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My dad's Super C did have an electric starter. It was turned by a 6 volt battery. Seemed like every time he needed to use it the battery was 'down' and he would use the hand crank to get it started. Heard a lot of 'colorful' language involving the use of the hand crank. I usually parked it on a hill and employed the old 'roll start' method, at least when he was not around. You are exactly right on the high price of fuel. Fortunately our hay meadow produces enough hay for Nancy's horses. The cost and/or availability of 'suitable' hay was a decisive factor in putting up our own hay. I probably will not live long enough to recoup the cost of all the old tractors and equipment. However, Nancy is pleased with the quality of hay produced for her horses and that is better than money in the bank in my opinion. We can spray, fertilize, plow, plant, and cut by our time schedule and not around the convenience of someone else. That was one of the most frustrating situations that my dad had to deal with when he was 'running cattle' on the farm. It was simple economics for the hay man; no money to be made on a small hay meadow. Just a couple of years ago we could afford to keep the tanks full on our tractors. Now we plan which tractors are going to be used from week to week. The one being used gets 5-10 gallons as needed. Since we are 'out in the sticks', we are concerned about independent petroleum recyclers (gas thieves) finding an untapped energy source. I will agree there are a lot of good hay fields in Ohio. I have a lot of respect for folks that make their living farming, whatever their crop(s) may be. My grandfather was a cotton farmer, fur trapper/trader, and raised cattle. My father was a cotton farmer and raised cattle. If I had to make my living from farming, I would probably starve to death. However, all of my coworkers will agree that I am outstanding or out standing in my field. 
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