Video: Classic tractor v new Claas race goes viral

A new film, featuring the tractor version of the tortoise and the hare, has gone viral, receiving more than 40,000 views in its first two days.

The film was released on Facebook by the Welsh agricultural machinery supplier Riverlea, which is a Claas dealer.

The “race”, shot in west Wales, is between an older farmer on a 1961 Fordson Dexta Vineyard tractor and his grandson on a new Claas 650.

Riverlea’s managing director, Nicola Jones, believes that viral videos are a great way to connect with their customers online.

“Young farmers already take a massive interest in digital media, and we hope that films such as this one will lead to older farmers becoming more aware of the benefits of exchanging information and researching developments in farming online,” she said.

And it sounds like this may not be Riverlea’s last fun video.

“We are delighted with the positive response, and who knows, the characters that appear in this film may well turn up in future films,” said Riverlea’s owner Dave Hill.

“For years I’ve wanted to do something like this and the past two years have been really tough in farming so we wanted to make something that would make our customers smile. Hopefully it will make people laugh.”

The film was produced by Octopws Media from Camarthenshire.

John Bonham-Carter of the production company said: “Viral videos are a very cost-effective way of promoting your brand in a subtle way, and we’d like to thank everyone at Riverlea for giving us the opportunity to make this charming film.”

Do not try this at home – Farmers Weekly neither promotes or endorses racing vehicles. This video was produced in a controlled environment and is not something others should try on the farm or the roads.