The Restoration: Big Roy

Рет қаралды 124,772

7 жыл бұрын

The most famous Versatile tractor in history was returned to the factory at 1260 Clarence Avenue in Winnipeg for a full restoration. The Versatile 1080, more commonly known as “Big Roy”. Now watch the short film on what it exactly took to make Big Roy shine once again.
Versatile Tractor Timeline: www.versatile-ag.com/NA/pages...

Пікірлер: 50

@LooneyFarmGuy Жыл бұрын

I remember when this was first released . My father worked at the factory until he passed on in 1984 . Everyone was very proud of the quality Canadian made equipment that they made Right here in Winnipeg and still do . Thanks for reviving those fond memories 🙏

@adammckenzie50 7 жыл бұрын

So glad to see that it has been returned to it's original glory. I worked for a large Versatile dealer in 1977, Big Roy went to Regina, SK Farm Progress Show that year, it was so popular that rumour has it that three customers each wanted one asap. Then the asking price was $132,000, a bargain for 600hp (KTA1150 Cummins), but it was below the estimated build "cost". Big Roy was scheduled to be demonstrated at a field day show at my dealership in Brandon, MB, but due the predicimate of the too low advertised price, the show was cancelled. The semi truck stayed at a motel in Brandon over night, but driver was instructed to bypass our location and head back to Winnipeg via an alternative route. Tractor was never shown to the public again for years. Not until Versatile was sold to Ford New Holland, then it was brought out of moth balls and made some appearances around, then donated to the Austin Museum. Before they took it to Austin, it sat at our store, as I was the only person around that had ever driven it, I actually loaded it on the semi that hauled it to Austin. Driving it with that odd suspension they talked about reminded me of riding in a large boat on open water, it would sway left when you turned right, etc. FYI, Versatile also built a six wheel drive. It had an NTA855 Cummins with normal front end (1 axle), back portion had four wheels (2 axles). For the record this is only my version, I'm sure others could add info and possible correct some of the details.

@qfly6 6 жыл бұрын

Hell of a job. That's a company treasure. Glad I was able to see it a couple years ago at Big Iron.

@mrsound-gard7556 7 жыл бұрын

Great to see Versatile recognise and acknowledge their past with the anniversary tractors and restoration of Big Roy. It would have been no small feat (or cost no doubt) for a company to undertake but I think well worth it and I hope they feel the same, those retro anniversary tractors are beautifully done, one of the best efforts across the brands for a long time 😎 For Big Roy to also be faithfully revitalised and sured up for the future means it's cemented its place as a great visionary piece of equipment for many more generations to appreciate. I hope to see it one day.

@hennierotteveel2871 7 жыл бұрын

Oh Deere! Q

@BrianZinchuk 6 жыл бұрын

I remember seeing that tractor, as a kid in the early 80s, at the Swan River, Manitoba, Rodeo. Three seats? A TV? What was this crazy thing from the future??? Now my SUV has a backup camera. And I love it.

@Sean-if7rp 7 жыл бұрын

I love how enthusiastic they are about it

@scruffy6151 5 жыл бұрын

I am glad to hear that it has been restored back to it's original state. I would love to see it in person someday. My bucket list.

@jimbrent8151 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome job... and really great work on the TV and Video Camera - very cool... thank you for sharing.

@AtelierDBurgoyne 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this story.

@unclerico2531 7 жыл бұрын

at Austin this summer I got to ride inside great job you guys

@Brad772006 6 жыл бұрын

Wow, what an amazing video of an amazing machine. I have seen pictures of Big Roy many years ago. So glad to see the work done to keep him in pristine condition. Oh and if by any chance, maybe one day I could borrow it to hook up to my 6 foot bush hog mower. That would be great. Thanks again for sharing!

@shawnfox8002 5 жыл бұрын

Interesting information on this tractor.

@diegorgaspa Жыл бұрын

que maravilha!!!

@jamiesmith143 7 жыл бұрын

Great video!!! This tractor has to be at the Half Century of Progress show next year!

@Dyno625 7 жыл бұрын

Jamie Smith I Agree. I have always been fascinated with this tractor.

@dougrhondabeierbach438 6 жыл бұрын

Jamie Smith t

@gussyt1761 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome

@escort500xlr 5 жыл бұрын

It used to sit in the parking lot of the Versatile plant here in Fargo ND, just east of the Steiger Tractor plant I worked at.

@michaellukinski3080 5 жыл бұрын

Versatiles are built in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada.

@escort500xlr 5 жыл бұрын

Now they do and did back then too. They also had a plant here in Fargo back in the 70s. On 7th Ave. N. near then Steiger tractor plant.

@J-1410 4 жыл бұрын

@@michaellukinski3080 in 1977 they built Big Roy and the 825 tractors in Fargo as they couldn't keep up in Winnipeg.

@jacobjohnson4936 5 жыл бұрын

who wants to see big bud vs big roy

@jakeziegler599 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! What are they goin to do with it now

@johnross7677 7 жыл бұрын

I work on that tractor in Fargo in 77, was a tool maker apprentice at the time,

@RJ1999x 7 жыл бұрын

John Ross Versatile had an assembly plant in Fargo? How far from Steiger were you?

@J-1410 4 жыл бұрын

@@RJ1999x in 1977 only to build the 825 tractor and Big Roy. I believe it was a Versatile distribution center or warehouse at one point. I don't think it was that far from Steiger

@RJ1999x 4 жыл бұрын

@@J-1410 interesting

@CheeseMiser 5 жыл бұрын

COOL

@Maine_Railfan 7 жыл бұрын

Now that is a tractor!

@alspeers6931 Жыл бұрын

Just wondering if that KT Cummins is stout enough to do justice to this right wheel drive bruiser?

@niitr0genbl4stz44 6 жыл бұрын

"Everything went together without a hitch" yeah we had a small hitch with the gear shifts... 😂😂😂

@craigrmeyer 4 жыл бұрын

What about the late 70’s caused people to make these gigantic tractors? (Big Roy and the Big Bud’s for example.)

@hugoabello291 3 жыл бұрын

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@JEDI-MAQUINAS 5 жыл бұрын

Quantos cv

@1juanitosully 6 жыл бұрын

How a many a horspower ya got on that a little booger?

@1978garfield 6 жыл бұрын

Most of them :)

@gregoryharmeyer2971 5 жыл бұрын

What was the purpose behind this design of this tractor verses a common 4 wheel drive in the 70s ?

@chasefreedom5178 3 жыл бұрын

The size some farms grew into dictated larger and more powerful equipment for some. When power increases putting it to the ground reliably then 4 axle sets vs. 2 insured less stress in all aspects of the driveline save 1 more parts more failure points. Implements had grown to 100+ ft or better as well. So like Big Bud, Big Roy's weight was never a worry in order to keep the wheel biting and not digging holes. We farmed in north central Montana primarily using Versatile tractors and must say for the price they were difficult to beat. That said it was very clear the power and prestige of larger and larger tractors and implements became a ego thing sort of a agricultural arms race.....Mine is bigger than yours. Always profit in a man's bragging rights.