First off, I’m going to be honest about this tractor. I added it to my collection with the possibilty to sell. In fact, I wasn’t looking for an addition. I’m like every other collector, though. It’s hard to pass up a deal. I also firmly beleive we all get caught in the “chase”

My friend Don Nowack waa the one to alert me to a sale on Ebay. Not sure why a “John Deere” guy was lookibg at garden tractors. The sale was within minutes of closing. I realized,very quickly, the tractor didn’t sell. There had been a reserve set and it hadn’t been met. The tractor was soon relisted with a buy it now or best offer.

The negotion began….

The tractor was actually a package offer. Besides the tractor, some implememts were included. Implements and attachments? Now that did peak my interest. I messaged an inquiry to purchase without the tractor. Unfornately, all or nothing. I made a best offer, that was countered, which I countered again. Am I the only one that finds that challenge fun?

A few days passes and I don’t hear weather my offer gets accepted. Then one Saturday my phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, but an inner voice told me to answer.

“Are you Rick Shaw?’ My answer was obvious.  “Do you know anything about Shaw Du-all?” I told him I knew enough to get myself in trouble. I”m a student, but by no means an expert. He revealed he had one for sale and wanted my opinion whether an offer from a buyer had offered enough money.  By then I knew who I was talking to, and I”m to honest. I told him it wouldn’t be fair advice considering I had made the offer.

A little clean up began. The concrete block had to go!Headlights? There isn’t a power source for them to work. I like John Deere, but this tractor ISN”T a Deere. Yellow wheels are cringe as the kids might say.

The tractor had, what I thought at the time, two major issues. I planned to “correct” the back wheels. I thought the 16″ rear wheels were wrong and planned on getting it up on 24″ like my Barn Find R8. Turns out the tractor left the factory on 16s though.

The second problem was the tractor had been repowered. I didn’t see that as much of a problem though. A Briggs & Stratton 16 horse had replaced the original 6 horse. At least the hood and grill hadn’t been tossed, loosing them to eternity. Sadly the case most times. The grill had been modified to fit though. Leaving a hole where an air cleaner should be

I entertained increasing bids of purchase, but tucked the tractor away. Even with the project being beyond my capabolities, I did have the right people in my corner

Steve Farmer, initially started with a clean up. The concete block never made it into his shop door. The lights were removed and he tweaked and tuned. Nothing much happened for a couple of years . I had other tractor projects ongoing ahead of this R6. I thought most of the work I could conquer myself, when I had time….like I have time!

My fabricator  friend, Jerry Rawlings, likes to work on my Du-alls. I don’t rush him, the man is in his eighties. Most times he works faster than I expect him to. I had misgivings on turning this project over to him. He does the tractor such great justice that it deserves to be passed on to Doug Edwards of Edwards Tractor Restoration. This fall I relented and turned Jerry loose.

I had warned Jerry there wasn’t much to this project. The tractor ran great. The work needed was pretty simple,for his talent anyway.  My plan was to route the exhaust through were the air cleaner belonged to hide the hole. After rolling his eyes, he suggested moving the air cleaner. I wasn’t dumb enough to ask. All is possible with Jerry.

The front grill is still modified to accomidate the 16 horse, but the air cleaner is located to look “factory” correct.

I like fenders! This R6 came from the plains, so it needed prairie fenders.

The tractor was then handed off to Doug

Before I reveal, I want to show why I’m a repeat customer with Edwards Tractor Restoration

And now, the reveal!…

Editors note ~ photo credit to Steve Farmer and Doug Edwards. I owe a debt of graditude to both of them, beyond the photography. Thanks also to Jerry Rawlings. My Shaw collection wouldn’t be what it is without any of the three.

My collection is an investment. With that being said, I don’t purchase tractors only to resell for a profit. Happily, that does happen, or at least I get a return on my investment. I have sold at a loss, but I chalk that as a lesson learned. All in all, I’m a collector  more than a trader.

I get too atached. Maybe thats good in a way. Most of my iron holds a sentiment or other reason. I downsized last winter due to lack of storage space. My storage capicity increased drastically right after that particular sale.

That may be the reasoning I use to justify the Case tractor sale, but my interests had changed.  I had only intended to sell three of my four Case L&G. They all had their own special significance, my Case 130 most of all.

The 130 had been my dad’s. He had sold half to me, and kept pestering me to buy him out. My usual response would always tell him I’d own it someday, until then I was satisfied with half ownership with a cranky old partner.

