Crafting Vintage Tractors from Wood

By Mark Knize
Published on January 27, 2009
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This International Harvester TD-14 with disc and ring roller was Lino’s first tractor sculpture. He later made a duplicate that was offered as a prize at the Agricultural Expo in Stockton, Calif.
This International Harvester TD-14 with disc and ring roller was Lino’s first tractor sculpture. He later made a duplicate that was offered as a prize at the Agricultural Expo in Stockton, Calif.
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Model of a 1902 Avery steam traction engine. The ladder, with press-fit components, was assembled without glue. Note, too, the moveable cylinder that drives the flywheel.
Model of a 1902 Avery steam traction engine. The ladder, with press-fit components, was assembled without glue. Note, too, the moveable cylinder that drives the flywheel.
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A model of a 1904 Capital gasoline traction engine manufactured by C.H.A. Dissinger & Bros. Co., Wrightsville, Pa. This detailed piece took artist Lino Giovacchini more than 150 hours to build.
A model of a 1904 Capital gasoline traction engine manufactured by C.H.A. Dissinger & Bros. Co., Wrightsville, Pa. This detailed piece took artist Lino Giovacchini more than 150 hours to build.
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Detail of the roller and disc.
Detail of the roller and disc.
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Model of an 1899 Agitator, an early threshing machine manufactured by J.I. Case Threshing Machine Co.
Model of an 1899 Agitator, an early threshing machine manufactured by J.I. Case Threshing Machine Co.
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Model of an IHC Mogul 8-16 tractor built from 1914-17. This piece features a removable hood and moveable front end.
Model of an IHC Mogul 8-16 tractor built from 1914-17. This piece features a removable hood and moveable front end.
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Detail of the disc.
Detail of the disc.
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Detail of the Aebi’s hay rake. Each tine was made from two plies of spruce so thin that construction and sanding were extremely difficult.
Detail of the Aebi’s hay rake. Each tine was made from two plies of spruce so thin that construction and sanding were extremely difficult.
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Model of a 1915 European-made Aebi with mower and rake. This early side mower wasn’t common in California until the late 1930s. Lino grew up using a mower like this on a Ford 9N tractor.
Model of a 1915 European-made Aebi with mower and rake. This early side mower wasn’t common in California until the late 1930s. Lino grew up using a mower like this on a Ford 9N tractor.
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Model of a 1917-20 Lang. The Lang, a 3-wheeled tractor built in Minneapolis, was steered using clutches because it has no steerable wheels.
Model of a 1917-20 Lang. The Lang, a 3-wheeled tractor built in Minneapolis, was steered using clutches because it has no steerable wheels.
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Lino Giovacchini in his workshop with his recently completed circa-1912 Wallis tractor.
Lino Giovacchini in his workshop with his recently completed circa-1912 Wallis tractor.

Lino Giovacchini turns old iron into wood.

A magician? He might as well be – look no further than the artistry contained in his models of antique farm equipment.

The California artist grew up on a farm and has an enduring affection for machinery, especially farm machinery. Lino has become a well-known artist near his home in Tracy with his detailed wooden farm machinery models. Many have won awards in fine art shows.

Growing up using farm equipment, Lino developed an appreciation for the creative minds that designed these machines. His home in the central valley of California is near Stockton, the birthplace of Holt Tractor Co., and a hotbed of innovation in the early part of the 20th century as Holt evolved into Caterpillar.

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