Tractors (of all colors).

[slawsonb]

In deference to not hijacking Z's topic on his restoration anymore, I figured I'd give us farm kids a place to discuss another important topic. It appears that more than a few of you are my Tractor brothers in arms. So here it is...go for it...
...bert

[farmerdl]

Was into antique tractors for a while.  Enjoyed it but was too much like work.  I was a full time farmer.  Then most of the "old tractor guys" around here were farmers.  Had a few 10-20 McCormicks,  A couple of F-20 narrow treads, an HG68 Oliver crawler, an Allis Chalmers model E and others too numerous to mention.  Our Farmall M was a 1940 and was in use daily.  I sold all of the antiques with the exception of my Ferguson TO-20 which I still use to mow around my ponds.

[old smokey]

Never owned a tractor, so only wish I'd have enough acreage to justify getting a green B model. My grandfather had one when I was very young and enjoyed listening to it pop in the fields.

[RayK]

110 tractors and counting This guy in my area is more addicted than a Bridgestone enthusiast.

http://www.coomaexpress.com.au/story/1715155/bills-passion-for-tractors-110-and-counting/

Ray

[slawsonb]

Thanks Ray. Great article. I loved the comment about owning horses and not having to feed tractors. My wife is a horse enthusiast (understatement), so I can definitely relate. I own my current tractor mainly to support my role as ranch hand. lol
...bert

[OldSwartout]

I'm not much into collecting tractors; it always seemed like a lot of work to me too. I grew up using an old (it was old when I was using it in the 50's) Ford tractor pulling a 2-bottom plow - was that ever a boring job! It didn't go very fast nor did it turn over much dirt at a time either. The worst was when plowing one of the fields with a lot of clay, then I had to use 1st gear.  Dad got to use the big tractor, a 1949 John Deere "A". I got to use it occasionally. Put the front end into the fence more than once when I didn't get the plow out of the ground soon enough at the end of a row.  I loved using a disk or harrow - you could cover so much more ground.

[husker]

I have several old tractors the oldest being a 22-36 McCormick Deering which is a non runner. 1939 Ford 9n, a mid 50's Farmall 300, later 50's Farmall 450 diesel (it starts on gasoline and then switches over to diesel) a mid 60's Farmall 706D, and a 1850 Oliver that has a Perkins 354 ci diesel in it. These aren't really an antique collection as they are working tractors on the farm. My newest tractor is over 45 years old! I would like to restore the Oliver and the 450 to sell and get a newer tractor with a quiet cab, AC, heater, and mfwd. 

[husker]

(My wife is a horse enthusiast (understatement))
        I completely understand bert!

[slawsonb]

She forgives me my addictions (bikes and cars), so I forgive her's. At least with vehicles there's nothing to shovel!...;-)
...bert

[Kansas]

A tractor thread too!!  This site has it all!!  What will I learn about next.

I own a 1943 Farmall H.  I have always intended to restore it, but do not have room in town.  My daughter has requested to take this to the thresher show, because she would like to drive something that moves faster than walking speed.  I have just enough room for motorcycles and can tuck them away so my wife doesn't complain.

We attend the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Show every year.  I have never missed a show.   My kids have never missed a show either.  In fact each of them won a prize for the youngest person on the grounds, each being under a year old. We show and parade a 1917 10/20 Townsend tractor.  Every year I meet at least one person that is excited to see a Townsend, and shocked when we fire it up and parade it.  Most ask if it's something we made.  It has been to 61 consecutive shows, only missing the first because my great grandpa did not know they were having one.  My daughter is the fifth generation to drive it through the parade.

It has become a small annual family reunion.  Several other family members bring up items as well, including a steam engine, tractors, combines, and vehicles.  Many of the items once belonged to my great grandfather.  We all camp together and catch up on how everyone has been doing for the past year.  My kids talk about the show all year long.  As much work as it often turns out to be, they make it worth while.

Here is the link to the show.  www.threshershow.org

[slawsonb]

Looks like a cool show. As a kid in northern Indiana, we would go to an annual "steam show". It was very interesting to watch them thresh wheat. The equipment was massive and even in the late 50's/early 60's very antique compared to combines. Big difference was the equipment going to the grain vs the grain coming to the equipment.
...bert

[Kansas]

Speaking of combines, did you see the Holt combine pictures on the web site?  It may be a one of a kind.  Made mostly of wood and they claim there isn't a single knot.  If I recall, it takes three people to run it, and has a 24 foot header.  I can not recall the year, but it is self propelled.  They do parade it!

[slawsonb]

Nope, missed it, but will check it out.
...bert