TRACTOR PARTS Allis Chalmers Case & David Brown Farmall & International Ferguson Ford & New Holland John Deere Massey Ferguson Massey Harris Minneapolis Moline Oliver & Cockshutt Kubota / Yanmar

TRACTOR MANUALS

Allis Chalmers	Case	Farmall IH	Ford 8N,9N,2N	Ford
Ferguson	John Deere	Massey Ferguson	Minn. Moline	Oliver

Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

What is it about old tractors?

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register

Author

Kent in KC

12-04-2006 07:12:26

Report to Moderator

Why are we so attracted, indeed so fond of, our old tractors? For me, I think it is a tangible link to a better time, actual or percieved. My old PowerMaster takes me back to the fifties when I think of the factory where she was built, the guys that worked on her over the years and especially the men that used her to plow, seed and harvest crops for their living. It conjures warm summer mornings, green fields and blue skies. A prop plan droning far overhead, an old farm truck whining up the blacktop, Whiporwills in the distance. I get that same feeling from old buildings down in the West Bottoms of KC, the old 30-something humpback Chevy lurking out in my weed patch and from 40's and 50's airplanes. Heck, I even married a 50's vintage woman! Am I just a sentimental slob living in the past or do others feel the same way?

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Ken L.

12-04-2006 17:05:37

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to Kent in KC, 12-04-2006 07:12:26

Maybe it's the sounds of days gone by. An old engine working whether it be 2, 4 or, 6 cylinders. The feel of a steel steering wheel and a steel pan seat. The thought of satisfaction you get for getting an old stuck rusty tractor in working condition and painted better than the factory had it when it was new. Maybe just the thought that it's better than your wife because if it starts giving you greif, you can just shut it off and it's quiet. I started with a 27 J.D. model D when I was in 5th grade and that was 38 years ago. I'm not brand fussy. I like them all.I have mostly Oliver with McCormick, Allis, Ford and the D. I bought some to fix and sell but, they just keep hanging around. I will not restore one to just show. I enjoy hearing and feeling them work. Don't know exactly what it is but, I hope those feelings never leave me. When it's my time to go, I hope that I'm working on a tractor and I hope that I get to go to tractor heaven

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

B-maniac

12-04-2006 17:54:22

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to Ken L., 12-04-2006 17:05:37

I'll try to put it in very few words. On my restored '50 JD "B" , I left the steering wheel just the way it was, somewhat cracked and a little out of round. I want to feel that same wheel that every farmer that has owned that "B" wrapped his cracked weathered hands around,trying to eek out a living out of the dirt. Yea , I'm nuts , but that's what it's all about for me! The old farmer I bought it from owned it for 35 yrs. , and wept when I loaded it up. He also wept when he was getting his picture taken sittin' on the seat after it was restored to better than new. I promised him he could do that the day I bought it from him. I think it's the only reason he sold it to me. He's also welcome to drive it any time he wants. This is what it's all about for me. A tractor with a story and a history.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

kyhayman

12-04-2006 13:30:47

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to Kent in KC, 12-04-2006 07:12:26

I use 70's and 80's vintage tractors for the same reason as Allan, just too tight to spend the money to use newer stuff as long as it does what I need it to. Plus its easier to keep going than the digital stuff of the mid 90s and newer. As to machinery, the more I use it the newer it is.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Bill46

12-04-2006 10:24:31

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to Kent in KC, 12-04-2006 07:12:26

Kent,
I am sure there are a lot of reasons, but here is why I like them.
1. They remind me of dad and grandad everytime I look out over the hood. I have tried to collect every tractor they ever had...plus a few newer ones I happen to like.
2. I work in an office all day long with management looking at what is accomplished. On a tractor...I have one boss. Me
3. I like to work and use my hands. I like to try different things just to see if it works.
4. I enjoy plowing and disking a neighbor's garden in the Spring...same for working at my church. I like to give back.
5. Old tractors are for the most part simple to fix. Most of this new stuff has to go back to the dealer and even he has to guess at times.
6. The most important, you meet some of the best darn people on Earth. Not talking about some guy trying to make a fast buck selling junk. I am talking about a person who is down to Earth and will share a thermos of coffee on a cold day.
If I were the only person on Earth intrested in old iron I would get rid of the lot. Old and new friends I have that share tractor stories are without equal.
Lastly, I have a herd of kids and teenagers that like to help me work on them and drive them. If I can teach a kid about tools and equipment to keep their minds off all the junk in this world today, I am happy. Had one last night that came over with his dad to help me feed a friend's horses while the owner is in the hospital. His dad was amazed at what he knew and how he was around the tractor and the critters. His dad had always been a city kid. He was really impressed.
So...my thoughts...for what ever it means.
Now if we can just get Allan to shut that darn door..... .

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Alkay

12-04-2006 08:04:16

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to Kent in KC, 12-04-2006 07:12:26

In 1960 by Dad bought me an Oliver 60 Standard from the John Deere dealer in Lawrence, MI. He drove it the couple of miles to our property and the first thing he did was take me for a ride. I was all of one year old then. I spent many years pulling a set of gang mowers, rotospeed mower and spray rig with that tractor. Still use it around the place to this day for light chores, even though it is now restored and is primarly seen at tractor shows. To me it is the memory of a different time, when things were less complicated that the tractor and it's sight, sound and smells conjure up that makes it special.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Matt Page

12-04-2006 09:10:38

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to Alkay, 12-04-2006 08:04:16

