antique tractors

At one time, I thought that an antique was a very old object which no longer has any practical use. Now it is hard for me to think of the M as an antique tractor. The M certainly qualifies as an antique because of its age. Unbelievably the M's design is 60 plus years old. But a lot of M's are still in use yet today. A lot of farmers still use M's as chore or loader tractors. I doubt if many of these farmers think of their M as a tractor which is only suitable for exhibiting at tractor shows.

Not only are farmers busy getting crops in the ground, but antique tractor and equipment owners are getting the equipment ready for the 2011 unveiling. So if you are both, you are a very busy person right now. Clubs are especially busy getting ready for their annual events.

I receive newsletters from several tractor clubs, and it sure sounds like 2011 is stacking up to be a busy one. One club is organizing a clean-up day while another is busy painting and doing some repairs on their sites buildings, designing posters and more.

Remembering an antique tractor the way it was is next to impossible. You’ve heard the phrase a picture is worth a thousand words, I’m sure. Never have these words rang so true as when restoring and antique tractor. I would be afraid to guess how many restorations have been completed only to hear the individual say, I wish I had remembered to take pictures along the way, or even worse, pictures of the way it looked before I started.

As we do each year at this time Iron Memories is currently accepting stories from our readers about their antique tractors. All stories submitted would be reviewed by our selection committee to appear in the tenth edition that will be available in May of 2011. Your tractor may even be selected to appear on the front cover. If you have restored an antique tractor thats special to you, let us tell its story in our upcoming edition.

I received an e-mail from an individual who felt insulted while attending their local county fair this weekend. While admiring the antique tractors her family witnessed three antique tractor enthusiasts verbally expressing themselves inappropriately. I realize it has become more common for individuals to engage in rough and vulgar language in public. That does not make it right, especially when you are representing your club, organization, or employer. You’re speaking for your club or group, whether you realize it or not, making each member guilty by association.

If you are interested in owning an antique tractor and lack the skill or desire to start from scratch building one, or if you are one of us that is reluctant to begin a project that may cost more than you wish to invest, an aucion is a good place to start. You can stop bidding when the price gets to your limit and the seller won't be insulted. However you have to be ready to buy and bid quickly because the auctioneer and other bidders don't mess around.

On April 25th, my daughter Lisa,friend Liz, and Grandson JT went to Farm Fun Day at Vincetown NJ for her Birthday. She grew up going to shows in Iowa with me, her Grandparents, and her brother. She said they had a parade, corn shelling with stationary engines, plowing demostrations with both antique tractors and horses. I did like and understand her comment about the Case Steamer. She said," It put that coal/wood burning steam smell in the air. That was a good Birthday treat." Thank you Farm Fun Day for a great day.