Tradition of Lord Mayors parade brought up to date with farming innovation from Grimme

Grimmes two-row self-propelled potato harvester took to the London Streets at the historic 683^rd Lord Mayors Show last weekend as the representative of the Worshipful Company of Farmers who take part in the traditional parade, along with around 150 other past, present and future businesses including livery companies, charities, Her Majestys Forces, the City Police and Londoners from all walks of life.

The reason for the Worshipful Company of Farmers involvement in the event has been to promote a better understanding of the economic importance of farming in the economic life of the nation and the close association of farming with the City of London.

Grimmes Varitron 270 two row self propelled potato harvester was kindly loaned by Cambridgeshire farmer Richard Lee of Highflyer Farm.

Its journey to London started outside the front entrance to the majestic Ely Cathedral where it was waved off by the Bishop of Huntingdon, the Dean of Ely Cathedral, choristers and other dignitaries. (picture 1)

At the Lord Mayors parade the following morning the London streets along the square mile were packed with onlookers as far as the eye could see. Meticulous planning helped the parade get off to a prompt start, which took the potato harvester along with the Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers Follet Balch, the senior warden Peter Faulkner, junior warden John Reynolds and liveryman Lindsay Hargreaves, from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice and back again.

The Varitron 270 is one of Grimmes flagship potato harvesters with one 1050/50 R32 front flotation wheel and a 900mm track on the left hand side and a seven tonne capacity buffer bunker. Excellent maneuverability and cab visibility helped it to negotiate tight corners and road obstacles in the centre on London (picture 2).