Originally registered as HBT 74 to a farm in Goole, this Cropmaster is believed to have spent all its working life on that farm. It's current patina on the original paintwork indicates it was used but cared for during its working life. It is uncertain when it was 'retired', but it is believed to have passed from that farm to a local DB enthusiast in the Goole area.

I bought it from that enthusiast in June 2011 - it was in overall good condition, just needing some sensitive refurbishment. The patina has been retained and, although some areas have been sprayed in the past (and that paint is flaking), it looks genuine for showing its scars through its life.

Following a thorough service and replacement of all the usual wearing items, it runs well. The seats were retrimmed using a kit and, ten years on, are developing their own patina, in keeping with the rest of the tractor.

Since 2011, HBT 74 has been stored in the David Brown Tractor Club museum in Meltham, West Yorkshire.

At the time of writing (August 2021), I am hoping to have it registered such that it can be driven on road runs, etc. I believe it will not be able to retain its original registration number due to the current process, but regardless of its future registration number, it will always be known as HBT 74 and will wear the original plate behind its road legal plate.