All my Case collection went to PA. Trust me it was an agonizing decision, but I realized I was more attached to the 130 than my dad had been. He would have been even more excited about how my collection had progressed. Dad had more sense to realize and accept change. Reflecting, the old man would openly own the vanity of a tractor labled with his last name. People ask me how I could sell a tractor that was passed down to me. Half was passed, I bought the other half. I’m happy, the four tractors went to a great buyer.

The Farmall has a different story. My dad would have liked it, but again, I was more attached. Truthfully, I was pretty upside down if the cost of restoration was factored. I didn”t regret having Edwards Tractor Restoration do the magic. There are several articles in my blog that discuss the topic whether or not to restore. I made the choice considering I would never recover my investment. 

The “red” tractor market is down, probably the whole antique market is soft considering our present economy. Nick Menke initually aproached me, to sell the H. I had to chuckle and tell him he wouldn”t want to pay my ask. I found out that he was acting as a purchase agent for the railroad museum in Monticello, IL. That information was very influential in my desicion.

The Super C, that I previously owned, had already been donated. I told them I wouldn’t simply donate, but proposed a on site loan. That proposal was nixed.

Finally, after back and forth, a visit to the museum, they insisted I name my price. Nick wanted to know the magic number that would get me to sell. I considered and then lowered the figure. I didn”t want to seem overly greedy. I won’t disclose the final tally, but it was on the high side.

They didn’t even flinch! The offer was easily accepted. Nick had explained to John Scuitto about the money and resources that went into creating the little H’s grandeur, and he respected all that. Most buyers want to haggle, which can be entertaining until. it becomes annoying. That wasn’t the case this time. All the haggling had been done in my own mind.

This exchange will always be high on my list of memorable deals. I didn”t profit, I didn’t even break even, but I won in other ways. I know that tractor will be more enjoyed by the public now.

I outbid and blocked a museum from a tractor purchase, maybe this will pay my penance for that mistake. Its nice to know that a tractor I once owned is now an artifact in a living museum.

If you haven’t visited the Monticello Railway Museum, I highly recomend doing so. Go back, if its been awhile. The museum brings history to life and is ever changing

Editors note~ please excuse any spelling and gramatical errors. My phone recently updated and apperantly went on strike helping with corrections.

I’m working on a submission for Lawn and Garden Tractor Magazine about Shaw Du-all. I know big surprise, right?

The most frustrating thing about research is that information gets lost to history. In the case of Shaw Manufacturing, some but not all material is gone concerning the N model tractors. I’m a member of a Shaw Du-all group on Facebook, The information we share is a tremendous help.

I recently posed a question in the group. I already knew the N model tractor horse power options were a 5 and 8 horse. I also know that some were powered by Wisconsin, but the majority was powered by Briggs & Straton.

Now, this is where the tale takes an interesting turn. According to advertising, there was a third horse power option offered, 2.5. Sources aren’t aware if any were actually built, though. If any were produced, there were very few. The N2 may be nonexistent?

In my opinion, 2.5 horse power would be tiny. A modern garden tiller has more power. I have an N5, and although I’ve never put it to any stress, I would think five horses would be underpowered. Maybe not.

Jerry Rawlings, the fabricator friend that works on my collection, informed me that the drive line of an N5 and an N8 has the capacity to handle 65 horse power. Even the larger units are underpowered.

Edit ~ A very reliable source has told me that if an N2 was ever produced, the tractor unlikely never left the factory.  The theory is supported by the fact that there’s was no pricing for such a tractor. In any case, a 2.5 engine could have been easily replaced during production.

Recently, I proclaimed to a couple of tractor friends, “I may be too stupid to own antique tractors.” There may be truth to that statement, but I’m willing to take measures to be smarter.

I’m fortunate to have the right people in my inner circle. If not for them, my venture in owning certain tractors would be for not. I admit that I rely greatly on  their expertise. 

I monitor certain Facebook groups. A member of the Shaw Du-all group managed to acquire two N model tractors, an N5 and an N8W. He immediately put the N5 up for resale. I was aware, but I didn’t seriously consider making a bid for it. Not right away.

The N5 was still for sale. The second owner was willing to let it go. Last fall, we came to terms on purchase,and I made arrangements to pick it up. The tractor was in TN.

