John Deere 2510 for Senior Exit Project

There are different views on how old a tractor must be to be considered antique. I think that a generally accepted minimum age for a tractor to be pulled in the antique class is like 40yrs. But like I said many variations depending upon who is doing the talking. You might want to search the net for antique tractor pulling associations.

I define the differend between a vintage tractor as this:
Vintage- classic but still viable for regular use today with moderate efficiency "sort of a collecter tractor but the idea that we are still going to use it on our farming operation" Antique- also classic but more of a "pull a float in a parade" type tractor, something that will not work very efficiently by todays standards *Remember the previous is a very general statement* You have to be careful about generalizations when writing a research paper!

I would personally call your 2510 a vintage collecter tractor. It is modern enough to use today with pretty good efficiency. Plus they are very egronomic compared to the hand clutch two-cylinder (of course they just dont have that classy pop-pop-pop)

I would recommend checking your local library. Look through the card cat (or maybe catalogs on a computer) for farm tractors, antique tractor, john deere, ect. There are many books and such that would greatly aid you. In most cases if the local library doesn't have it they can borrow it from a nearby university or another library. Don't tell me that libraries are for old farts, I'm only 19 and believe me, You need to use them when you get to college. I hope this helps you some. I definately recommend looking for hard copy information. It is much better and more extensive than what you will find on the net. Good luck and keep us posted of your progress on the project!
Tyler

The sections of the workbook are as follows:

Your Story: �We want to know about the Chapter/Individual participating in the restoration. �If it's a chapter, possibly some history about that chapter. �How you came to find the tractor you worked on, why you chose to restore it, etc. �Any funny stories that occurred during the restoration process. �What's cool about being in the FFA. �Take a before and after with yourself/your chapter and the tractor. �

Overall Condition:What was the overall condition of the tractor prior to the restoration effort. �Be specific and take pictures. �Because the judges don't get to see the actual tractor, pictures are vital. ��A good idea is to take pictures from the same locations, angles and views before and after so we can compare/contrast. �This is also a god opportunity to tell us about the history of the tractor. �What it was intended to be used for when it was built and/or how it was really used if it's different. �Any interesting anecdotes or facts. �Be creative. ��

Engine:Summarize the overall condition of the engine before you started working on it. �Did it run? �How were the valves, cylinders and bearings? �Did the engine just need a tune-up or a major overhaul? �Then describe with detail what was involved in the restoration of the tractor's engine. �Support the description with pictures. �Tell us what we're looking at in the before and after photos. �Anything in particular we should take note of?

Transmission:Summarize the overall condition of the transmission before you started working on it. �How was the clutch unit? �Gearbox? �How much work did it require? �Then describe with detail what was involved in the restoration of the transmission. �Support the description with pictures. �Tell us what we're looking at in the before and after photos. �Anything in particular we should take note of?

Final Drive: �Summarize the overall condition of the final drive before you started working on it. �Is it intact? �Then describe with detail what was involved in the restoration of the final drive. �Support the description with pictures. �Tell us what we're looking at in the before and after photos. �Anything in particular we should take note of?

Ancillary Systems: �Summarize for us the overall condition of the ancillary systems before you started working on them. �How was the carburetor? �Electrical system? �Did you do anything to the magneto? �Radiator? �Gas tank? ��Then describe with detail what was involved in the restoration of the ancillary systems. �Support the description with pictures. �Tell us what we're looking at in the before and after photos. �Anything in particular we should take note of?

Auxiliary Systems: �Summarize for us the overall condition of the auxiliary systems before you started working on them. �How was the steering wheel? �The seat? �Are they original? �Usable? �did you just clean them up or replace them? �Was the grill screen intact? �Wheel covers? �Any medallions or emblems? ��Then describe with detail what was involved in the restoration of the auxiliary systems. �Support the description with pictures. �Tell us what we're looking at in the before and after photos. �Anything in particular we should take note of?

External Appearance: �What was the overall condition of your tractor's exterior before you got started? �Was the sheet metal rusty and pitted? �Or, was it in decent condition? �Did you paint your tractor? �If so, what was the technique? �Describe in detail what was involved in getting your tractor's outside picture perfect. �Support the description with pictures. �Tell us what we're looking at in the before and after photos. �Anything in particular we should take note of?

Mechanical Reports: �There are two mechanical reports in this section - one for "internal" work and one for "external" work. �the mechanical reports should detail the time you spent on the tractor throughout the restoration process. �At the bottom of each report, please total the number of hours you spent on the restoration. �
� Internal Mechanical report - include any work done on the engine, clutch, transmission, etc. � External Mechanical report - include any bodywork, painting, adhering of decals, etc

Expense Report: �The expense report should include all items and outside labor that were purchased in order to complete the restoration. �If any items were donated, please indicate so by writing "donated" in place of a cost. �Total the costs at the end of the report. �

Safety Report: �On the following pages, include all safety features that appear on your newly restored tractor such as decals, lights, etc. �Provide details to support any photos you include. �We are also very interested to hear about the safety precautions you took during the restoration project. �Our motto is: Safety first! �(note: �the judges made it clear this past year that safety will play a much more important role in their decisions from now on. �They are concerned that the students are taking the proper precautions. �Pictures can be vital here as they will accurately display whether or not your students are taking/wearing the proper precautions while performing certain tasks.)

Discovery Essay: �In this section we would like you to write a short essay (no longer than one page) descriving what you have learned from the experience of restoring a tractor. �What was the best part and what was the least fun? �What did you learn about yourself/your teammate? �New skills? �Patience? �Determination? �What are the easiest and hardest parts of a long-term project? �If you could start over what would you do differently? �

These are all the sections of the workbooks and the descriptions that are given in the workbook. �Again, let me emphasize the importance of visually documenting the project. �Although videos should not be sent along with the workbooks for the first round of determining the finalists, they can be valuable at the presentation should you become a finalist. �Creativity is important.