ALL ABOUT TRACTORS

BY PAUL WALLEM 

 Discussions that center around “best tractor” will probably go on forever. YouTube.com is available for individuals to post their own opinions. Many have done that. Some feature opinions regarding best five, while others include most reliable and greatest of all time.

I’m listing some of them here (you can also see them on YouTube) so you can decide if you agree with them.

Most reliable - JD730, Ferguson TE20, AC WD45, Farmall M, David Brown 880.

Greatest of all time - Ford 9N, MF135, JD4440, Oliver 70, Farmall M, Ford 8N,

Fordson Model F, Farmall Regular.

Top 10 classics - Farmall 1206, JD4650, WFE 2-135, Ford 7700, MMG1000Vista, AC 8050, MF2475. International 1566, JD4555, Coop D1000 06.

All of these are opinions only. If you disagree, you can create your own YouTube video.

Sources of information about the IH company

Farm World readers have asked for sources of information regarding International Harvester products since the company disbanded in 1985. I’ll start from 1915.

The McCormick Historical Association was formed that year to preserve company history.

In 1962, everything was relocated to the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison. Between 1959 and 1985, International Harvester made large donations regarding company history. During the 1960s and 1970s, indexes and descriptive lists were created and exist today. During these years, a significant amount of material was also forwarded from the McCormick estate.

In 1985, following the sale of the IH farm equipment division, the company name was changed to Navistar International Transportation Corporation. All remaining IH documents and other materials were then moved to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Over the years, an estimated 100-plus truckloads of materials have been transported to the society.

By going to wisconsinhistory.org and entering International Harvester Company in the search bar, you can select from categories regarding IH. They are year, county, community, category, subject, type, historical use, architectural style, creator or reproduction rights.

Email requests for specific information can be directed to feedback@wisconsinhistory.org.

Every collector is different

It’s always intriguing to meet with a tractor collector. This visit was special because of the unique collection and the farm operation.

The Stitzel’s farm is near Shannon, Ill. Father and son, Dan and Darrell Stitzel, have accumulated 17 tractors over many years. The collection includes a Farmall F14, B-275, 2- F30, M, 2-706 (one a Wheatland) 2-806 (one a Wheatland), 2-1206 (one a Wheatland), 1466, CaseIH 105-U, 7220 Magnum, 8940 Magnum, 1956 JD B, and a MH44. These last 2 were Dan’s first tractors.

The unusual part about the collection is the Wheatland models, and the one F-30 that had been re-powered up to 100 HP for pulling contests.

The unique part of the Stitzel farm is its diversification. Darrell and Dan not only farm their own ground but also 240 acres custom farmed. They also buy 1,300 pigs every 45 days to feed and sell to the market – over 10,000 each year.

My time with the Stitzel family was really interesting. And the highlight was a great lunch.

Burma Save signs - Cautious rider to her reckless dear: Let’s have less bull and more steer!

Paul Wallem was raised on an Illinois dairy farm. He spent 13 years with IH corporate on 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 PaulWallem.com