the truck engine cools down. This week at No1Recovery, our dispatch team received a call that every machinery and vintage vehicle enthusiast loves to take: transporting a fully, ground-up restored Massey Ferguson 35 vintage tractor all the way from the rolling countryside outside Kilkenny to a proud collector in Dundalk, Co. Louth.
The Moment We Arrived in Kilkenny. When we pulled our recovery and transport truck into the yard near Kilkenny on a crisp, clear morning, the tractor took our breath away. This was not merely an old farm machine; it was a museum-grade labour of love. The entire chassis and bodywork had been meticulously sandblasted down to bare metal and repainted in the iconic, historically authentic Massey Ferguson red and stone-flint metallic grey. Every single decal, warning badge and badge crest had been recreated to original factory specifications. The Perkins engine block shone in high-temperature original enamel paint, surrounded by pristine copper fuel lines, a mirror-finish brand new vertical exhaust stack, a fresh retro vinyl spring seat, and four factory-fresh agricultural tyres with deep, untouched tread.
Gentle Loading & Zero-Stress Winching. Moving a concours-restored vintage tractor requires extreme caution, zero metal-to-metal rubbing, and heavy-duty soft strapping. We lowered our hydraulic tilt-and-slide flatbed to its shallowest approach angle, hooked our remote-controlled winch using protective textile bridles around the front axle points, and gently guided the Ferguson onto the perforated bed. Once seated, we locked each wheel using certified non-abrasive over-the-tyre ratchet straps, guaranteeing zero contact with fresh paintwork or pristine wheel rims. Safe tractor transport and farm machinery transport across Ireland isn't just about weight ratings; it's about respecting the hours of dedication invested in every restoration.
The Motorway Fuel Stop: An Instant Crowd of Admirers. With the Massey Ferguson secured and our transport checklists signed off, we set off northbound across the M9 and onward along the M1 corridor. Around midway, we pulled into a motorway service station to refuel and inspect the load tension. Within two minutes of parking, our No1Recovery truck became the main attraction of the forecourt! Truck drivers, farmers heading between marts, families and vintage tractor enthusiasts gathered around the flatbed to take photos, admire the flawless paint finish, and examine the spotless engine bay. Conversations were buzzing: older gentlemen recalling their childhood summers behind the wheel of an MF 35, and younger mechanics marvelling at how factory-clean the rebuild was. Everyone agreed it was one of the finest restorations seen on Irish roads in years.
An Unexpected Phone Call: 'Is That Red Massey Ferguson for Sale?' Just when we thought the day couldn't get more interesting, our control room received a phone call at the office (+353 85 150 7308). The caller explained: 'I was just driving behind your No1Recovery truck on the motorway, saw your phone number on the cab doors, and I couldn't take my eyes off that gorgeous red Massey Ferguson on your flatbed! Please tell me: is that tractor for sale or can you put me in touch with the owner?' We had to smile, explain that we were delivering it safely to a very lucky Dundalk collector who had eagerly awaited its arrival, but we happily noted his details. It was undeniable proof of the immense pride and passion Ireland holds for vintage agricultural heritage, and of the reach our branded transport fleet carries across the country.
Safe Delivery in Dundalk & Nationwide Machinery Haulage. We arrived on schedule at the collector's premises in Dundalk. Watching the client's face light up as we gently lowered the hydraulic ramps and rolled the Massey Ferguson into his private collection shed was the perfect finish to an unforgettable trip. Whether you need vintage tractor transport, agricultural equipment haulage, classic car towing or heavy machinery transport across Kilkenny, Dundalk, Portlaoise, Kildare, Offaly or anywhere across Ireland, No1Recovery delivers with the highest standard of care, full goods-in-transit insurance, and seasoned professional drivers.