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Mark purchased the Eastwind DF 304 (RICKY) brand new in 2001 and it was the second registered tractor in Victoria. The purchase was to replace a Lada Niva 4x4 that he was using to tow farm equipment. He also wanted a dedicated slasher for the river flats of his property as the old 1958 Fordson Major (FRED) was too big and would bog easily. 

For the summer harvest season, the Eastwind DF 304 was used for slashing close to the fence lines and in the storm water drains. The local council use hydraulic flail mowers for this work but with 4WD and low range you could not get the DF 304 bogged, even if you deliberately drove it into storm water drain to slash weeds, it could not be stopped.

For the past 20 years the DF 304 has also been collecting firewood, carting gravel in the tipping carry all and slashing fire breaks on neighbouring property's. Mark also fitted a tow ball for towing trailers around the property. 

Due to the Eastwinds DF 304s 4x4 and creeper gears (RICKY) has a reputation on recovery for towing out all sorts of bogged farm vehicles from not only Marks property but his neighbours as well. Mark says with all the wet weather they have experienced recently Ricky has been most helpful as a recovery vehicle, once in 4x4 and with the creeper gear engaged it just digs in a pulls.

The early Eastwind tractors were factory fitted with an air pump and tank for air operated brake systems on trailers, a job now taken care of by electric trailer braking systems. However, Mark still uses his to power small air tools, air guns for blowing out the radiator and tyre pressure gauges for inflating tyres.

Mark also comments that Ricky is a fast-moving tractor in high range 4th gear, over 40kph. This made traveling long distances between neighbouring  property's a breeze.  he soon named Ricky Fastwind, if you zoom in on the photo you will notice the factory decal was changed to Fastwind. 

Mark advised the paint work and decals are in such good condition as he always cleans his machine after use, wiped the bodywork and decals down with an oily rag and kept the tractor out of the weather and undercover when not in use. Not bad for a 2001 model Chinese tractor.

The attached photos show when we purchased China from Midways Sales  

China is all we have had for the past 18 years, she has built this farm & many around us, we always ask far to much of her but she delivers, a true champion.

China's engine has never been touched & is currently at 9705 hours on the clock, on top of this for approx three years China's hour meter did not work, so you can easily add another 1500 to 2000 hours onto the hour's on the clock meaning she has done around 11'000 to 11'500, not bad for a little girl.

For the last month we have been receiving unwanted fill from road works happening near by, you will see this in some of the photo's I send from my phone, not just a bit of fill but approx 20 to 30  12 tonn loads every day for the last month,China has handled all of this with her eye's shut, amazing what she can do.

China is a part of our Family now, the kids love coming with me out on the farm to get the yard work done. This old gem has years left in her. 

Kind Regards,

Kell