Tractors

Tractors
Been asked, “How many tractors?…” So, I’ll list them with an explanation here and there as to why and what for. The year models and acquisitions I’m afraid my memory is seriously short, so I’ll start out with the first, some but not all somewhat in a loosely chronological order.
First, was the WD45 so it has some historic value to the farm. Once upon a time this tractor needing a rebuild it was fitted with a 54hp(?) block for the original 44hp block. Tire slippage followed. The tries checked rather badly they were a upgraded a good size larger and fluid filled. The second time was shortly after Ray had been drawn through the forage chopper taking his right leg up to his hip. Because he could no longer mount that tractor he wanted to get rid of it, selling it. It is a tough sort capable pulling a 3 bottom 14” plow without any effort. It’ll turn a mill requiring 55hp with matching gusto. And that very tractor is my favorite unsticker meself, or doing for me pulling what a 4x4 couldn’t do through all the seasonal mud and snow seasons. One drawback, That tractor is an over powered machine capable of easily rolling back over without a proper precaution. Driving it with the left foot close to the clutch pedal for quick emergency use.
Second, was the tractor coming to the farm with his second life. He was often tease for a while, “He married her after he had seen her tractor.”
Third and forth, these were 90hp class tractors the first one an 1850 Oliver gas shortly followed by the a 4020 JD gasser. Both were good buy’s.
Fifth, I managed a trade for a turbo-ed Leland-72 diesel. This Tractor was put on a grinder-mixer having been used on it practically ever sense. This trade proved so economical our touting that Leland could run on one can diesel fuel all winter long (an exaggeration).
Sixth, here came the 4010d JD in an a-fore mentioned WD45 trade off. That was a mistake. That tractor was in such poor shape for what we’d put a fortune into some iron what should have gone straight to the clapper. (salvage yard)
Seventh, Ray acquired an 2150 Oliver diesel. (smiles) It was purchased for its pulling power handling 5-18 bottom plows, or 14’ disk teamed with a 20’ spring toothed drag. We’ve been looking for a bigger disc ever since. Now I’m not sure of anything chronological I may write from here on tractor wise.
Eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh; were brought and brought into the FoxFire Farm machinery line up when one day after Bro’s convalesce he decided to purchase some more efficient implements; namely aside entry Skid-steer, a rotary-mower-conditioner and a silage baler (I call it Haylage). It was about that time I suggested we needed another 90 hp tractor or two. Reason, Ray’s inability to put tractors and implements together, all these tasks were put up to me. My age distancing me from my more vigorous abilities to move quickly out of the way of a machines slip and fall I wanted these extra tractors. I wanted the freedom to leave a tractor and implement together for the season. Change offs for storage or a tractors need for repair was a far more welcome change then swapping implements twice/thrice times a day. Each one of them a purchased bargain the masses having no idea their true value, use, ahead of their time design make them really great buys. Add to their economy these machine’s are easily worked on by a couple handicappers with a mobile shop crane fitted with two chain-fall’s. Parts availability is an over night shipment away. Only a phone call away, rather than motoring distances. And, while US manufactures have stopped making essential parts there is a china-man half way around the world taking up those very tasks. All four of them came to us demanding some serious TLC. I might add if we were to sell them all, their combined sales receipts would seriously fall short of buying even one new tractor. Tires usually last 20yrs and more. The batteries last on an average five/six years or more with a now and then exception the one in the Leland lasting some 11yrs before required replacement. These are the most major yearly out lays in the lots upkeeps, my having forgotten until now fixing leaks. And once they’ve had a repair that part of the tractor in good stead is capable of lasting for years more useful service even when Shorthorn country has moved on and the FoxFire Farm is gone. Crap, I’ve lost count the number?
Opps, almost forgot, we've acquired a White 4-180 periodically receiving some TLC to put it to work.
“Rainbows.”
Fernan