The One and Only Model

Photography by Jessica Basford

Jerry Rawlings is the type of fellow that is quite capable of building a tractor that suits him. He can invision and create just about anything

Proof can be discovered of that fact anywhere around central IL. Jerry has proudly displayed his creation at many shows and parades

The Rawlings is powered by a 203 Fairbanks Morse engine. It was originally fueled by propane but now runs on gas. Jerry told me during our discussion that he had difficulty determining what to use for parts and other issues. He managed to stump some experts. Turns out he had his own best advice.

The transmission is a four-speed from a 52 Chevy, and the rear end came out from a 3/4 ton 47 Ford truck. Jerry managed to get the major brands tamed to work together

The tractor can be hand started by the fly wheel and has an electric start when Jerry doesn’t feel like making a big show to start the tractor. Personally, I think it’s cool to see it hand cranked.

The Rawlings is the only one in existence. Jerry built the tractor in 2010 after he had retired. He needed something to do. It’s not the only tractor Jerry has created, however. He built another he named John Doe.

John Doe was built on a shoe string budget and alot of hard work. Jerry explained he didn’t have a much money wrapped up in that build. John Doe was primarily built to power and transport a buzz saw. A neighbor talked him into snazzing it up for display

The first tractor he built is a handy little utility. He doesn’t show that one. It’s just a great little workhorse. Jerry once had a Farmall H that blew an engine. No problem! He repowered it with a Detroit Desiel.

Jerry’s handiwork can be found on his neighbors tractors. He made my life much easier on my Du-all 12T for example. During the writing of this article, he currently is tooling on another Shaw tractor for me. I have to wonder what Stanley Shaw would have thought of his improvements.

Jerry is 83 years young and still very actively fabricating. I asked him if he is done scratch building tractors. He told me yes, but the twinkle in his eye and mischievous smile says otherwise. We’ll just have to wait and see

Hopefully somewhere along the way you can see Jerry’s head turning creation.