Ian's Tractor

Ian Stahl of Dunlap, Illinois is one seven-year-old that doesn’t mind hand-me-downs, as long as they are tractors. This 1953 IH Farmall Super M was handed down through three generations of Stahls before it got to Ian. Ian’s great grandfather, Aaron Stahl, purchased the Super M new in 1953 at Kuhn Implement in Dunlap, Illinois, which closed in 1961. Aaron passed it to his son Bill, Ian’s grandfather, who later passed it on to Ian’s father, Jason. The Super M is not a rare tractor. In fact, it was a very popular tractor for Farmall’s parent company, International Harvester. To the Stahls, however, it may as well have been the only tractor made. They used the Super M as a multi-purpose tractor for raising row crops, mowing, and other necessities around the farm. It is still a working tractor used for moving empty wagons to the field during harvest, and moving machinery around in sheds as needed. Over the years the Stahls have kept the Super M regularly maintained and as original as possible. It has been upgraded from the 6-volt electrical system to a more current 12-volt. A few years ago the engine was overhauled, the tires were replaced, and it was repainted. As it has been passed thorough the family, each new owner has continued its care in a similar manner. Ian’s grandfather, Bill, currently performs the tractor’s maintenance, but Ian is learning, and will assume the responsibility when he is old enough. You are never too young to learn the importance of proper care of equipment. The Stahls are not antique tractor collectors, but they have a strong desire to keep the family’s first tractor in the family for many more generations. Ian’s mother, Amy Stahl, said Ian often talks about the first time he got to drive the Super M by himself, something he will never forget.