Classic Combines  
VHS Video, PAL format
  
Brian Bell  
Released 1996
 
   
56 minutes
  
Video £15.95 inc VAT
   
   		 
ISBN 0-85236-343-5
 
 

The extracts from archive film in this video trace the development of mechanised cereal harvesting from the days of the scythe to computer-controlled combine harvesting.
The first part of Classic Combines looks at early days in the harvest field when the binder reigned supreme. Brian Bell’s selection of films features rare footage of early harvesting machines manufactured by various American and European manufacturers including International Harvester, Ransomes, Fisher-Humphries and Claas. The video brings the combine story up to date with promotional films from Claas, John Deere, New Holland and Massey Ferguson.
The programme is fully scripted by Brian Bell and narrated by broadcaster Chris Opperman.

  
Classic Combines - Brian Bell
  
Ransomes trailed MST 56   The Ransomes trailed MST 56 was developed in the 1950s from Bolinder-Munktell origins. It had a 5ft cut and required a 30 hp tractor.
Dating from 1956, the Massey-Harris 780 was described as ‘The big 12 ft combine with the special British features’. There were tank or bagger options and a choice of tvo or diesel engines
  
Massey-Harris 780
Fisher Humphries Lely Victory Mark II   From the late 1960s, the Fisher Humphries Lely Victory Mark II with a cutting width of 14 or 18 ft and a throughput of up to 17 tons an hour.