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Award-winning Lynx JD6800 restoration to steal the show
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Importer, Lynx Engineering, distributes a wide range of leading-brand tractor-mounted implements and accessories through its dealer network which extends across the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland.
In continuing uncertain times for UK agriculture, improving the capabilities and value of an existing tractor can often be a more attractive proposition than buying new.
Lynx Engineering offers a variety of products that can transform the performance and versatility of virtually any make or model of tractor.
This has been demonstrated to stunning effect in the shape of a fully restored and re-equipped John Deere 6800 which will be making a star appearance on the Lynx stands at the Cereals and Royal Highland shows in June.
The John Deere 6800 arrives on the Lynx site ahead of a comprehensive restoration © Lynx Engineering
The tractor won the Best Restored Tractor award in the 1976-2000 class at the Tractor World Show in March, beating almost one hundred concourse tractors in the category.
Having originally made its debut in January at LAMMA to wide acclaim, the award provides further validation and recognition of the time, effort and skill invested by the Lynx project team of Greg Allen, Mark Purves and Sam Ewbank in restoring a modern classic to the most exacting of standards.
Fully refurbished cab interior with driver and instructor seats in ‘as new’ condition © Lynx Engineering
A challenging restoration
When the tractor arrived on site, it looked in reasonable condition for its age and many hours in the field. However, stripping it down to the chassis revealed underlying problems that had to be addressed.
Amongst many others, these included an engine that only ran on five cylinders, a turbo requiring a full rebuild and a gearbox that was virtually completely replaced with new parts.
Work was needed on front and rear axles and there was much more cleaning, blasting and painting than originally planned for.
Click the video link to view highlights of the restoration from the tractor’s arrival on site to the finished article.
New lease of life
But the restoration, undertaken to mark the company’s 30th anniversary and completed in December last year, is only half the story.
The tractor has been fitted with the very latest add-on technology from the Lynx range to give it a new lease of life and enable it to take on the demands of modern-day farming for many years to come.
The finished article, complete with Stoll ProfiLine front loader in original colours © Lynx Engineering
The restored 6800 now boasts the latest Stoll Next Generation ProfiLine FZ43-27 front loader, painted appropriately in the Stoll colours that would have been applied back in 1994, paired with the latest Pro Control electronic joystick.
The original Zuidberg front linkage could not be saved so a new up-to-date system was specified with the addition of a front PTO, the linkage also being employed to carry the Zuidberg front override protector.
The original Dromone rear pick-up hitch was sent back to Dromone for a complete overhaul and Lynx have also replaced the original viscous fan with a brand new Flexxaire reversing cooling/cleaning fan.
Examples of most of these products, together with the Lynx range of front-mounted weight systems and the company’s own Streamline front press, will also feature strongly in their own dedicated displays on the Lynx stand at both events.