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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen-Thresher Reunion, 2004-09-09, Page 38FOR SALE 1952 2085 Ferguson tractor with 2-furrow plough. Manufactured in England. $1400. Has been retired. Needs help to come back to life. For more information call Peter & Kathy Hofer (Glencoe area) 519-289-5598 2t/elcoote to Me 434d 4Rinual Thitesiteit 2ei4414:141 witc: 1)117 0111' CHAUNCEY'S HAIRSTYLING Over 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS 211 Dinsley Street, Blyth 523-9722 Chances are... you'll love us!!! Schwartzkopf...Lanza... Scruples...Apple Pectin...Kenics...Osis 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