ALL ABOUT TRACTORS By PAUL WALLEM I was an IH farm equipment and truck dealer for 17 years. When my three salesmen and I were trying to determine the resale value of trade-ins before a contract was signed, tractors and combines were the hardest to judge value on. Trucks were a little easier and combines were the hardest. Outward appearance influenced our first impression as we tried to decide the resale value. If it had a recent wash job or was waxed, our first impression was that it had been well-maintained. However, that was not always the case. It could look good but not have been adequately greased. Even though the engine oil looked fresh, replacing rear-end and hydraulic fluids often gets overlooked. In the evaluation of a combine, belts are often worn even if the outside appearance is good. Straw walkers in older combines were often damaged. Combines, in particular, need a close inspection. Ron Shank, Morrison, Ill., spent 50 years servicing farm equipment in the shops of different farm equipment dealers. He agrees that a good overall appearance usually indicates good maintenance as well, but not always. Some will clean up equipment just prior to trading it in. Others will pay close attention to oil changes but ignore belt conditions on a combine until downtime occurs. Proper greasing of all zerks requires close attention, and often, bearings need replacement because of missed attention. Proper tire pressure is often overlooked by owners. If improperly inflated, the large tires on both tractors and combine can damage quickly. We found this often. Shank noted that trade-ins from a steady customer were easier to evaluate. The salesman would often come to the shop to review maintenance records from that owner. Those who brought equipment in for annual inspections received the best trade prices. He also commented that chore tractors often receive poorer maintenance. They get used more often, and owners put off maintenance. Larger field equipment gets looked over during off seasons. In his opinion, the operator who practiced good maintenance won two ways. He incurred less downtime in season and received a better price when it came time to trade. On a personal note, after farming for 36 years, my older brother sold out and retired. I attended his sale, and it was a huge crowd. My brother had been very particular about taking care of the equipment. Before the sale, one of our neighbors that I grew up with told me everyone knew how well the equipment had been maintained, and he said that’s why the crowd was large. The sale went well. 1963 – first year over 100 horsepower A landmark change occurred in 1963 when American farm tractors exceeded 100 HP for the first time. That year, International Harvester announced its 806, and John Deere put the 4010 on the market. These were the first two to provide 100 HP. They quickly became market leaders and were highly successful for both companies. I was with International Harvester and, that year was responsible for the announcement of the 706 and 806 at the Farm Progress Show in Illinois. We went all out to draw attention, created an arena tractor square dance, and hired the WGN Sage Riders trio to entertain the crown, and it was an exciting time. We were overdue for a replacement of the 560, and some customers called their dealers immediately to place orders. This week’s BURMA SHAVE SIGN: “Passing School Zone Take it Slow. Let our Little Shavers Grow” Writer’s note: I would like to hear from you. Are there other tractor topics you would like to hear about? Also, would you like to share an unusual tractor experience? See my email address. Paul Wallem was raised on an Illinois dairy farm. He spent 13 years with IH in domestic and foreign assignments. He resigned to own and operate two IH dealerships. He is the author of THE BREAKUP of IH and SUCCESSES & INDUSTRY FIRSTS of IH. See all his books on www.PaulWallem.com. Email comments to pwallem@aol.com. |
