And it came back to me whilst I was painting (unusual for me!!) a tractor wheel.  I recall asking my old uncle before he died a few years ago what he did about MH U frames that wouldn't start after the long winter lay off.  His reply was quite abrupt as if I was stupid "well tow the buggers" he said !!!!!!!!!!! "there's always one will start" - and he had 5 of them.

He used to tell me how if a big end bearing started to knock whilst ploughing or whatever he would simply stop the tractor in the furrow, remove the appropriate inspection plate, ondo the big end and remove one or more or shims as required then on his way again.  No time wasting with a MASSEY!!

John