I'm kinda with Allen. Working with and using old things that don't mean anything to anybody else, but get it done anyway, is more rewarding than going under paying for a modern depreciating marvel. Seems that if you're not careful your possesions can possess you. New equipment I think is feasible only for the few that will use it OUT and replace it. People like me can work with old stuff and still never wear it out (any more). Also, I'm with a couple of the other guys, if you find that State, let me know, I'd move there too. I'm only 34, but a nastalgic, and don't like the way things are turning out; there was a time Mayberrys, hard work, and family values were real. People my age around here are mostly worried about climbing social ladders and making more money. Guess I try to create my own reality.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

jubilee johnny

12-04-2006 07:55:32

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to Kent in KC, 12-04-2006 07:12:26

Good point! I have an old photo of me sitting on my grandfather's lap on his 860 powermaster when I was 4years old. I even found the photo in my bible in church yesterday and showed my wife for the umteenth time. One of my aunts "got" the tractor and its rotting in a shed but I did get grandad's jd 70 and recently his 46jd d. They all get a lot of tlc. I do have a ford jubilee that I "pretend" is the powermaster when I'm on it... I'm 52 years old this month by the way

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Allan In NE

12-04-2006 07:44:00

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to Kent in KC, 12-04-2006 07:12:26

I buy and run old tractors and machinery 'cause I'm too darned tight to buy anything newer.

Allan

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

MN Bob

12-04-2006 07:41:33

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to Kent in KC, 12-04-2006 07:12:26

Kent; Welll- I grew up farming with horses. Worked for a fellow from 12 on (farmed out) that used catapillars to clear and operate several sections of dry land wheat out in Washington. Drove a lot of different tractors over the years working for the other fellow. My first (owned) was a JD 720 and still love the feel and sound of it. Dont feel the same about the new generation of tractors. I also am sentimental about the past and look forward to the visits from the Grandkids. That is the reason for "making hay" now, get the kids involved. Have a good day. Bob

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

John T

12-04-2006 07:31:04

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to Kent in KC, 12-04-2006 07:12:26

Kent, Im also about as sentimental and nostalgic as a guy can get. I love old tractors, radios, cars, trucks, I even love an older woman now, my first wife and at night I listen to the Old Time Radio rebroadcasts. I think it takes me back to my childhod and simpler less selfish family times beforeeeee eeee all this so called progress and lessening of family values since the s'ual revolution of the sixties. If I could find a state or country that was like this one was in the late forties n fifties when dads came home form the war and family values and patriotism and morals were at their highest ID MOVE THERE IN A HEARTBEAT. About the only TV besides RFD TV I watch are the classic old movies on AMC and Turner Classic Movies. I got worse after all the kids left home n now were empty nesters (Depressing in itself) I guess I escape into the past cuz I like that time better then the present. HOWEVERRRRR RR thats really NOT a good thing cuz the present is really all we have, past is past and we dont know what the future holds

I reckon I love old tractors cuz its a way to hang onto the past when times were simpler and God n Family n Country in that order is what mattered the most, still does however for me at least.

AMEN

John T (Old nostalgic fuddy duddy)

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Cargocult

12-04-2006 13:20:41

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to John T, 12-04-2006 07:31:04

Right On!! Me 2 OTR 2!! When I'm not listenin' 2 classical/oldrock/bigband music, I listen 2 OTR! (BTW: WAMU Has a neat OTR program on Sunday Evenin's. The Big Broadcast! 7-11 PM They have a net broadcast so u can tune in anywhere online, and they save the last weeks' program so u can listen to it again If U Want!) Now I have far too manyhours of OTR to listen to in my life, thanx 2 the internet! Some of the WW2 broadcasts are very heart-wrenching! Talk about patriotism!! About the other things u mentioned..I concur wholeheartedly! Personally, I think this country has reached the "tipping point", and it's all downhill from now on! I'm actively lookin' 4 another place 2 go! I still live on the land my Dad had, and drive the same tractor that he bought new in the early 50's! Had high hopes of retirin' here and mellowin out, but alas...the evil developers and taxers and Animal Rights folks and anti-huntin' a*holes & (enter ur favourite villain) had other plans! Well I guess there ain't no use cryin over spilt milk, as the sayin' goes, but I really sad! Might hafta split to the PI )Philippine Islands) full-time, while I still can! Get some land and raise mangoes & bananas and Fightin' Cocks and maybe have a nice Carabao (water buffaloe) and a small tractor! They are about 30 years behind us culturally, however, the Evil TV is makin' inroads there as well as here! I am the little guy in the picture. The only person still alive! Tractor is still alive, and I know where the AC Roto-Baler is! Spent many a weary long dusty hour balin' hay with it! But, I glad I did it! Rather than sittin' watchin' TV or playin' video games!! Anyway, thanks 4 the post!

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Kent in KC

12-04-2006 08:03:59

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to John T, 12-04-2006 07:31:04

Well said.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

IaGary

12-04-2006 07:29:39

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to Kent in KC, 12-04-2006 07:12:26

Kent

Most of had very fond memories as kids running those tractors that we are buying today.

I. for one want to retain those memories and maybe I can do it by running the tractors I learned to run as a kid.

Gary

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Mort Adella

12-04-2006 08:11:16

Report to Moderator

Re: What is it about old tractors? in reply to IaGary, 12-04-2006 07:29:39

Because city folk send them out to pasture.

The old guy holds out as they build the city around him.

Then one day he decides it's time to get out.

Rather than see the old thing get scrapped out, he finds some guy that says "I know a guy that lives out of town where it could live out it's life on a farm"

Then before long it's sitting under a tree agian looking across the fields.

I drove it around the yard and around the block in high gear just last Saturday.

What a nice gift.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

[Options] [Printer Friendly] [Posting Help] [Return to Forum] [Log in to Reply]

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home | Forums

Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy