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RTE Moline

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Tyler Janke

09-16-2002 12:56:50

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After reading a few postings about the MM RTE I am a little confused about its rarity. One person a while back thought that they were unusual but not uncommon, and another person called them rare. I have posted a few messages about them in the past where I asked a variety of questions. I dont like to bring up value because we all know that prices can be vary different day to day, depending on who is interested and the various conditions that antique tractors can be in. I know that we have all seen the both bad and good. I guess what I am trying to get at is has anyone seen a complete, RTE with matching serial numbers in good unrestored condition, with complete tinwork sell at an auction or a through a private sale? And if so what did they sell for?
Any information on this or any other information regarding RTE's would be great
Thanks

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Charles Vesser

09-17-2002 14:51:59

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Re: RTE Moline in reply to Tyler Janke, 09-16-2002 12:56:50

Basicly all Minneapolis Molines could be considered RARE if compared to Fords, John Deere's, Cases, and Farmalls and the like. Your RTE is RARE if even compared to other Minneapolis Molines. Not knowing the year I could not say how rare. I personally have a Minneapolis Moline UTS SPECIAl made in 1956 it is a low production tractor and a RARE model, BUT.... it isn't worth a whole lot of money to anyone except me, even though it is in very good condition. A good example of a rare tractor and price is:
A CASE 900 LP is for-sale right now on the clsssified for 2500.00 and it seemes to be in good shape for a 1957 model. This is a RARE bird for sure. Molines are typically low production tractors and very few are alike there's almost always a little difference in them. Even the paint color and combation. Man we could argue all day long on paint and never get it figured out. You have a rare machine. Just think how many thousands of dollars it would take to buy a comparable pice of equiptment on todays market new. I don't think you would even come close on quiality. And it for sure would not last as long. Be proud of what you have, take care of it and do what restoration you can, after all its a peice of AMERICA. Respectfully, Charles

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BMG

09-16-2002 15:21:15

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Re: RTE Moline in reply to Tyler Janke, 09-16-2002 12:56:50

Tyler,
Jim is right about the word "rare". Take a look at Moline production numbers. There are several tractors that Moline made less than 1000 examples. We bought our 1950 RTE here in southern Michigan for $1500 a couple years ago. It was complete with good metal. The previous owners had taken out the crank because the motor had a knock. Big mistake and a lot of work for naught because it was the governor that had flown apart and was hitting the governor housing that was making all the noise. Long story short - the motor was in great shape with 040 o/s pistons. We went through it front to back with all new seals and bearings where necessary. $1500 wasn't cheap mind you but we figured we probably wouldn't come across another one with correct tags, good flat lens lights and in complete restorable condition anywhere near us. You can see a picture of our RTE on the Tractor Photo pages under Moline on this website. We think it turned out good for our first restoration. I wish I could find a Moline as "uncommon" as an RTE for $500 around here. Your location has a lot to do with price. Example, here in Michigan RTN's are just about non-existant. The only ones I see advertised seem to be out west. In Canada, RTS were the common R model. To most collectors in the states they're a rare model but to some in Canada an RTU is more desireable because they didn't sell many in their part of the country. All I'm saying is price and rarity are dependent on a lot of factors - location being one such factor. I saw another RTE several years ago that had no tags and the owner was asking I think $2000 with an Allis orange paint job and a loader. I passed it up. I guess I like to have the tags on them for the history aspect.

Brian Gonyea

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Jim Parisot

09-16-2002 13:49:42

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Re: RTE Moline in reply to Tyler Janke, 09-16-2002 12:56:50

Tyler,

You're asking good questions. The word "rare" is certainly open to interpretation when used in describing an old tractor. I can give you some figures to help you come to your own conclusion. M-M produced roughly 38,000 model R's. Of these 1115 were RTE's. I personally would put that in the not rare but not common category. By comparison there were a little over 900 RTN's, a little over 2050 RTS's and 4338 RTI's. Yes, value is a very subjective thing, and can vary a lot by location in addition to condition. The only thing I can tell you is that I bought a complete, stuck 1948 RTE a few years ago for $500 and was very happy with the purchase. It's the only one I've seen in eastern Nebraska, not to say there aren't more - there have to be. I had to buy another E front end to help rebuild the one on it as it was bent as was the steering shaft. It had nice fenders but a cut platform and the fuel tank support and tank were worthless. I had all the parts to rebuild it. If you have any more questions, don't be afraid to ask the Board or you can feel free to e-mail me. There is a lot of knowledge on this Board, it's a great source to tap. Hope this helps a little.

Jim

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Tyler Janke

09-16-2002 19:52:12

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Re: Re: RTE Moline in reply to Jim Parisot, 09-16-2002 13:49:42

this information does help a lot. I am only 20 years old but probably as avid a moline lover as can be. right now i am trying to put together a collection of the entire R series ( excluding the RTI-M, by looking at the numbers it seems to me to be almost impossible to find one, and i really dont have an intrest in them) So far I have an 3 RTU's 1 RTE and I just bought an RTS yesterday. so I figure 3 of the six isnt a bad start. I know where I could get an RT and RTI and an RTN but being a poor college student has its limits. I am very happy to find that the RTE is an uncommon tractor, I had a feeling that i was looking at something special when I found it. It was at a garage sale, someone had put a cobbled up loader on it. but it was in great shape. I paid 350 for it. brought it home and had it running in 3 hours. Thanks for all the info.

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Brian Rukes

09-21-2002 21:07:11

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Re: Re: Re: RTE Moline in reply to Tyler Janke, 09-16-2002 19:52:12

Wow!!! You have THAT many Rs and only are 20 years old! Whew!

I totally understand the poor college student thing. I am still working on my Master's degree (not actively at the moment, though), and I well remember the ungrad days. I'm only 23 myself, and am an avid fan of the Model R series tractors.

You have received some great info from the folks here on the "rarity" of the RTE series. Certainly, RTEs aren't REALLY rare, but like Jim said, not common. (A 1947 Model RTE would be a rare find, though, and a 1954 model!)

If you haven't already found it, my book on M-Ms might be a BIG help to you. It has an entire chapter devoted to the R series, and yet another chapter devoted to M-M designations, serial numbering, etc. If you'd like more info on the book, please let me know. The link desribes it in more detail, too.

Take care, and it's great to hear of other young M-M enthusiasts out there! And R fans!!! :-D

Respectfully,

Brian Rukes
The M-M Registry

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