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Why people shouldn't collect tractors

T

tyler mostia

Member
I am a freshman in college. I have used this website extensively over the last few years to find information about all my tractors. And I thank everyone for making this information available on here. I collect the 20 series and the letter series Farmalls.

I am writing a paper for English class and I need some ideas to contrast why people do collect tractors. I know this is a very hard topic, but I"m sure someone can think of a few ideas to help me out. Thanks in advance, Tyler
 
becauce it's a good feeling when a two year old at the tractor show ask you if he can sit on your tractor, and see him smile when he does, just a quick thought
 
That non-running tractor sitting in the garage getting rebuilt means that the wifes car sits outdoors getting sleeted on so someone gets to scrape windows. Cold car equals cold seats. Way below zero means car may not start.
 
That is like asking why play golf, play basketball, or....it takes your mind off all of the everyday issues we want to put behind and clear the old noggen for a while before we have to get back to the real world. I think it gives us a better view when we have a fresh look after getting away for a while. Yes you can't help but enjoy kids, especially grand kids wanting to help or just sit there and dream. My.02cents
 
I like to get an old dead engine going and it's a lot less expense to restore a tractor than a car. I have done both. for example there is a lot less chrome and upholstery and wiring to worry about.
 
Well... For Me it is the Pleasure to go out and Start My "Ole JD "H" Listen at it Run, and drive out over the Field, It;s Quite relaxing, gives Time to gather Your Thoughts. Larry
 
Why do YOU collect old tractors? I just like them. When I was a little kid in the 50's, Dad farmed and most all the kids I went to school with came from farms. We played on tractors, rode tractors, had toy tractors, argued about which was best, ran to the road to watch anybody going by on a tractor and envied any kid whose Dad got a new one. It gets in your blood. I can still remember being 4 or 5 and Dad had a MM twin city that was his big tractor. I rode many miles setting on the tool box facing backwards with my arms wrapped around the gear shift lever. He had a Ford Jubilee, had to open the hood to put gas in it. He kept a sack with some apples in the tool box. When we got hungry or needed a break, he would open the hood and get 2 apples out and we would have a snack. He quit in 1960, sold everything. As I grew up, I worked for all the neighbors, drove about every kind of tractor around. I started farming after college. When my oldest daughter was about 5 she rode in the cab of the 510 MF combining corn. I cleaned off the flat spot behind the seat and she put a blanket and toys up there and rode all day. Shell a load and then jump in the truck and haul to the river and dump and go back for another load. She would ride in the Oliver 2150 with me plowing. Now I take my grandson with me when he gets to come down and I'm using any of the tractors, he is 3 now. Correction; whenever he comes, he wants a tractor ride. As soon as he gets out of the car he heads for the machine shed to see the tractors and combine.
Alway yells, bye tractor and combine when they leave. I think I have turned him into a tractor nut also. I prefer Olivers, but like them all. I have a JD 70, Farmall 400 and 2 Oliver 1850 diesels. If I had more money, I'd have more tractors. Some things you just have to do, This is mine. Chris
 
My dad passed away 5 years ago. He and I farmed together till his passing. Much of the equipment was his, and fixing it up is my way of keeping in touch with my roots I guess. Plus he would give me heck for letting his stuff get in bad shape. Farmall Super H, M, 706, F-14 then assorted plows, disks, etc.

Gene
 
After spending tons of money to fix one up and all the hours put into one, I have asked myself more than once why the heck am I doing this. I could enjoy a nice boat or nicer truck or have a cabin to go to instead of working on a greasy old tractor. But, when I spot another in an ad that I think would be neat, I buy another and start all over again. I tell my wife I have an iron deficiency and need some new iron. I enjoy the road trips to get them and meeting new people on the trips or that just stop in to look at the one I might have setting in the front yard.
 
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You should not collect tractors if:

1. Your wife/girlfriend/significant other is not interested in sharing your time with the tractor(s).

2. You can not afford to pay cash on the barrel head and still pay rent and buy groceries.

3. You are impatient with 50, 60, 70 year old tractors.

4. You can't tell the difference between the color red, blue, green, grey, or yellow.

5. You are uncomfortable in a pan seat, without power steering, air conditioning, and no radio.

6. You don't have enough a$$ in your pants to hand start the tractor.

Time to stop - I've gone from preachin' to meddlin'.

Good luck on your paper!
 
I like the old tractors for a couple of reasons - the challenge of getting them running and getting a chance to relive history by taking them out the field and doing what they were made to do. My whole 30 acres of farming is based on 40's and 50's equipment and farming techniques.
 
I can tell why I do collect tractors. Much beter than setting on the couch all day and going to waste. Something to keep me occupied. Don't think I would live very long if I didn't have something to keep me busy. Besides that can't just everybody do it. Bernie Steffen
 
Nostalga and happy childhoods would explain a lot..if you grew up with cvertain tractors on your farm, if you had toy tractors when you were a kid, if your Dad or Granddad owned certain tractors,you learned to drive a certain tractor that stuck in you and you cant let go of that fond memory...we had a Framall M that my Dad bought in 1940, I learned to drive that tractor when I was nine or ten, then we bought a C Allis..I still have Dad's M and I have bought three more in the letter series, just enjoy them like I enjoyed toy tractors when I was a child. That's mystory and I'm sticking to it..oh and there is brand loyalty because of our youthful experiences.
 
All the other responses are right on the mark. I would add that I like the old (analog) technology that was designed to be rebuilt and re-used for a century or more, was simple enough to be fixed out under the shade tree or even in the middle of a field if you couldn't drag 'er to a fence row for shade. I really miss the days of doing a tune-up with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver instead of needing a computer to get it running right. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the old stuff was meant to last forever if maintained and repaired correctly.
 
Well its not like collectors cars...if tractors break down on a drive you can leave them sit out in the field or yard till you want to get them home...........Cars out on the free way it can be dangerous and when you break down get ready for a healthy tow bill or the state will graciously tow it for a generous amount and you could be a long way from home....But there is a passion for both.
 
I think the reason some want the tractors is: One is taking something old that use to be a live saver are better yet said. A back saver for the farmer and his family! A yet in past times the farmer had to depend on crops. Crops to sale and food for his table.
There was no bale out money back then and the farmer had to depend on that tractor getting up and going down the field. Just to pay his bills and as said before. Put food on that table and feed a large family.
To me it is HISTORY! If that ole tractor could just talk, it would tell you many things it seen and done in the past. For when you fire it up and take off down the road. You feel it talking to you. Like this is what I could do in past. Therefore you become that past while riding it around.
 
Why did I want an old tractor? Thats simple, I wanted a peiece of history. New tractors today are not made like a 1947 Farmall H. I cant see how people are gonna say "ya, ah I cant wait to get my hands on a John Deere 5303, or NH t100, or Branson, Montanna or TYM or something. I think people collect old tractors to perserve a piece of history, maybe rembering dads old Farmall or JD, or others. Best part about them is they were MADE IN THE USE. I love how the hood on my Farmall H says Internatoinal Harvester Chicago Illonise U.S.A
 
If you can find her, ask my exwife. Don't have her number to give you, judge said I did not need to have it.

It was the cows that ran here off but the tractors did not help,,,,, well I guess they did, she's gone.

All joke'n aside, if your wife/girl friend/old lady or what ever don't like the life style it will drive a wedge tween yall pretty fast.

Only thing I have for you.

Dave
 
Why not?

I can think of more reasons to... but I'll try to help.

It can get expensive. You may start out with a Farmall H and are very happy. Then you figure it sure would be nice to have an M. Pretty soon you get an A, B and C to round out the letter series. But it would be silly to stop there, you need to get the W series too. Can't stop now, it only makes sense to complete things and get the Supers. I know a nice MTA is expensive, but it is the only thing you are missing. Shoot once you have that the collection is still not complete without some high crops...

One day you decide you like the pop of a Deere or the 6 cylinder humm of a Oliver and off you go on that one...

Good lord you have a bunch invested, you need a bigger trailer to take more than one at a time to shows. Now that you have the bigger trailer you need a new truck.

Seems kind of a waste to have all those old tractors without some implements to put them to work once in awhile.

You see where this is going don't you?

I forgot you need a building. Ideally it is one that grows with your collection. It is also a good idea of your wife has a short memory regarding the money you spent on the collection and a LONG memory about how much money you made on the one or two you sold.

Heck, there is more... safety, time, the list is endless.

Me, I have my eye on a couple that will be at an auction a week from Saturday. Wish me luck ;>)
 
why not collect tractors ? so you can go to work for 8 hours ,come home ,then go watch broke back mountain with plowhand and his wife!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
i collect tractors because i like all the interesting makes and designs. they are each a little different. some are even the same model but are a different year. i"m told tractors will keep me out of trouble but that depends on your opinion of trouble. why not to collect tractors? Why not?
 
I just like them. I started with my H, as a stress reliever. It is great to work on the tractors, much better than dealing with miscellaneous booobs at work.
 
I like tractors because I grew up surrounded by them. They were literally everywhere in my little world since the neighbors all had them, and even my dad had an old Ford 8N. I loved taking rides in my father's lap when I was small on his old 8N. That Ford 8N is long gone today as it was traded for something larger, but the yard is full of tractors today. Used to be we only had one tractor, but then as I got older, my love for tractors ended up spreading to my father and grandfather, and more tractors were purchased. Today, we have an IH 484, JD 50, Farmall H, Farmall Super A, and a Ford 641. Like others have said, a bunch of equipment was also purchased to go with it, such as a full line of haying equipment, and many other impliments.

The big downside of having a lot of stuff is it becomes a big headache. Now, we got thieves eyeing the place and don't feel free to leave for very long.

I am also a freshman in college, although, I won't be a freshman for much longer as I am only 6 credits shy of being a sophmore. I am thinking I may end up selling off the hobby farm and pursue other things. Only time will tell where I end up in my pursuit of a good career. Right now I am looking at transfer schools, since I am only 12 classes away from my Associates Degree and the applications process takes months.
 
Aw c'mon jd2wd. I was just asking for a little advice...I got out of it... an old farmer friend called that has a double hearing aid I answered the phone and conveniently talked to him while the movie started keep in mind I have to talk louder than a S.O.B. The wife motioned to me get outa here worked out well went out by my JD R and talked to him....came back in and I was full of grease so I had to clean up and shower when I was done the movie was over....
 
you should not collect tractors Because you will be tempted to buy all the same color ones. That way you can rotate them around the place and your wife will never really know how many you have.
This will work for a time. But wifes are smarter than we think or maybe we are dumber than we think.
But any way she WILL find out. Then you will be sleeping in the shed with your tractors.

So if you like a warm soft bed DONT COLLECT TRACTORS!
 
Because divorces are to expensive, 401K's give better intrest even now. People would only assume you are stupid, but there would be no proof (like a old tractor sitting around).
 
I like tractors of all colors.I not only collect real tractors I also collect toy tractors.A person really has to love the old tractors to know the feeling that you get when your with them or around them its unexplainable.Tractors cause great conversation bring back unforgettable memories and are just a total relaxer for me.My dad always had one or two up till the day I said good bye to him.I have his pride and joy his 48 Ford 8N restored it to original.I think dad would be proud of it.See what I mean writing this gets me going on tractors and good memories.Any way thats why I love the old pieces of iron. Tony
 
Because its an incurable disease called old iron fever.

Seriously, you can make the same arguments you could make about almost any hobby, say boating, or skiing, or sports cars, or ????

- Too expensive, money could be better spent elsewhere

- Takes up too much time that could be better spent doing something productive

- Takes up too much room, pretty soon you end up having to move to a bigger place, build a shop, etc. (see expensive above)

- Return on investment sucks, you spend a lot of money & time on a restoration, then end up with a tractor that's worth half what you've spent on it

- You constantly have grease under your fingernails & scrapes on your knuckles

- You smell like motor oil or stale gasoline

etc.

Keith
 
do not collect tractors cause it will give you a headache. its not easy deciding which one to get next. got old fords and then for some reason got a massey. gives me a headache just trying to figure out why i went with the red when i really like the blues.
larry cook
ps my other half likes green tractors so got another headache there.
 
Aww rats, I can't sleep, so I'll just go a little further on the topic.

Obviously, you shouldn't collect tractors if you don't enjoy them, since chances are they won't be a fantastic investment, but yet from looking at it in a little different light, most old tractors do tend to hold a pretty steady value.

Don't collect tractors if you absolutey hate getting all dirty and sweaty.

Don't collect them if you have no mechanical ability, since old tractors always need something, especially a whole fleet of them.

Do collect them if they bring you joy.

Do collect them if you want to learn mechanics.

Do collect them if you have the time and space.

Do collect them if they are what you want out of life.

Some people collect stamps, bicycles, etc... you name it and someone out there is into it. I've even seen barbed wire collections. It is a healthy hobby considering that many people are out there huffing glue and doing all kinds of drugs because they are not happy and/or lack of something to do. If tractors keep you off the Valums, then that is a great thing.

Many people have mentioned the cost, and while that is a factor, it is a lot less of a factor than those who are in to new cars for example. Most everybody wants a new Shelby GT500 Mustang, but those are what, $45,000? Drive that car off the lot and you've lost a small fortune before the first payment is even due, a couple of years later and you've lost 1/2 3/4 of your money.

For $10,000 you could buy a whole yard full of Farmall H's and M's. Buy them the smart way by buying them all restored for less than the cost of restoration. Then you can play with them for as long as you want and sell them again for roughly the same money.
 
A friend of mine has collected Jubilee tractors for years now...He has narrowed his "fleet" to some very rare pieces....Ask around what a GOLD [in color] , Selecto-Speed Golden Jubilee with Elenco 4 wheel drive restored to factory is worth ???? Oh Baby , Now that's a retirement fund.
 
Everyone collects something. Mine are tractors and guns. Some collect cars,trains,toys,buttons,or stamps. Just whatever floats their boat.
 

I grew up with Farmalls that my father collected and i would get to drive them on weekends when i went to visit.

All threw my life i went to tractor pulls with my step dad and loved the sport.

In my late 30s i bought my first tractor a 52 Super M and it went from there, and my step dad followed as well.

So why do we collect ?

Knowing that these old tractors put food on the table of many familys .

Restoring something that the scrap man would get and making it look like it rolled off the assembly line. The personal pride that comes from that is great.

The search for missing parts that leads you all over the place and all the wonderful people you meet alond the way. Call it a form of adventure.

The stories i"m told by senior citizens and others alike how they used to farm with one or there parents had one make the collecting of these tractors so much fun.

I belong to E.M.T.P.A a tractor pulling club here in Michigan and we pull antique tractors only. I pull the Super M and love the sport and keep that tractor "waxed" and looking showroom new.

It may not be a $125.000 Hemi cuda on Barret Jackson but it is my pride and joy.

So i hope i was able to give you some valid points as to why "i" collect tractors.

James Rumph

Post your paper when it"s done or email a copy of it to each of us that responded, i would love to read it when it"s done.
 
My Dad bought a 47 H back in the early fiftys as a second tractor,sold it to a nieghbor,nieghbor resold it,went through 4 differnt owners,i bought it as a piece of junk. Dad asked me what I wanted that thing for. I told him that is what I was raised on. I fixed and half way restored it and Dad thought it looked real good. Sure wish Dad was still here so we could talk about old times.
 
I just hate to see ANYTHING with the Oliver name on it get scrapped. No more complicated than that. Unless,of course,there are parts on it that I need for one of mine.
 
Tractors are the first motor driven things I ever bought that were running. I probably bought 35 cars in my 65 years that story was "nobody could fix". When I looked at tractors and they did run, I wanted to know why? Are they so different? Even so, shortly they would not be running. New experience. Learned another thing years ago, I you go to buy a car that doesn't run, don't fix it in the driveway. Owner will come out and tell you he wants more money, or no sale at all. Pay the tow, get it home, and then do your thing. If you see the previous owner, tell him you had a terrible time with whatever. They will be happy and sell you some more cars, tractors, what ever it is. Even have their friends call to meet the dumb bunny who buys broken cars. There is no reason not to buy tractors. Dave
 
i have a few more reasons to collect tractors. tractors are usually abused for years yet remain loyal to their owners my family owns few tractors some are newer and are still used on our farm.my first tractor was given to me by my grandfather it was an 8n and was very abused never had breaks,this lead it to coasting over a hill with a side-delivery rake attached, and until recently was running smooth as when it was built. it may need an overhaul but what do you expect from a 60+ year old machine? its lasted longer than any cars made today will.
i think the best reason to collect tractors is we owe it to them. most of them earned it. except the occasional farmall. just kidding!
 
Mine just showed up in the yard one day. An old Oliver 80 with an Oliver S55 trailing behind. I assumed someone had lost them. Similar to a barn cat and kittens. Been keepin on the lookout ever since. Trying to save them from evil RED critters!

Let me know if you need any more thoughts and please post your paper!
 
Oh yeah, now I'm feeling guity - just don't tell the wife. Bought my uncle's Oliver 77, then the S55, then an 88 for pulling, then a 77 Standard, then a Super 88 for pulling and then the 80 because it was just too good of a deal.

The more I hang out on this board the more confused I get!
 
why not collect? Over the years I have had 49 JD A,Deere 720 diesel,MF85,Oliver 77.My current line up 49&51 Farmall M's,54 MTA,450Diesel,400,560,plus Oliver 1850&1755 before I leave this world more will come and go through farm. Looking at another tractor right now to put engine in I picked up last fall. High Fever I Guess. Scott
 
Why collect tractors? They are honest, pure, and true. Unlike so many other things people treasure, tractors are designed primary for function, not looks. The older the tractor, the more this is true. I'll go to the fair and look at the sleek new rigs for fun, just like I'll tune in the Barrett auction or watch the little jiggles at the pool. But I work my IH 856 hard, drive a Toyota truck with 210K miles on it, and my wife knows how to boil water eighteen different ways.

Why NOT collect? Because of all you guys pouring money into your rows of shiny red or green, the numbknobs with sadly abused steel in the weeds want way too much money. Ironic that preservation of some of these treasures means that other ones will sink into oblivion.
 
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