R. R. 3, Chatsworth, Ontario, Canada N0H 1G0
I first became interested in John Deere tractors during the
mid-forties when a neighbor bought a new B on steel. The whole
neighbourhood could hear the characteristic
‘putt-putt-putt’ every time he used his tractor.
Sometime later, my dad bought a 1946 John Deere A with rubber
tires and electric start. At that time that tractor was one of the
more powerful tractors in our area.
Some eighteen years ago, I began collecting two-cylinder John
Deere tractors myself. At first, one could easily find them at farm
auctions or used tractor lots and the price was quite reasonable. I
bought the first one (1941 John Deere H) for $150.00 along with
best wishes from the owner. When I buy them I try to make sure that
they are in good running condition because I am not mechanically
inclined. My aim is to restore them to original condition as much
as possible.
Right now I have 13 machines: 830 (1959), 820 (1957), 620
(1956), 420 (1956), 80 (1956), R (1953), D (1944), A (1949), AR
(1941), B (1941), GPB (1938), H (1941) and M (1951). My aim is to
complete the lettered series, then acquire the rest of the
two-cylinder diesels. 1 have built a special storage spot for my
machines but it is already too small and will have to be
expanded.
I take a variety of tractors to local fall fairs, with many of
the tractors driven to the shows by young men in our neighborhood.
It is an excellent way of getting them interested in the antique
tractor game.
I have enclosed a couple of pictures. On one of them you can see
my entire collection lined up on a hill. On the other one, you can
see three tractors which seem to really fascinate spectators at our
local fair.