The previous owner informed me he could only find a forward and reverse gear. He also was having difficulty getting the little tractor to run. He bypassed the original coil and went the modern route. Of course, a more modern coil needed a 12 volt power source. He ingeniously hid the battery well. The man had a good plan. Unfortunately…..well, I’m getting ahead of myself.

The N5 went directly to my friend Steve Farmer. He had a pretty good idea why the transmission had a problem. The shifting forks were out of sinc.

Steve is my go-to mechanic and also my assistant in research. Jerry Rawlings is my go-to fabricator. Jerry was still working on my R8 at the time.

Authors note~ Jerry had a glimpse of the N5 on its way to Steve’s shop. He informed me that the automotive coil and battery needed to go. He wanted an opportunity to look it over.

Steve discovered the problem of why the transmission wasn’t correct. Unfortunately, he was ailing last winter and not up to demands of shop work. Jerry got his wish. After the R8 left to be painted, the N5 replaced it in his shop.

The N5 had been neglected. The paint made it look good, but there were issues and more issues.

The transmission wasn’t a big problem for a fabricator that built three tractors from spare parts. The engine was more of a battle.

The first thing Jerry discovered was that the original coil was so far out of time it was never going to fire properly. It was also weak. Jerry discovered the cylinder walls were lightly scored. He gave me a choice. Overhaul or replace with another engine.

I was actually ready to search out another power plant. I had luck finding an engine for the R8. Jerry wasn’t of the same faith. He wasn’t sure good lighting would strike twice. Under his advice, he overhauled.

Even now, I’m going to proclaim. I am not impressed with the Briggs and Stratton 14FBC engine. That wasn’t the company’s best effort. Maybe I’m mostly disgusted with the unavailability of parts now. I had a difficult time finding a replacement coil. A new friend in RI came through with some help on that.

Jerry managed to get the engine running, and the tractor was moving and stopping as it should. It’s all adjusted correctly, and linkages are right.

Of course, Jerry made a couple of improvements. He made a step

Jerry also spaced the rear wheels for a wider footprint. I’ll reveal why that was necessary when we discuss another tractor project. I also own the N8W now, but that’s a story for another time.

I opened this article with a proclamation. Well, I leave it to your call. It’s not a good idea to overfill the crankcase. That tends to get past the rings and foul the sparkplug.

I actually did my own repair, okay with the advice from Steve. Jerry and another long-time partner in crime, Kevin Periman.

Jerry had warned that the spark plug needed to be replaced. Well, it’s really necessary when an idiot kills it. Maybe I’m being too hard on myself, but I need a harsh critic for positive self-improvement.

The right sparkplug is getting hard to come by. That didn’t surprise me. The fates smiled on me. I found one or two. After a little fumbling on my part, the little machine purred like it did when Jerry sent it home with me. At least for now. The little engine smokes a little, but it’s old, I’ll allow that.

Kevin and I got a little creative. The seat was too low and uncomfortable. Not now! It’s good to have friends that weld and have metal scrap laying around

I also came up with a toolbox for it. Got to have somewhere for the pull rope.

Another frustrating fact, I’m not discovering much in my research about the N models. If the basis for year of manufacture is from the engine. This N5 was built in 1954. Jerry hinted that the engine may not be original. He read that the 14FBC didn’t have a long life expectancy. Is there any truth to his theory? The transmission and rear-end date from the late 30s or 40s  Did Stanley hold off  in creating the N series until the 50s?

My personal opinion is that I like the N model a little better than the R model. The N is more operator friendly. It’s an easier tractor to mount. I think the clutch, transmission, and rear-end are more stout. I also think the tractor’s balance is far better. Both my R8 and R12T have front wheel weight to counter a light front end. The N models don’t seem to need the extra weight. That’s just my opinion. Who am I to judge?

There is a little town in  southeast KS that was founded in 1871. Oklahoma wasn’t even a state yet. The era of gun toting outlaws and native Americans still were at large. Kansas was mostly roving prairie,maybe a little wheat. Galesburg was a young town on a vast land.

Stanley Wilbur Shaw was born on a nearby farm 10 years later. His early years would prove him to be imaginative and an inventor. He decided to build his own tractor after seeing one. His tractor was built of wood and human powered by cranking a handle with one hand and operating it with the other. This may seem pretty crude and simple, but Stanley was 9 at the time.

At age 14, Stanley built his own steam engine. The engine was built from pump parts and odds and ends Shaw found. Stanley was notoriously good at re porpousing. He must have come by that talent early.

