Code red

Consider the tractors that were available in the 1960s and it’s clear that technological advances had been made in the 15-20 years that had gone before. The three-point linkage was not only ensconced in tractor design, but the control the operator had over the implement attached was greater than ever.

Massey Ferguson, with its Ferguson System, had led the way in hydraulic design, but its rivals were making sure the company did not have it all its own way. International Harvester was one of these, introducing the Vary-Touch system to take the fight to MF and offer prospective purchasers an alternative.

The two tractors featured here, the IH B-414 and MF 35X were both built in Britain, in Bradford and Coventry respectively, with production of the former beginning taking place from 1961-66 and the latter from 1962-64, when they were replaced by the 434 and 135.

Both were well respected tractors of their generation and still command a loyal following today, but with the 35X seemingly having the edge in the popularity stakes, we decided to see if it was justified. How does it compare against the B-414?

If you’re not familiar with our head-to-head series, over the next