Are Antique Tractor Collectors a Dying Breed?

ultrarunner · Mar 9, 2014

My first job after college was in a tool and machine shop... very interesting and several had learned the trade in Germany... now that shop and all the others like it are gone.

True about time off... the lowest apprentice gets 6 weeks off... vacation plus holidays.

They all said Americans are worked obsessed... they say the work to live and Americans live to work.

My point is there is free time for hobbies and family... heck, the Home Depots aren't even open on Sunday... very had to get use to when I can go to a 24 hour market or 7 day a week hardware store at home and over there, everything has to be planned.

Loadstar · Mar 10, 2014

I really want to get a 961 or 971 ford, but this weekend I laid eyes on a d17. The wife and I agreed we need one of those too one day. Our shows around this area always seem good to me. Thing I'm learning about antique tractors is have some cash set aside in this hobby. What you find one day might not be there tomorrow and once you have it, it won't lose value in the pasture. On my mind right now is a set of ford pie weights and a wd45 carcass that I need to jump on.

whistlepig · Mar 10, 2014

The tractor shows here have pan fried chicken and homemade pies. Also the Jo Jo's. Tractor shows are a big deal around here.

TomSeller · Mar 10, 2014

whistlepig said:
The tractor shows here have pan fried chicken and homemade pies.

Oh wow, it could not get any better. Tractors and good food. Nice.

PapaPerk · Mar 10, 2014

bakerg said:
Seems like a lot Antique tractor shows are getting smaller and a lot of collectors are selling off there collection or have died and family is selling the collection off for money. I had inherited a John Deere H when my father died in 1997 and I restore it and took it to shows in my area. Over time I went to less shows with the tractor and evenually sold the tractor to someone who could put the tractor to better use.:ashamed: I still go to shows to see old iron, but when the older gentlemen pass on, will these shows still go on? Is the younger generation going to carry on the tradition? Just wondering what you all think.

The shows I go to have lots of kids operating equipment, etc. So no... I think it will continue. It's a great hobby.

Soundguy · Mar 10, 2014

Loadstar said:
I really want to get a 961 or 971 ford, but this weekend I laid eyes on a d17. The wife and I agreed we need one of those too one day. Our shows around this area always seem good to me. Thing I'm learning about antique tractors is have some cash set aside in this hobby. What you find one day might not be there tomorrow and once you have it, it won't lose value in the pasture. On my mind right now is a set of ford pie weights and a wd45 carcass that I need to jump on.

i wouldn't mind a 961/971/981 or a 4000 5spd or sos rowcrop..

flusher · Mar 10, 2014

Loadstar said:
I really want to get a 961 or 971 ford, but this weekend I laid eyes on a d17. The wife and I agreed we need one of those too one day. Our shows around this area always seem good to me. Thing I'm learning about antique tractors is have some cash set aside in this hobby. What you find one day might not be there tomorrow and once you have it, it won't lose value in the pasture. On my mind right now is a set of ford pie weights and a wd45 carcass that I need to jump on.

I'd grab any of the tractors you mentioned in a heartbeat. Almost bought a 961 a few years ago. Had problems getting the pto to shift into gear. Probably would have had to split the tractor and fix the clutch. Seller and I couldn't get together on a price.

Good luck

bakerg · Mar 10, 2014

What is special about the 961 or 971 that everyone wants one??

Loadstar · Mar 10, 2014

I just really like how the wide front machines look. In fact they are probably the best looking tractor in my opinion. Seems around here at the shows there is an abundance of green and red. I like to be different.