Stanley built his bicycle. The wheels were borrowed from his father’s planter. Stanley didn’t ride his bike in the spring. Dad needed his wheels back.

Shaw created his own gas-powered engine in 1902. His engine found one of its first uses to propel his bicycle. He must have gotten tired of pedaling. With the planter wheels, I can’t say I blame him. Stanley was one of the first to have a motorized vehicle in that part of Kansas. Not surprisingly, I’m sure horses were still a major source of transportation. In 1905, his engine found a patent.

At the turn of the century, young Stanley had a watch repair shop. While he repaired and sold watches, he also built his engines. He sold his engines mostly as kits for the do it yourselfers. His bicycle conversion saw production numbers of 13000. Remember, Kansas still wasn’t civilized. Shaw was taking part in helping that.

Shaw built a car the Shaw Mobile in 1908. He improved that making a second version in  1922, the Shaw Speedster. That two seater could reach the high speed of 25mph and was easy on fuel. Was there a fuel concern back then?

In 1923, Shaw created kits converting Model Ts into tractors. This endeavor continued until 1931. Through the time period, the consumer could also purchase the kits for a model A ,Chevrolet, and Dodge brands.

Shaw purchased a motorcycle factory in Kokomo IN during 1911. Instead of relocating,  He expanded the housing of his business on his own property. He had been persuaded to stay in Kansas by his father.

Shaw’s main business remained headquartered in Galesburg until he retired. He sold his manufacturing plant to Bush Hog in 1962 with the stipulation that Bush Hog retained his employees. The terms were agreed on.

In personal life, Stanley was wed twice. He married Mary Jane Byrne (1877-1934) in   1910. The Widower Shaw married Nora Shaw (1886 – 1969). His first wife birthed a son and daughter. Stanley Byrne, 1911 – 1961, passed away at age 50, Margaret,  Stanley’s daughter, lived to a very old age like her father, 1914 -2009. Shaw has heirs, more than likely still with us, from Stanley Byrne. Margaret never married.

Shaw had interests in photography. The pictures in his advertisements were taken by his hand unless he was featured in the photo.

Stanley Wilbur passed away a little past his   100th birthday, of April 12th. He died May 24, 1981.

Photography credit unknown. Thank you Syndney Shaw for sharing to the internet.

I have been approached recently on my insights on tractor values. I won’t claim to be an expert on the topic, but I do have some advice. Maybe that and an added two cents probably wouldn’t buy anything. None the less, here is my story.

I started collecting Shaw Du-alls a few years ago. I went from not even knowing they exist to the point of having four in my collection now. There have been pitfalls on my collection journey. I may have made mistakes. Maybe I have gone too far, spent too much, but that’s just me.

One great take away is I’ve made some great friends.  The advice to me has been a strong asset. I may have not always listened as close to what they told me though. That’s not a complaint. I hold myself accountable to my decisions

My first Shaw was purchased on auction. It was a 1951 R12T. The tractor was probably original paint. It had good tires. I learned later, after my second purchase, it wasn’t complete. I’m embarrassed to admit the adrenaline of bidding pushed me, and I had strong competition. I paid too much for what it was. That was proven on resell. I only got half of my investment back. Lesson learned

The second add was another much nicer R12T.  This one was brought to my attention via Facebook. I was directed to the seller and we agreed on a price. Many prospective bidders wouldn’t match his asking price, but I was willing. I also was willing to travel the distance to bring it home.

There is a couple take away. Know your budget and understand others may have a larger one. Don’t be afraid of a little competition if you are willing to compete. If not, don’t take it personally.

Another take away, be willing to travel. Not everything is right next door.

I had every intention to restore my first Du-all. After my discovery of the second one, I realized that the tractor wasn’t complete. It would take alot to recreate the tractor I have now.  I put the first tractor up for auction.

That’s another consideration. Restoration is expensive and difficult. Finding parts can be a challenge.

I tend to shy away from project tractors. I don’t have the necessary time to dedicate to projects. In a lot of instances, I don’t have the expertise either. I’m fortunate to know the right people, though.

I don’t always follow my imposed rule, My next Du-all was a major project. I also didn’t go searching for it, the tractor found me. The story about this tractor can be read in two recent posts on this blog. The “Barn Find” and The R8 “Barn Find” Revealed.

The recommended readings will explain the challenges in the restoration process. Even a cheap tractor costs money to create a polished jewel.

