Two Cylinder Expo vs Expo

Bob Collins

Well-known Member
In past odd years I have been able to attend the Expo in Waterloo, IA and the Canandaigua, NY Expo, this year both being on the same dates will make it impossible. I am about midway between them. How are you deciding which to attend? I'll add that I have NEVER been to one I did not enjoy.
 
I have only been to the New York show once but I thought it much bigger and better than the Two-Cylinder Expo in Iowa.Some of the tractor were not as well restored but that does not bother me as I enjoy everything from perfect to plain and really like to see tractors that are still being used.I would never say anything bad about someones restoration as all of mine are in their work clothes.It seems to me the Iowa Expo people tend to have an atitude problem.
 
You are so right about the people at Waterloo, Ia. having an attitude problem.
Several years ago a friend took a 60 orchard model to one of their expos,and just because it didn't have a thousand dollar paint job on it they snubbed him as if he had brought a rattlesnake to the event.
I find it amazing that people would put up with their aggorance.
 
It really depends on your taste. They are different shows and each has a different focus.

The New York State Two Cylinder Expo is a large show, and they are proud of their size and the number of exhibits. And, along with huge vendor participation, they also have a fairly large flea market (or at least they did the two times I was there). The quality of exhibits ranges from non-running junk to pristine, perfect- finish exhibits. And they have a parade and a tractor pull. To me, it has a similar flavor to what local tractor and threshing shows have, sort of a carnival atmosphere, and somewhat loosely organized, but a lot larger than almost any show – and almost exclusively John Deere.

The Two Cylinder Expo (that has been held in Waterloo during the last six years) is more like a “concours d’Elegance” than a “bring anything you have, running or not, as long as it’s green”. You’re pretty much assured of seeing around 300 tractors and implements that represent the best-appearing John Deere restorations in the country. Applications are taken and approved or disapproved for exhibits – they won’t accept exhibits that don’t meet a certain level of appearance and correctness (although the approval process isn’t perfect; you will see some exhibits that some would consider marginal). And except for a few engines being started here and there, the Expo is rather quiet – somewhat like a museum setting.

One aspect that draws my attention to a show is what they feature. This year, the New York State Two Cylinder Expo is featuring the Model “G”, so if you’re interested in “G’s”, New York would be the place to be.

I also like both shows. And I can’t say one is better than the other – to me, it’s like comparing a world-class meal in an exclusive, fancy restaurant to the best dang hamburger or pizza you’ve ever tasted that came from a local joint – they’re both great but different.
 
Over the years I had been invited to present Seminar Workshops at both venues (as well as Gathering of the Green), and all I can say is I had much more fun at the New York Expo then the Two Cylinder......

"Thats all I have to say about that"

John T
 
Come on, JUST because it didn't have a thousand dollar paint job?!? That's it? Really? There's gotta be more to it than that. I've been involved with "them" for almost 15 years. I know what kind of tractors they want to display and that's what I take. Not one of them has a thousand dollar paint job. It's been hashed over on this site a hundred times. Some people don't care for the requirements of showing a tractor at a Two Cylinder Expo. Fine. Don't go. Please don't try to tell us that you need to spend a grand on paint or you won't get in. That's just not true.

To answer the OP's original question. I'm going to Waterloo. It's much easier to find lodging that's close by. The Eastern Expo is a great show though, no doubt.
 
theres plenty of close hotels..great time..i live 10 mins away so i guess its easy for me to say that..lol..if you love old jds like we do ny expo is place to be. everyone is friendly..nice tractors..big flee market..there will be more gs in pulling area than on show field..lol..
 
The primary focus of the Two Cylinder Expo in Waterloo is "museum" quality restorations as somebody else said. However, they take a limited number of tractors in their "work clothes." They have expanded the Expo in recent years to include a mix of New Generation tractors and implements.
The only thing that frustrates me is many of the same tractors are exhibited every year.
I have noticed a slight shift to smaller tractors in the past couple of years, suppose it due to the high cost of fuel and transportation.
Give the Two Cylinder Club a call and tell them what you have to exhibit.
Visitors also get to vote on their favorite exhibit this year (a first).
 
I personally have nothing against the two cylinder club. I think they provide a great service and wealth of information to john deere collectors everywhere. however, their expo falls on the same weekend as a local show and there's no question where i'll be going and it is NOT waterloo! i'd much rather use my tractors for what they were intended rather than look at paint.
 

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