Who's going to build the next Waltanna?

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By Dwain Duxson

Who's going to build the next Waltanna? A few weeks ago, we talked about the need to manufacture more Ag stuff right here on our own shores.

At present, we would import all of our Tractors. But from 1978 to 1985, we had our very own reputable commercial Tractor brand called Waltanna. These Tractors were the product of James Nagorcka, a Farmer in Victoria who built his first Tractor on his Farm in 1975. By the 1980s, Waltanna was offering a range of Tractors from 175hp to 400hp.

Ford contracted with Waltanna to manufacture the Ford FW series four-wheel drive Tractors in the mid-1980s. Changes in the market led Nagorcka to end Tractor production in 1989 and focus on other ventures.

They were ahead of their time too. They even produced a Trac version. 

Will we ever see another commercial Tractor Manufacturer here? Perhaps it might be something that performs the same role as a Tractor but looks different and is autonomous. Who knows...

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