The tractor is still going strong in the fleet, with a McConnell PA 6570T hedgecutter working almost every week. The MF 4270 has mostly been on a hedgecutter, carrying out slurry spreading and haulage work occasionally.

Hugh recalls that the deal was made at the Ploughing in 1998 with Cork Farm Machinery. The tractor has had five full time drivers including Hugh himself. Three new seats and eight sets of tyres later, the tractor keeps rolling on.

The tractor clock was also changed after 6,250 hours, and the new clock shows 28,389 hours so far and counting, according to Hugh. The tractor has given minor bits of trouble over the years. Impressively, the engine or gearbox has never been touched.

Hugh puts down the long working life of the tractor to good drivers and on-time servicing. Although this range of tractors did not have the best reputation, this story shows just how long at tractor can last despite of the perceived reputation of the model.

If anyone has any similar stories, we would love to hear from you and find out: is this is the only tractor in Ireland heading for 40,000 hours work?

Email jmaloney@farmersjournal.ie