TRACTORS from as far back as the 1950s can still be seen across the field of Fermanagh – as spotted by keen-eyed The Impartial Reporter photographer John McVitty – as some farmers keep faith in them over the more modern type.

Passed down from generation to generation, the reliability of these tractors is what sets them apart from today’s tractors – making them quite literally old reliables.

And while the technology on board some modern versions means they need to be sent away to a specialist mechanic or engineer for fixing, these workhorse tractors can usually be worked on by the farmer or local mechanic, as they are free from all the trappings of modern technology.

A lot of them may well have been bought locally and have stayed in the same family for years.

They are perfect examples that just because something is modern, it does not necessarily mean it is better – just ask those farmers who are still driving along on a Fordson Dexta or a Massey Ferguson 185.