OT: Long Tractor returns home

Hello All;

As some of you may know, I work at Long Agribusiness (which just recently changed to Farmtrac North America), which manufactures the Farmtrac brand of tractors. The company started back in 1941 at the same plant we use today. Sometime around 1946, they decided to try their hand at tractors and set out to source components with which to build a tractor. Not surprising is the fact that they actually just made a design similar to pre-existing popular models and in this case, the Farmall C and H family.

From what i've been told, only about 300 were made and they're pretty rare, although parts are not too terrible to come by (sourced components, like a Continental Flathead engine, Farmall H seat assembly, GE generator, etc). Since the company has passed from the hands of the Long family and into the conglomerate of Escorts LTD of India (who used to make the old 3000 and 4000 series tractors for Ford), most of the tractors we sell come from India.

However, our new president (from India) is very proud of the company's heritage and cares a lot about the workers. He has plans of investing at least 6 million into a new manufacturing facility but doesn't want it to be built outside the county we are currently in so the workers can still work for us. He mentioned that he would like to incorporate a museum into the new facility and would like to have one of the original Long Model A tractors. I saw one for sale and mentioned it to him and before the end of the day, he had made arrangements for the company to purchase it! If at all possible, i'm going to try and volunteer my services in the restoration in any way that I can. It makes me proud to know that we have a president that cares so much about our company! Sorry for the rant, but figgured y'all might enjoy hearing about it.

• more pictures of the model A

I bought a Farmtrac 35 last September. It's been a good machine so far. I too would like to know if you can get power steering for it. Additionally, is there any filter interchange information available? The dealer I bought the tractor from is something like 80 miles from here, and I'd like to be able to get the filters locally.

Thanks, Bratkid

-Jeb

Bratkid

As for the 35's, we do have power steering options on most if not all of our tractors now. We are also working on 4WD versions of all the tractors and putting cabs on the larger 70 and 80 models. If you check out the new literature, it should say which models now have PS and 4WD options. I honestly don't remember off the top of my head as I have been working on developing a new compact tractor for the company and am still learning about the Farmtracs.

The plant is located in Tarboro, which is about 20 miles east of Rocky Mount on hwy 64. A bit of a drive, but if you're ever in the area, let me know and i'd be happy to show you around the place for a bit.

-Jeb

If you're in the area, just swing in to the front office and ask for Jeb. They'll call me and I'd be happy to show you around. It's not very pretty around here right now as all the buildings are quite old and poorly lit, etc. We're starting to invest about $8million in a new facility elsewhere in the county so things are starting to improve. Still, just swing on by and we can talk.

Jeb

Your pictures, I assume that you took them, are now COPYWRITED automatically with the YT group.

Be shore to take the final PORTRAIT of "Johnny" and post with the BOARD. KEEPSAKE for me.

Thanks, John,PA

PS: Since my service van is out of PA State inspection (obsolete sticker on windshield), I am asking for a "PARDON" from each state until I git home with it. If I git picked-up in NC., I'll look ya up.

Jeb

Before I bought my Ford 2310 a couple of years ago, I looked at the Farmtrac brand tractor imported by Long Agribusiness. I was impressed with look and style of the Farmtrac, which is basically a clone of the 1970’s and 80’s Fords. The price was also tempting when you think about a brand new tractor verses the high prices for warn-out used ones (around $12,000 for a 40 hp).

However, when it came down to shelling out the bucks, I decided to go with a used original Ford. I still think the Farmtrac is a good looking tractor for the money. Rick H. Ga.

Jeb