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08 November 2017

Michael Collins on 08 Nov 2017

The best Deutz by Fahr

It’s rare to see a tractor that was bought 31 years ago still running, let alone in daily use by the same family. Michael Collins visits one farmer who is doing just that.

Michael Collins

8 November 2017

John Kearney ploughing with his Deutz-Fahr DX 3.90 and three-furrow Fiskars plough.

John Kearney turning straw with his Deutz-Fahr 3.90.

John Kearney loading straw bales with his Deutz-Fahr 3.90.

John Kearbey uses his Deutz-Fahr for spraying, some ploughing, loading bales and spreading fertiliser.

John Kearney and his restored Deutz-Fahr 3.90.

Deutz Fahr were one of the early adoptors of plastic mudguards.

Dry brakes were a fire hazard if not kept clean.

The cab was considered modern for its time with flat floor, glass doors and synchromesh gearbox.

The 12 x 4 synchromesh gearbox.

The PTO is engaged by lifting the hand-brake like lever. Also visible is the "umbrella"-like handbrake and PTO speed selector lever.

A single lever diverts hot air from the engine into the cab for cold days.

A wearing parts kit for the front axle wasn't cheap at €800.

The toolbox is stored behind the front grill as there is no need for a radiator with the air-cooled 4.1l Deutz engine.

The air-cooled 4.1l engine.

Then restored 1986 Deutz-Fahr DX3.90.

The DX 3.90 series was introduced by Deutz-Fahr in 1985 as a replacement for the previous incarnation, the DX 80. The German-built tractors were popular in the 80s and 90s for lots of reasons.