Its amazes me to think of all the different antique tractors I have owned over the past few years. I’ve been collecting lawn tractors far longer, but I really didn’t own farm tractors until 2015. Since that July, I discovered the challenge to purchase is just as enjoyable.
My attitude toward my tractors make them only toys to me. I don’t “need to” own anything. I make suitable purchases based on what fits into my expendable budget after my responsibilities are met. My collection may not be nearly impressive as some of my friends. In risk of sounding selfish, the only one that I feel really needs gratification of what I own is me!
Don’t misunderstand, I like to share my collection in a manner for others to enjoy. I would much rather have others experience the wonder of a peice for it’s glory and beauty. It has nothing to do with a fact that I own it.
That’s one of the reasons I pursue writing and a majority of what I share is in the antique tractor genre. I’m very fortunate to make friends with many wonderful people also caught in the passion. I also take great joy in influencing others to embrace the interest. Writing is just another form of pursuing the chase. There will never be a shortage of material to write about.
I like to report more than the mechanics of tractor. The challenge is to discover history of a particular peice. Sometimes, the story as to why a owner has it is more interesting than the tractor itself. My personal collection has one or two that have a special story.
I like to make a deal. I quickly learned there is more satisfaction in the transaction when both parties walk away happy. I approach every sale with straight forward honesty, whether I’m the buyer or the seller. I’d like to think that’s why I usually come away with a new friend in the bargain.
The last three antique farm tractors, I have purchased came from the same seller. Jim Edwards is a fair, just gentleman and great fun to work with. That, and becoming a respected friend, gives me the confidence to be a repeat customer. Jim is actually now my tractor dealer. I actually seek out his opinion on tractor matters. I consider myself fortunate to have Jim’s guidance. The Edwards may cull out a red tractor from their herd now and then. Chances are good it just moves into my collection.
The Edwards family taught me to also consider making purchases which have potential to appreciate in value. Because of this, I must confess that tractors maybe aren’t just toys. A collection is a major investment. Tractor purchases have become part of my financial planning. I see them similar to buying on the stock market. Buying with only a sentimental reason isn’t always a good plan. Altering my way of thinking has caused my collection monetary value to grow.
Brand values differ depending on locations. In explaining my observation, my region is very “pro John Deere, IH and Oliver” Where as if in another region it may be Case, or Allis Chalmers oriented. Personal preference is also a factor. I undoubtedly admit to being a red guy, but I have owned, or even still do own, “off brands”
I take full consideration into all aspects of the prospective buy. There are certain brands that I enjoy, but I might steer clear of ownership. My conservative tendency is to buy something I can easily resell if I need to. I don’t recommend my attitude for everyone though. That’s just my outlook on my collection.
I have my horror stories on deals that have failed. I had actually walked away from a purchase of a rare lawn tractor. I discovered the seller was attempting unjustified sales techniques. It was sad that the deal had gone bad, I would have been a repeat customer with him. The rare lawn tractor would have been a great addition, but the deal wasn’t worth working with a unscrupulous character.
Early 2017, I ended up making a purchase I wasnt really intending too. I had discovered the tractor through social media. The man had done a wonderful restoration of a hard to find model and was attempting to sell it. I reached out to the man, only to compliment his workmanship. We text, later to have a phone conversation, and had a very friendly visit. He finally asked if I wanted to buy… I made an offer.
Reference “And that’s the Case” a earlier article found in this blog. There is a more detailed explanation of the Michigan adventure.
Because of the adrenaline rush, of buying and selling, I will take on flip tractors. I have managed to turn a small profit, but more importantly I gain opportunity to meet new people.
My collection seems to always change. I always have two or three farm tractors, and more lawn tractors that I loose count at times. The group isnt always the same though. I tend to embrace my family heritage and will have red power, but I have my eye on other brands.
However owning tractors gets labeled. As a hobby, passion, or addiction, this is just something many people enjoy for many different reasons.
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