‘Tis the season to spread a little joy! This assortment of books and products is bound to get your seasonal shopping underway, and who knows? You may even find a little something to tuck away for yourself!
Take in some shows this winter
Tractor show DVDs are a sure cure for cabin fever, and Classic Tractor Fever’s latest releases are just what the doctor ordered. Sunshine on the Green showcases the sights and sounds of one of the finest tractor shows in the U.S., the Florida Flywheelers show in Fort Meade, Florida. Featuring John Deere tractors, the 2015 show drew legendary old iron, including a 1956 John Deere 60 Grove tractor, 1958 John Deere 420 Industrial, 1956 John Deere 70, 1970 John Deere U.S. Navy 140 and more. Made by Massey, an original Classic Tractor Fever production, showcases the proud legacy of Massey-Harris and Massey Ferguson. History, rare models, famous collectors – if you’re a fan of the Massey line, you’ll want in on this!
Sunshine on the Green:2015 Florida Flywheelers Show featuring John Deere tractors, Classic Tractor Fever, approximate running time: 120 minutes;Made by Massey, tracing the history of Massey-Harris and Massey Ferguson, featuring well-known classics and rare beauties, Classic Tractor Fever, approximate running time, 115 minutes. Available through Kalendae Communications: (800) 888-8979; online atwww.ClassicTractors.com.
Digging in with John Deere New Generation plows
Whether you’re a collector or simply want to learn more about plows from the John Deere New Generation era, you can’t do better than David Wolfe’s new book, John Deere Moldboard and Disk Plows.
Wolfe, a self-described “plow fanatic,” covers the topic in a logical and comprehensive approach. A series of chapters speaks to drawn plows, integral plows, semi-integral plows, two-way plows and disc plows. He provides extensive detail on every aspect of each model of plow featured, including information on which tractors the plow is designed to work with; frame, wheel and hitch types; and identifying features. Comments from the author add invaluable bonus information.
The book also touches on plow bottoms, standards and coulters; additional attachments and miscellaneous and adjustments, as well as tips for restoration, field use and storage. Wolfe’s authoritative text is supported by many photos of plows at shows and at work in the field, vintage ads and pages from operator’s manuals, diagrams and sketches. This is a solid resource!
John Deere Moldboard and Disk Plows, New Generation Era 1960-1990’s, David Wolfe, 200 pages, 8-1/4 by 11 inches, paperback, full-color photography and vintage ads; published by Beda Co., online at www.thebedacompany.com; email.
Exclusive gauge source
If someone on your list is looking for restoration-quality replacement parts for International Harvester tractors, check out Precision Tractor Parts. A CNH industrial licensed manufacturer of original equipment gauge sets, fuel lines, wiring harness sets and clips, Precision also fabricates a complete line of CNH industrial licensed original-style choke, throttle and starter rods.
Precision is the only source for original Rochester gauges (Precision purchased remaining gauge inventory and manufacturing capabilities from OEM Tractor Parts). Rochester was International’s gauge supplier in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. All of Precision’s gauge housings are manufactured by Rochester Gauge Co., and all have the correct part number to match the year of the tractor being restored.
Precision Tractor Parts, www.precisiontractorparts.com; email; (800) 245-3774.
Scale model dealer signs
Looking for a way to spruce up your Allis-Chalmers, Minneapolis-Moline or Oliver scale model farm tractor display? Add a unique finishing touch with a dealer implement sign built to scale. The folks at Kettle River Ironworks produce handcrafted, two-sided signs with 12-inch standards, perfectly scaled for use with 1/16th scale tractors. Each sign measures about 4 by 5 inches. And if you’re a vintage snowmobile enthusiast, check out Kettle River’s reproduction vintage signs!
Kettle River Ironworks, online atwww.kettleriverironworks.com; email; (218) 564-6420. You can also find Kettle River Ironworks on Facebook.
Mark the date
Stay on schedule and enjoy old iron with a pair of calendars produced by Classic Tractor Fever. The 2016 Classic Farm Tractors, an oversized wall calendar, covers everything from a 1913 Fairbanks-Morse 15-25 to a 1975 Oliver 1365 “Mudder.” Other highlights: a 1949 Allis-Chalmers W grader, 1967 Farmall 1206 turbo diesel, 1948 Field Marshall, 1959 Massey Ferguson 98, 1962 Farmall 504, 1958 John Deere 420 RC LP, 1952 Ford 8N Funk conversion, 1929 Minneapolis 17-30B, 1931 John Deere GPWT and a 1949 Case VAC. Classic Tractor founder John Harvey adds a feature on a centennial tractor: a rare 1916 Monarch Never-Slip 30-18. The 2016 Classic Garden Tractor calendar is an equal delight, featuring rare and rarely seen classics.
Classic Farm Tractors 2016 calendar and Classic Garden Tractors 2016 calendar, full-color, Kalendae Communications/Classic Tractor Fever. Available through Kalendae Communications: (800) 888-8979; online at www.ClassicTractors.com.
