General News
2 January, 2026
BEST OF 2025: Easter Tractor Rally
First published April 24, 2025. Perfect autumn weather combined with an interested and large crowd made Saturday’s annual Easter Tractor Rally at Gilgandra’s Coo-ee Memorial Park another success.
Alan Smith, secretary of Gilgandra Tractor and Machinery Club, said the 2025 Easter Tractor Rally featured a crowd of between 700 and 800 people.
About 30 tractors were on display, as well as cars and other small engines.
Competitors and enthusiasts travelled from Merrygoen, Elong Elong, Baradine, Narromine, Coonabarabran and Wellington to display their tractors as well as all the local entries.
The Renault 4CV Club of Australia also held its bi-annual get-together in Gilgandra this year and attended, displaying 35 cars.
Beautiful sunshine and a maximum temperature of around 30 degrees.
“We had a good crowd who supported us and stuck with us during the day. We had a fantastic weekend,” Alan said.
The Gilgandra Tractor and Machinery Club was formed in 2003 and held their first rally in 2004. The event has been held annually ever since.
The Tractor Pull features a sled (essentially like a converted truck tray/trailer).
As any tractor moves forward, a winch system loads more weight on the front of the sled and makes it harder to pull.
The aim is to go the furthest. Tractors compete in relevant horsepower sections. “We all have a fair amount of fun,” Alan said. “It’s interesting to see so many makes of tractors, many of which don’t exist anymore.”
There are a number of Lanz Bulldog tractors within the Gilgandra Tractor and Machinery Club. The Lanz Bulldog was a German-built tractor of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. The single horizontal cylinder tractors are often powered by diesel but can run on sump or even cooking oil. Chamberlain Super 90 tractors, powered by a GM motor, are also popular. “They create a bit of noise and a bit of smoke, certainly a crowd pleaser,” he said. Two John Deere 5010s, a 1960s tractor pushing more than 130 horse power, also featured in the open section.
Gilgandra Lions Club catered at the event, while the Gilgandra CWA had market stalls on the day.
Phillip Morris from Wellington won the trophy for the best restored tractor with his Fordson Dexta, a smaller bright blue tractor that was immaculately finished.
Bob Wilson (Narromine) won the best original tractor award with his Chamberlain Super 90, presented in a faded yellow colour.
Alan wished to acknowledge all exhibitors on the day as well as the local community for supporting the event.