I picked up two more Du-alls during a holiday trip to Tennessee. My N5 had been purchased on advanced arrangement. The N8 became available right before my trip.

Both sellers made me aware that the tractors had issues. That’s to be expected with old tractors. The N5 had a transmission problem. The former owner also had problems getting the little tractor to run correctly. To be honest, if not for my go-to guys, I would have left the N5 in Tennessee.  The transmission wasn’t a complecated problem. The shift lever needed a little repair to work correctly. At the time of this article, the N5 is currently getting an overhaul.

The N8 can be cantankerous. Its former owner confessed he had problems getting the Wisconsin power to start. My diagnosis was a magneto problem. I don’t know how to fix a magneto, but my friend Jerry Rawlings does. The tractor is still cantankerous, though. Maybe it’s just the nature of a  Wisconsin engine.

There is another consideration besides the amount spent for purchase. I originally only planned to paint the hood and grill on the N8. Doug Edwards, owner of Edwards Tractor Restoration, has helped make up my mind to paint the whole tractor. The work he did on the R8 reinforced it was a good decision.

I bought the tractor at a good enough price that the cost of painting won’t “put me upside down” in value. I have more money in the tractor that I can’t recoupe. Of course, I have no intent to sell.

I used my four Shaw Du-alls as an example for this article. My parting words of advice.

You get what you pay for. Shaw Du-alls are the perfect example of my point. These tractors are a little rare, and they can command a high asking price. If you’re not willing to ante up, maybe owning a Du-all isn’t right for you. Sorry to be harsh!

Do your research! Even good-looking tractors will have issues. There might be a reason if the machine is priced reasonably. Starting cost is only the first factor.

That’s my advice, if you’re looking to buy happy hunting! If you already own one, congratulations! You made a great investment in history. If you’re trying to sell, be honest, and don’t be afraid to hold firm on your asking price. The right buyer will appreciate the tractor’s worth.

Pronounce me crazy, I’ll own it. If I’m shopping on Facebook Marketplace, you’ll never hear me complain “I wish that was closer.” I’ve traveled to, OH, TN. MO, and even MI during the winter.  Enduring lake affect snow should demonstrate my determination. If I want a tractor I WILL go get it!

Last spring, I found one in the neighborhood. Or rather, maybe it found me. I knew there was another Shaw Du-all close by. The tractor really didn’t cross my mind though. I have my R12T and I’m happy with that.

The two following pictures were my first introduction

The pictures appeared via a text from Digger Dave Kemp, with no explanation.  My phone soon rang. Digger explained the tractor pictured was for sale, but Duane Stone had a particular buyer targeted.

Duane knew of a guy in New Berlin with the last name Shaw. Stoney thought that guy should be the next owner. Evidently, membership to some clubs does have privilege. Since then I’ve bought two more because the sellers think a Shaw should own a Shaw.

I tend to shy away from projects. I don’t have time and the readership knows Im not the most mechanically apt. Me good fortune is I know a guy! Actually more than one, damn my good luck!

Introducing my friend Steve Farmer . Steve is a MAJOR great help. He deserves much credit for helping me do research, hunt down parts, shares his wisdom and advice in discussions. He also has time to turn wrenches when I don’t. The tractor received a bath and spent a few months in his shop.

Besides the tractor being a Du-all we didn’t know what model we had. There was also an issue of year of manufacturer. Shaw tractors are dated by the engine. The barn find had a kobbled together 1971 Briggs & Stratton. Shaw manufacturing went out of business in 1962. See the problem?

After two attempts. The second engine I purchased was the better choice. I had the right era Briggs shipped from Kansas City, MO.

Another problem Steve and I researched was missing parts. A major hunt was for the hood and grill. We had determined the tractor was an R model. We weren’t certain on what size, though. The number is determined by horsepower.  Obviously, a 71 wasn’t original.  Steve and I had discovered the grill was actually cast and totally different from the RT hood and grill.

A R7 came up for auction last fall in IN.

I saw that tractor and knew I had to bid. There was a hood, and the add plus of lift mechanisms. The problem was, it was a live auction occurring during the heat of harvest. The auctioneer was very accommodating. I bid by phone. The adrenaline rush is the same as being there. The auctioneer was gracious enough to hold my win until I could go pick it up. Road trip! My friend  Steve Grant and I made the journey to Lafayette on my next day off.

