Custom coloured tractor and chipper creates one-off charity outfit

A Massey Ferguson 8735 has received a specially commissioned wrap and cab modifications to match its new trailed woodchipper and continue raising funds for two cancer charities.

The MF tractor and Mus-Max chipper have been purchased by Martin Wiles, who owns CFTS Ltd, a utility, forestry and clearance company based in the Midlands. He commissioned his dealer, KO Machines in Coven, to colour match his new tractor to the distinctive blue and pink livery of his recently purchased chipper.

The original colour scheme of the chipper was added by Mus-Max dealer Ben Price in 2021 and, after Martin purchased the MF 8735 to run the chipper, he wanted to continue Ben’s work in raising awareness for Cancer Research UK and Young Lives vs Cancer.

Martin explains why he wanted to do it. “Cancer affects everyone, and my business wouldn’t be where it is now without my Nan, who passed away from cancer. We need the chipper for most of our clearance sites across the country, and I didn’t want to just put any tractor on the front of it. Getting the tractor wrapped, and changing the colour of the bonnet grills from red to black, will continue raising awareness and donations, and it is nice to see a Massey Ferguson in a forestry environment.”

Although the tractor had the required power to run the chipper, the cab controls required a fundamental redesign. Darren Winstanley, sales manager at KO Machines, describes the modifications:

“We installed a new 360º seat base so the user can turn to face the rear of the cab and operate the chipper. The multifunction armrest and screen turn with the seat and fold up as the seat turns. The major change in the cab has been replacing the small rear window that is used to view the pick-up hitch and install a solid box allowing space for the operator’s feet and foot controls.

“When in the rear position, the armrest and screen are folded back into place and the chipper controls are lowered down towards the operator for comfortable use. It proves that although forestry operations aren’t a common choice for MF machines, with some modifications, these tractors can be equipped to offer users long term reliability and a comfortable working environment.”

Martin is delighted with the final outcome and says the project wouldn’t have been possible without several other companies being involved. “OCS Group UK Ltd, Ben Price, KO Machines, and Allan James Financial Services have all supported the project from the moment I told them about it, and it proves what can be done when working together.”

The value of the woodchip from the combinations first job in Cambridge for OCS Group UK Ltd is being donated to the charities. Landowners on future sites where Martin is working are encouraged to donate some or all the value of the chip, after chipping and haulage costs, to the two charities. Further donations can be made by scanning the QR code on the chipper or via this Just Giving link.