Behind the Weld: Retired Boilermaker John Tracey
Jan 15, 2025 Posted by Brittany Cunningham

For over two decades, John Tracey worked as a boilermaker welder, contributing to the craftsmanship and quality that have made Delmade a trusted name in agricultural machinery.
In this article and accompanying video, you’ll step behind the weld with John as he reflects on his journey—from his early days on the farm to crafting machinery that still rolls across Tasmania’s fields today. You’ll also gain insight into the memories that come with a career spent building something bigger than oneself.
John Tracey’s story begins not in the workshop, but on the farm. In 1983, after selling his property, John joined the then fledgling company DJ Machinery—now known as Delmade, which was only nine years old at the time. “My ambition,” John recalls, “was always for the next weld to be better than the last.” That drive led him to become an integral part of Delmade’s team, turning into over 20 years of craftsmanship.
Over his two decades with the company, John witnessed first hand how the demands of farmers shaped innovation and how Delmade stayed ahead of the curve. “Machinery was getting bigger and better,” John shares.
John primarily worked on building new equipment, a point of pride for him. His work wasn’t about patching things up—it was about creating machinery that would last. One of his standout projects was a massive nine ton roller, so large it required a friction brake under the drawbar to stop it from pushing you downhill.
“I think nearly every farmer in Tasmania has a roller,” he notes. “When you drive round the state you see the blue and yellow”.
For John, Delmade’s legacy is about more than the equipment itself. It’s about the craftsmanship and care that go into each piece, ensuring it meets the demands of farmers across Australia. “The quality speaks for itself,” John says, noting that Delmade’s reputation is built on machinery that stands the test of time.
As Delmade celebrates its 50th anniversary (in 2024), John’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the heart and skill that built its foundation. It’s a legacy of quality and reliability, made possible by people like John, who poured their expertise and effort into every weld.