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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2004. PAGE A-.5.
Thresher Reunion 2004
Bauers to give ditching machine demonstrations
By Elyse DeBruyn
Citizen staff
Having the only working Buckeye
ditching machine in this area,
d owners Mervyn and Orval Bauer of
Bauer Farms in Brussels, are looking
forward to their second
demonstration at this year's Thresher
Reunion.
This 1950 machine has been
owned and operated by the Bauer
brothers for more than 20 years and
although it's still in working
condition, they use it mostly "for
fun."
"We still -use it between the two of
us," said Mervyn. "Just not as much
as we used to. We've done some
custom work for small jobs, but
it's not feasible for bigger
operations."
The machines originated in Ohio
and are designed to dig trenches for
field drainage. Clay or plastic tiles
(depending on the type of field soil)
are then laid by hand along each
trench.
Bauer said Buckeyes can dig about
five-feet down, but the average
depth in laying tiles is usually 30
inches. The length of each trench
varies on the field size, which he said
can be anywhere from "zero to a
couple of thousand feet long if need
be."
"It takes a long time to dig a trench
because it goes so slow. On average,
the digging speed is about six to
seven feet a minute," said Bauer.
He said on a good day, the
Buckeye - will dig about 4,000 feet,
but the newer models today "can dig
a lot longer."
He said their machine digs an 18-
inch wide_trench and although they
really enjoy using it, they "haven't
used it much this past year or so
because of the more advanced
technology."
He said a new Buckeye machine in
the 1950s would be worth about
$11,500, but today it's worth $3,500
to $4,000.
The brothers bought the machine
in the early 1980s from Ellis Craig.
Over time, parts have needed to be
replaced and Bauer said any part that
broke down was quickly replaced
through the help of Wolf Equipment
near Walton.
This may only be the Bauer
brothers second demonstration at the
annual show, but they have been
attending it (with the Buckeye) for
the last five years.
"We're really looking forward to
returning to the show. Last year it
went great. People responded well
and brought their friends back over
to see it."
To help make the digging a little
easier, the Bauers use a 1962 - 63
tractor backhoe that begins the
trench hole.
Aside from these machines, the
two brothers will also show a 1947
Austin Western road grader, that for
eight years, has plowed the streets of
Brussels, as well as a number of
residential driveways.
They bought it privately in 1994
from a man in Mount Forest.
"It's in good shape and in excellent
working condition," Bauer said. "It's
extremely rare - I don't know of any
other running machine of this model
in Canada or the U.S."
Because it is so rare, Bauer said
finding and replacing parts is a
difficult task, but local machine
shops "do their best" to help.
The brothers also restore antique
garden tractors and this year at the
Reunion, they will display a 1960
Massy Ferguson tractor.
Hands-on learning
Young visitors at the Reunion have fun trying out some of
the artifacts on display. (File photo)
Ditch digger
The Buckeye ditching machine owned by Mervyn and Orval
Bauer of Brussels makes it second appearance at the
Thresher Reunion. (Photo submitted)
WELCOME TO
HURON COUNTY
& THE 43rd HURON PIONEER
THRESHER REUNION
SEPT. 10, 11, 12
sue.
iince 1936
We're
Proud of
OUT
Heritage
Welcome to everyone visiting
the Thresher Reunion
Open Monday - Saturday, 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sundays 7 a.m. - 8 VneridlySerrAce Blyth 523-4471
GRAND VIEW
RESTAURANT
& GAS BAR
FAMILY DINING, GREAT COFFEE,
HOMEMADE PIES AND DESSERTS,
DAILY SPECIALS
Gordon McGavin was
recognized as the
Canadian Champion Plowman
at the
1926 International Plowing Match
held in Niagara Falls. "McGavin
Farm Supply Ltd. &
Farm Equipment Ltd.
Walton (519) 887-6365 (519) 527-0245 iy