A nearly 30-year-old John Deere 6800 has been fully refurbished by Lynx Engineering, as well as being equipped with the latest technologies, including a Stoll front loader and Zuidberg front PTO, and will take centre stage on the company’s stand at Lamma.
The company was founded in 1992 by husband and wife team Nick and Nicki Ewbank. The refurbishment project marks the 30th anniversary of Lynx Engineering, as well as demonstrates how an old, tired and well-used machine can be restored to give it a new lease of life.
The choice of tractor was an easy decision to make. Lynx was ahead of the game by already having key measurements for a front linkage and PTO kit for the machine when it was launched at Smithfield in 1994. By the time dealers took the first deliveries, Lynx was able to offer these add-ons.
Since acquiring the tractor in late 2021, the project has overcome challenges relating to both the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, as well as the greatly extended lead time for parts. In addition, Mark Purves, Greg Allan and Sam Ewbank, who were assigned the project, worked on the tractor alongside their main jobs.
Stripping down the tractor revealed underlying problems. The engine only ran on five cylinders and the turbo required a full rebuild. Lynx also opted to replace the viscous fan with a brand-new Flexxaire reversing fan. By the end, the gearbox had been virtually replaced with new parts and there was also work needed on both axles, in addition to the cleaning, blasting and painting that was more extensive than originally planned.
Work was completed this month and the tractor was equipped with the latest Stoll Next Generation ProfiLine front loader with Pro Control electronic joystick; along with an up-to-date Zuidberg front linkage and PTO and a refurbished rear linkage, sent back to manufacturer Dromone.
Visitors to Lamma will be able to see the refurbished tractor, alongside the latest Stoll front loaders, Dromone pick-ups and coupling systems, a range of front-mounted weights and the company’s own Streamline front press.