Tractors and Books...

I got me a pick-up! It is a nice, white, rust-free 1996 Chevy S-10. Comes equipped with a five-speed transmission, beautiful full-size bed, 2.2 liter four cylinder carburated motor, manual transmission, a completely inoperable air-conditioner, a heater that could keep a person warm in the darkest of antarctic nights, mag wheels, and the prerequisite minor oil and fluid leaks.

So, if you don't mind a little trip down my recent memory lane... Get a divorce; daughter starts getting A's in school; daughter gets a job... that she LIKES; ex-wife totals my car (luckily, aside from a few bumps and bruises, she is OK); I buy a motorcycle and pickup.

I'm thinking that things are starting to look up. LOL

I am now the proud owner of the foremost iconic farm vehicle in North America. A truck. It brings to mind that song by Joe Diffie, “There's Something Women Like About a Pickup Man.”

Wonder if I will get a few dates from this? Hmmm...

That started my brain thinking about other farm vehicles. What other things would a farmer need? I have a pickup for farm chores and necessary commutes when raining, snowing or when I need to haul something. I have a motorcycle for regular commutes into town or work. Both are equally good for going out, just depends on the situation and partner.

Tractors, of course! Now I am thinking of another song, this one by Kenny Chesney, “She Think's My Tractor's Sexy.” (LOL)

Well, I do like tractors & once in high school, almost completely rebuild a John Deere Model A with my dad. It wasn't to make it look all nice and shiny and green, but rather to repair a broken gear. Started innocently enough with a transmission repair and shortly went to a complete rebuild.

There are quite a few tractor books out there and almost all of them make me drool just a little. The Big Book of Farm Tractors by Robert Pripps is a beautiful review of tractors from 1895 to present.

From the book description: “The Big Book of Farm Tractors is the first large-format volume to chronicle the entire time line of American farm tractors, from the steam power of the 1850s to the current offerings from New Holland, AGCO, John Deere, Caterpillar, and more. Detailed descriptions of tractors especially significant to the period, short essays on events defining the times, personal vignettes, collectibles, sales memorabilia, ads from old farm magazines, and old black & white photos of farm scenes make this a complete look at one of America’s greatest innovations. Whether you’re someone who has farmed, or someone simply with a love of the land, this book will give you a new perspective on the enormous influence of the tractor upon the American farm and culture.”

John Deere: A History of the Tractor, by Randy Leffingwell is a nice historic review of the company, in his own storytelling style. With over 300 pictures and details from the company's own archives, this book looks to be a great winter read.

A book that I think is nearly invaluable to anyone who owns older tractors or who are interested in restoring them is How To Restore Classic Farm Tractors: The Ultimate Do-It-Yourself Guide to Rebuilding and Restoring Tractors, by Tharran E. Gaines. Older, smaller tractors are perfect for the smaller farm and, well, they don't make them like they used to. Not only does this book have repair and rebuilding details for many models, but is also chock-full of pictures and diagrams. Park that tractor in the machine shed, fire up the wood burning heater and enjoy the winter working on your little iron work-horse.