This 1928 Rumely Model X 25-40 is a Billups family tractor. The model was produced from 1928 to 1930; just 2,041 were built.
GoBidToday.com of Grangeville, Idaho, has been contracted to complete the liquidation of a 93-year collection of antique tractors and crawlers from the estate of Edward Franklin “Ted” Billups. The online-only auction will open Nov. 1, and the bidding will end on Nov. 29, 2018, at 3 p.m. PST.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to offer these machines at auction. They have been fully and expertly restored by Ted Billups himself, and now will be available to the public,” says Kyle Musick, owner of GoBidToday.com.
The 30-plus tractor collection includes Rumely OilPull tractors, a Buckeye Trundaar – believed to be one of three left in existence, Caterpillar 5-ton Holt WWI artillery tractor, Minneapolis-Moline tractors, Lessman power shovel, John Deere tractors, Oliver tractor and many more. Other machines included in the auction that were restored by Mr. Billups include a Yuba ball-tread tractor, and a Caterpillar R3, of which only 59 were ever made.
Ted Billups was born and raised on the Camas Prairie of North Central Idaho. He began work at the local John Deere dealership, Brown Motors (later Bell Equipment), at the age of 19, and worked there for 75 years. He was known throughout the community for his extensive knowledge, which he was generous with, as well as his work ethic. Ted and his wife, Dolores, raised their family in Grangeville, where each year’s 4th of July parade would feature his tractors.
Mr. Billups was a well-known collector and restoration expert. His collection and expertise have been featured in Farm Collector and Fastline magazines, as well as numerous other publications.
Ted and Dolores were active members of their community and various tractor clubs. While at Brown Motors, Mr. Billups developed a hydraulic booster steering system that was integrated into all of Brown Motors’ three-lungers, making them easier to steer. They were Life Members of the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association, Lewis & Clark Antique Power Club, Branch 54, and was inducted into the National Hall of Fame in 2010. He was also a member of the Antique Caterpillars Machinery Owner’s Club, Chapter 14.
Bidding, videos, and in-depth descriptions of all the tractors available can be found at GoBidToday.com. Auction is presented in cooperation with United Country-Musick & Sons.
