Yesterdays Tractors

Have you become or are you becoming interested in buying used or antique tractors, either as a collector or someone who loves fixing them up, or even as a farmer who just wants to find a great buy on a tractor for practical use?

If that's you then you are a seeker of yesterdays tractors--that is, the tractors of our yesterdays.

Yesterdays tractors' famous brands including Allis Chalmers, Brown, John Deere, Farmall, International Harvester, and Ford can all be found "alive and kicking" if you know where to look and what to look for. These and other yesterdays tractors can be found alive and well even if they were manufactured before 25 years ago, before 40 years go, even back into the 1930s. Before you begin your quest to buy your first yesterdays tractor, you want to define your own personal needs and desires first. You cannot make an informed buying decision about used or antique tractors without knowing why you want them in the first place.

For instance, it helps you to understand that many of the yesterdays tractors that are the best for someone interested in the pleasure of restoration are not those that are in the best interests of those who are investing in their professional farm machinery.

So, once you have made up your mind as to why you want your tractor, you will want to get hold of research books or talk to experts in the tractor industry to find out which tractors are the best fits for your more detailed personal goals as well as your personal style--although it probably goes without saying that if you are looking for a great buy on a working tractor, mechanics means just about everything and looks mean next to nothing. There are many informational websites on this area, and some of these also offer antique tractors for sale.

If you are looking for a working yesterdays tractor, your checklist of research questions should include: how easily does it start up?; how does the engine sound (smooth and quiet or clanky)?; do the brakes and hydraulics work with precision?; can it "run hot"?; how is it with smoke or pollution?; does it throw a lot of oil or other liquids?; how does the body of the tractor look from the perspective of soundness?

If you are a collector or restorationist, you will want to research different elements of your possible yesterdays tractors.

One thing to consider and check deeply into is the rarity of a tractor, especially if you want to create a collection or restore a model that is highly unique or very valuable financially.

But unless you have your heart set on a particular model for highly private or nostalgic reasons, you should avoid getting overly enthused over a possible great find before you have as many facts as can reasonably be expected, so that you don't waste money or time.

Also make sure you research how easy or difficult it will be for you to find the tractor's add-ons or other hardware.

Whether it's for work or pleasure, owning a yesterdays tractor can be exciting and satisfying.

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