I almost switched tractors for the restoration. Note, in the pictures, the different frame. Du-all generally has a rounded forward frame. The “A” frame was also a distinct Shaw look. I opted to continue with the Stone tractor since it’s not so far gone.  Kevin Periman and I have plans for the parts tractor, but that will be another story

The project needed a fabricator for completion. Steve Farmer had the wisdom to pass, and I knew the perfect candidate to carry on. A man who has the experience to build tractors from scratch. The R8 was moved to Jerry Rawlings’ shop.

The new engine didn’t marry up to the clutch housing. Jerry designed a adapter. The clutch had issues that were addressed Jerry updated it with adjustable linkage

Jerry had a hood, but had no idea how it fit. There were issues with the oil bath air cleaner. The tube was extended and the intake manfold needed a quarter turn for the carburetor to fit.

The clutch housing covers were built and Jerry added a dash with left over sheet steel. Jerry modified the fuel tank from factory. Jerry fastened the tank to the hood, rather than bracing it to the clutch house. The dash board is non factory improvement.

I have often wondered what Stamley Shaw had thought of Jerry had they met. Stanley lived until 1981. It could have happened.

The brakes were shot! No problem after a holiday wait for needed parts Jerry has the problem solved

Check out the swinging draw bar and the added tool tray.

The tractor’s next destination will be Edwards Tractor Restoration. Doug will handle the final step, shining the little jewel to its restorative glory.

I’m looking forward to the reveal very soon.

I haven’t been really active this year among the tractor crowd. I only participated in one show. Interest in my  Harley won more attention. That doesn’t mean I haven’t clandestinely been on the hunt for interesting new tractors for purchase.

I’ve actually acquired four tractors. I’ve been somewhat secretive, but I have hinted I’ve been up to no good.

All four are Shaw Du-alls. I keep telling myself the reason has nothing to do with vanity.  Yes they were built by a guy named Shaw. Stanley was a lot smarter though. He lived a very productive 100 years.

My fascination with Shaw tractors has more to do with the rareness. They’re not real common. Very little is known about them. Records were destroyed in !962 when Bush Hog bought Shaw’s business.

My first acquisition was a barn find. Digger Dave Kemp discovered the tractor in Duane Stones collection. Dave asked Duane if he was interested in selling. Duane replied that he was, but he heard there was a guy in New Berlin with the same last name as the tractor. Digger chuckled, telling Stoney he knew that guy!

My good friend Steve Farmer got involved. Not sure what I’d do without his expertise. Steve does a lot of mechanical work for me and helps with research.

We discovered the tractor didn’t have the original engine. There were missing parts, but with some attention and money it could be a shiny gem.

We found a Briggs & Straton power plant from the right era for the machine. The unfortunate point is we can’t exactly date the year of manufacture for the tractor, Or can we?

My next one was a parts buy. Although it may be resurrected. We’ll see. There were definitely some great parts for the barn find build.

By the way. Jerry Rawlings has also gotten involved in the barn find project. I may not claim to be adapted to mechanics, but I know the right people. Doug Edwards has been alerted that there will be need of a Krylon overhaul.

I did manage to gain a couple of implements with the parts tractor. That made that auction bid all that much sweeter.

I retrieved one,I bought last fall, while away on my TN vacation, Ironically, this one had been owned by another guy with the last name of Shaw.

Kevin Shaw is a very creative fellow, himself. If I’m not related to Stanley, he definitely is. Kevin admitted to be kindred spirits. Kevin likes to repurpose parts. Stanley was notorious for that.

On a side note ~ Kevin custom builds musical amplifiers. Just an FYI for my musical friends.

Another Shaw came up for sale before Thanksgiving. This N8W Wisconsin powered was homed in Clarksville. Tim Cash had actually bought both the N5 and N8. He only had wanted the 8 though. Tim sold the N5 to Kevin.

No offensive, but you Tennessee Boys don’t hang on to old tractors long! Maybe you two know something I should?

Anyway, Tim and I came to an agreement, and the tractors are together again. Currently, during the writing of this article, they’re snuggled together in a U-haul, Illinois bound.

Well, anyway, I may have been out of sight in the tractor world, but it wasn’t out of my mind. Happy Holidays, and I hope all my fellow collectors have been finding the right ones for their collection

I’ll be sharing further information as research progresses. Stanley Wilbur  has a pretty fascinating story.  As earlier stated, records have been lost and there is much fact and speculation to be sorted through.

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.