Hay Press Back In Business

Another rare one

Dwight is currently restoring a Minneapolis Threshing Machine Co. 39-57 tractor. “Only 12 to 15 of them are known to exist,” he says. “It was only manufactured in 1929, before Minneapolis Threshing Machine Co. joined with Moline Plow Co. and Minneapolis Steel & Machinery Co. to make Minneapolis-Moline Co.”
 

He’s also working on a 1915 Gehl Bros. Mfg. Co. ensilage cutter, another unique piece. “It has a wood elevator that goes up into the silo or a blower pipe with a unique belt system,” he says. “When the corn bundles came in, knives like those on a reel lawnmower chopped it into pieces.”

Doug takes considerable pleasure in the fact that his hobby holds meaning for future generations. “These pieces have been rescued from the scrap iron pile and I’m just trying to stay one step ahead,” he says. “With the prices paid today for scrap iron, these old machines are disappearing fast. I hope the next generation takes care of these machines. Without restorations like these, the next generation will have no idea what was used on farms in the old days.” FC 

For more information: Dwight Yaeger, 56548 Doc Jones Rd., Mankato, MN 56001. 

Bill Vossler is a freelance writer and author of several books on antique farm tractors and toys. Contact him at Box 372, 400 Caroline Ln., Rockville, MN 56369; email: bvossler@juno.com. 

Read more about the History of the Hay Press, discover interesting engines and equipment in Struck by Lightning: The Kansas City Hay Press Co. and read up on portable Lightning engines in 1905 6 HP Kansas City Hay Press Lightning.  Also, see Vintage Hay Presses At Work.