A vintage baler which hasn't made hay for at least six decades will be among the machines in action on Sunday, April 10, when the Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club holds its 'Crank Up Festival” at Katikati.

Colston Landon of Tauranga, who owns the stationary baler made by Booth & MacDonald of Christchurch, is currently restoring it with the help of friends including Graeme Ross.

Michael Cooper's massive 1958 D9E Caterpillar bulldozer will be among the attractions at the 'Crank Up Festival” at Katikati on April 10.

'We are working hard to get the baler ready for April 10,” says Graeme. Unlike more modern balers, it is not towed by a tractor.

'Instead hay is brought to the baler and pitch forked into it.”

At least 20 tractors, some as old as 90 years, plus a massive 1958 D9E Caterpillar bulldozer and a number of stationery engines will be in action at the Crank Up day which is held on Michael Cooper's property in Hot Springs Road, Katikati.

'It's a lovely setting with big chestnut trees and we encourage people to bring a picnic and enjoy the day. There will be a sausage sizzle as well,” says Graeme.

Members of other vintage machinery clubs, including from the Waikato and Hauraki Plains have been invited to bring along their machinery and tractors too and it is possible some vintage military machines may also be on display.

A tractor see-saw competition will be among the attractions with drivers attempting to balance their tractors in the centre of a 'see-saw” before driving off the other end.

'Retired farmers, machinery enthusiasts and young families all enjoy our crank up days and everyone is welcome,” says Graeme.

The event which runs from 10.30am to around 3pm will be signposted from SH2 and admission is by donation.