gathering of the Green?

jdknucklebuster · Jan 31, 2016

Looking for opinions on the Gathering.
I am in the middle of a restoration on my 730d SE tractor. I got interested in going to the 2 cylinder EXPO this year, to really check out some correctly restored 730s. Well day late and dollar short, "no more Expos". Missed that one by a year or two.
However, I see this is the year for Gathering of the Green. Does anyone have an opinion of this event? I saw the last one had about 2400 people attend, I'm not sure how that compared to the Expos before they quit. All the good day trips havealready been sold out, so there isn't any opportunities to visit some collection with nicely restored tractors there there either. I'm a fare drive away leaving in Michigan, plus a weeks vacation. I'm looking to see some nice stuff, just not tractors with a paint job. Who's been there? Is it worth it?
thanks Rick

Joe Mindy · Jan 31, 2016

The Gathering of the Green is just unbelievable. While there are many displays and a huge number of vendors, the Gathering is primarily a a technical conference. There are over 50 one and a half hour classes. Travis Jorde is the world expert on decals and their placement. There is a class on painting taught by a world class expert. Richard Duane teaches a class on crankshaft spline repair as well as being an expert on power steering. I teach a class on the mysterious 24 Volt system. People are very friendly and can probably answer any questions you may have.

Papa Fox · Jan 31, 2016

Well worth the trip if only for one day. (I'm in for the whole gathering as the seminars are so good) Beautiful displays, good vendors etc.. Sometimes there is a spot open on a day trip because someone had to cancel. They keep a bulletin board with updated info. The sponsoring clubs do an excellent job with the organizing.

2510Paul · Jan 31, 2016

I have never been to an expo so I cannot compare. I am going to the Gathering this year for my third time. There are many parts vendors and specialty restoration businesses (i.e. gauges, wiring, etc.) The seminars are great and lots of them. I went through the list and colored those I would like to attend either for the first time or repeat. I had a lot of color when I got done. Like you, I signed up to late for the tours. There are also items for the ladies. Check out their website. Again, I cannot compare it to an Expo, but I enjoy them.

Paul

dan_41jdh · Jan 31, 2016

Rick, as Joe Mindy mentioned, the Gathering is not a large tractor show with several hundred EXPO quality tractors, but instead is primarily a technical conference supplemented with all the tours and an excellent vendor representation. However, there are usually around 15 to 20 EXPO quality tractors on display, but there may not be a 730D there. But you will find a number of the country's best experts on Deere products there so it's a great place to find answers to your questions. And, you might consider contacting the folks coordinating the Gathering to see if any 730D tractors are scheduled to be displayed.

James Lieb · Jan 31, 2016

If you want to just look at tractors you can go to the Eastern Two-Cylinder Expo in June.It will be in Wooster Ohio at the fairgrounds June 17,18,19.They will also have seminars.

Richard in Bee · Feb 1, 2016

OP, if you go stop at the GM table and I'll give you a present. I won't tell you what it is but it's twice as good as anything we've given away before. I'll also give you a free Peppermint Patty*. that should make it well worth the trip right there.

*While supplies last.

Mike Aylward · Feb 2, 2016

I've gone to every Gathering they have had
and will continue to do so. I wouldn't
miss one. A classy event. Mike

tim s · Feb 2, 2016

And I have never been to one yet,,Darn it...."Almost" made it this year...

Tech 7 · Feb 2, 2016

I went to The Gathering for the first time two years ago and have been counting the days since then til the next one.
Its so much more informative than a show. Yes I appreciate seeing restored/unrestored tractors and equipment but the sharing of information and meeting other collectors is great. It is a days drive for us and with the difference in the Canadian $ right now its going to cost about $20,000 to go (OK I might be exaggerating a bit) no matter I am still going. The venue is really nice and we like to tour the Quad cities a bit after we get our display set up. Our group, representing 3 Clubs from here in Ontario will have our Display set up on the one end of the second floor concourse.
We may leave a bit early, swing down into Ohio and kidnap Tim S (ok kidding again)

Mike M · Feb 2, 2016

About time Wooster could get a show together. This is the first I have heard of this. I'll have to see if they start advertising.

jdknucklebuster · Feb 2, 2016

thanks for the the info Guys. I think I'll try to pick a couple days at the gathering and attend the ohio two cyl too

gathering of the Green?

jdknucklebuster

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Joe Mindy

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Papa Fox

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2510Paul

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dan_41jdh

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James Lieb

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Richard in Bee

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Mike Aylward

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tim s

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Tech 7

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Mike M

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jdknucklebuster

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