Tractor-mad nine-year-old restores vintage tractor

Tractor-mad nine-year-old Buddy Antcliff has been bitten by the vintage tractor bug, having just completed a full restoration of a 1947 David Brown Cropmaster.

Working under the watchful eye of granddad Steve Lyne, Buddy, who was gifted the tractor by family friend Michael Hart, has painstakingly brought the machine back to running condition.

“His granddad is a fanatic of classic tractors, and ever since Buddy was tiny he has always shown an interest in helping him on the farm and in his workshop,” says his mother, Rachel Antcliff.

“They have a very good bond, and they do up all sorts of things.”

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Explaining Mr Hart’s act of generosity, Rachel continues:

“Michael had to give up his storage and needed to find a new home for some bits; he knew Buddy was interested in tractors and enjoyed tinkering in the workshop with his granddad, so he donated it.

“Michael is also very conscious about supporting and encouraging the next generation of tractor restorers.”

After collecting the tractor, Buddy began meticulously taking it apart and putting it back together. “It didn’t run at all, so they have stripped it down to the bare bones,” says Rachel.

“He had the tyres for his Christmas present, and it now runs and can be driven. He has just joined the David Brown Tractor Club.” 

Now that the project has finished, Buddy already has his sights set on the next tractor to restore.

He has been given two Wheel Horse tractors and plans to make one working machine out of the two. He is currently in the process of stripping both down.