Tractor: Massey Ferguson

Maker
Massey Ferguson
Production date
18 Jun 1956
 Description
One large Massey Ferguson tractor with bright red body, three wheels on each side in tracks, and a green textile cover over the cab.
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Object Detail

Maker
Production place
Great Britain/United Kingdom/Western Europe/Europe
Collecting unit
Antarctica
Production role
Manufacturer
Provenance details
Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1955-1958: Sir Edmund Hillary: South Pole/Antarctica: 1955-1958
Measurements
Length: 65cm (25 9/16")
Dimensions (LxWxH): 3250 x 2010 x 2400mm (127 15/16 x 79 1/8 x 94 1/2")
Researcher comments/remarks
Built in Coventry by the Standard Company for Massey Ferguson, this tractor was one of five allotted to Scott Base in support of the Commonwealth Trans Antarctic Expedition. It was one of three which reached the South Pole on 4 January 1958. Under the leadership of Sir Edmund Hillary the modified tractors became the first vehicles to reach the South Pole overland. Modifications included a full tracking system which needed rigid front wheels. To achieve this, fence standards (waratahs) were welded to the steering. These can still be seen on the machine displayed in the Sir Robertson Stewart Hall of Discovery. One tractor was returned to the United Kingdom, one to the Auckland Transport Museum and the Canterbury Museum houses the third.
Associated person
Associated place
South Pole/Antarctica
Associated place notes
Used to reach the South Pole on 4 January 1958.
Current rights
Creative Commons - CC BY-NC
Current rights code
Creative Commons - CC BY-NC
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Other id
35/68
A168.76
SC 124342 E
513829
Catalogue No.
A168.76
Accession number
1968.35.1

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