Summary

Photograph of MF220 Backhoem, used during the construction of sewerage system, Melbourne.

Part of a collection of photographs, moving film, artefacts, documents and trade literature relating to Massey Ferguson (Aust.) Ltd and its predecessors. The Australian operations of this company were originally founded by Hugh V. McKay, at Ballarat, in the late 1880s, and by 1895 was operating as the Sunshine Harvester Works. After relocating to Braybrook Junction (later renamed 'Sunshine') on the western outskirts of Melbourne, during 1904-1907, the business rapidly developed into the largest agricultural implement works in the southern hemisphere. In 1930, H.V. McKay merged with the Australian operations of the Canadian firm, Massey Harris Ltd, of Toronto, becoming H.V. McKay Massey Harris Pty Ltd. In 1955, this company was fully absorbed into the growing multinational corporation that became Massey Ferguson Ltd in 1958.

Description of Content

A man operating a MF220 Backhoe Loader in bottom of large circular hole which is fitted with wall restraining woodwork. One man is hammering in a wooden retaining beam. Extract from Sunshine Outlook, December 1966: "The MF3165 S industrial unit proved an economical 'laborer' for Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works. It loaded rock spoil into huge baskets for winching to the surface. Each time more rock had to be blasted free, a huge crane was used to haul up the MF rig. Final depth was 90ft."

Physical Description

Black and white photograph

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