Reaching a milestone 250 Farm Classics articles for the Southern Star, Peter O’Brien takes a break from his regular column to reflect on tractors that left a lasting impression throughout his experiences driving tractors from the early 2000s.

This article was featured in our West Cork Farming 2026 magazine – you can read the full magazine here!

David Brown 1412

The David Brown 1412 Hydrashift, still in use today.

While many learn to drive on smaller tractors on the home farm, not being from a farming background, the first tractor I drove was a David Brown 1412 Hydrashift.

Belong to a neighbouring farmer, the 1412 was a decent size tractor with 90hp under the long bonnet, and more importantly, it was turbocharged.

The 1412 was a great tractor to learn to drive on as the main four gears were powershift, with the clutch only being required for selecting the range.

This made the tractor very forgiving to a novice as I got to terms with manoeuvring the tractor and using the rear implements, mainly a topper.

I have very fond memories of looking out over the long bonnet from the high driving position and the distinctive sound of the 3.9l David Brown engine.

Ford 8340 SLE 

A Ford 8340 SLE, similar to the model referred to.

For a time one summer, I was charged with driving a white cabbed Ford 8340 and 8 bale Keltic handler.

After gaining more driving experience, I was more than up for the challenge of mastering the relatively new concept of the Keltic handler, but it was the Ford tractor that sticks in my mind.

The engine was very lively and responsive; however, it was the whine from the spur cut gears in the SLE gearbox that still resonate.

A nimble tractor, the 8340 was responsive and the SLE 8 speed semi-powershift transmission was enjoyable to drive.

Valmet 8050

Leaving a lasting impression, the Valmet 8050 was a no nonsense law of the lever tractor.

As I moved to gaining my licence, I cut my teeth on Valmet 8050 and Valtra 8150 tractors.

A tractor with superb power and torque, the tractor had a highly functional 36F/36R gearbox including a 3 speed splitter which was simple and gave great feedback.

It was an enjoyable tractor to drive, very responsive pulling through the gears and sounded like a jet at full light on the road complete with a lively road speed.

I learned a great deal about correct gear selection, gearing down and engine braking as well as best line of approach on these tractors.

These Valtra’s punched well above their weight and sparked a great interest for me in the Nordic brand.

John Deere 7810

A John Deere 7810, similar to the model referred to.

The John Deere 7810 needs little introduction, the flagship on many contracting fleets in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.

I was fortunate that a local plant hire company had a John Deere 7810 in its fleet that I would get to drive briefly on occasion.

Its high driving position and distinctive throaty roar definitely made the operator feel that he/she was sitting on top of a beast.

7810’s were usually fitted with 650tyres on 42” rims which added to their beefy appearance, and were tractors that were always doing hard work such as powering front and rear mowers.

I remember the 7810 as having endless pulling power and a satisfying ‘clunk’ as one changed through the gear ranges.

Despite it’s size, it had a great lock and excellent visibility.

New Holland TM165 Ultra

Relieved of dump trailer duties for silage, this NH TM165 Ultra was one of my all-time favourite tractors.

I have clocked up many hours driving New Holland TM tractors including 125, 140, 155 and 190 models however it is the TM165 Ultra which resonates the most.

I spent many enjoyable hours driving a 2002 TM165 Ultra during the Celtic Tiger era hauling earth and rubble with a Dooley dump trailer.

It was a tractor that had it all – a top spec New Holland with an 18 speed powershift gearbox, a Sears operators seat, 42inch rear wheel rims, a bar axle, front axle and cab suspension as well as being an uncommon tractor.

The 7.5 litre PowerStar engine had ample power and it was a very comfortable tractor to drive. 

The NH TM165 brings back fond and carefree driving memories of working with my friends during my late teens. 

While these tractors fall somewhat short of their modern siblings that are packed with technology and comfort, I feel fortunate to have cut my teeth on the tractors of the millennium.

Of course, like cars, music and the like, they evoke fond nostalgic memories.

These were tractors still required driving, but brought with them good levels of comfort, usability and most importantly for me –enjoyment!

Other tractors worthy of mention include: Ford 7600, 7810 and TW-15, John Deere 6610, Fiat 1000, F140 and NH Fiat M160, Landini Legend 185, MF188, 699 and 7718, New Holland TM125 and TM155.