Restoration is the procedure where tractors are returned to their former condition, preferably like new. The Hudson family has redefined the process of tractor restoration. Their tractors are restored with an artisan’s perfection – far better than new.
The Hudson team, led by Craig and his two sons, has restored numerous tractors for the three-generation family collection. They’ve also brought tractors back to their original condition for other collectors.
Craig’s interest in tractors goes back to his youth. He grew up on his parents’ small farm in Bucyrus, Ohio. Craig said, “My tractor fascination started at an early age. In fact, I started driving the family’s 1954 Farmall Cub at about age 6. The family heirloom was purchased new by my great-grandfather. Being a small tractor, it was used for garden work, mowing, and other small chores. With the lack of hills in Crawford County, it was also used to pull kids on their sleds during the snow season.
“We’ve acquired several attachments for the Cub tractor. We’re still searching for a one-row planter. The tractor has been passed on to the third generation, which is my dad Jim Hudson. I’m told it will eventually be my inheritance.”
Farmall Cub restoration
After extensive use, the Farmall Cub required restoration. Craig and his then-future brother-in-law made it a high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) project in 1992.
“In 2022, we decided to display the Farmall Cub at the Red Power Roundup held in Springfield, Ohio. My sons, Kyle and Cole, said the Cub ran well. However, they pointed out the need for a fresh coat of paint for a better presentation. The entire family pitched in to accomplish the project in our home shop. We were under a time crunch but made the show on time with a tractor that looked better than new,” Craig said with a wink.
Loving tractor gift
Craig’s wife, Karen, grew up in a family surrounded by Farmall and International tractors. However, a 1975 Oliver Model 1755 became the family farm tractor that Karen considered special. She’d operated the tractor as a young girl, hauling grain wagons and assisting with other tasks around the farm.
“Karen always wanted a Model 1755 of her own. In 2008, I purchased one that needed a serious overhaul. I restored the tractor to look like new, without her knowing it. A local body shop assisted by painting the metalwork,” Craig said.
“We were under crunch time to finish the task as a Christmas gift. On Christmas Eve day, her dad and I retrieved the painted sheet metal from the body shop. We then reassembled the tractor into evening of Christmas Eve. This resulted in being late for the Christmas Eve service. We were forgiven when Karen’s dad delivered the Oliver tractor gift on Christmas morning,” Craig shared.
Kyle’s first restoration
The Hudsons’ eldest son, Kyle, tackled his first tractor restoration in 2014. “The 1939 Allis-Chalmers Model B was a loving gift from my great-grandfather, Marvin Blackford, so it became a special project,” Kyle said.
Kyle’s family hauled the tractor back from Florida on a trailer. He noted that it was in bad condition, which included requiring a major mechanical overhaul. “Although it was my first tractor restoration, I was able to finish the project with a nice-looking tractor.
“My great-grandfather was no longer living when I finished the project. My great-grandmother was still alive and able to see it in person. It was truly an honor to receive the tractor as a gift. I think he would’ve been proud to see the end result,” Kyle added.
Kyle’s school project
Craig purchased a 1976 International Model 1066 in the late 1980s. “Because the tractor was the first one on the farm with a cab and many special features, it became a favorite. It was fondly known as the ‘Big Tractor.’ We used the tractor to plow and work ground, haul wagons, and many other jobs. When it needed restoration, it became Kyle’s high school project,” Craig said.
“I was grateful to have the Model 1066 as my senior-year FFA project. For starters, I was assisted by Dad and brother Cole to remove the cab. Believe me, that’s not something you try alone,” Kyle said.
“Dad has a lot of mechanical knowledge about old tractors. As a result, he and my brother Cole helped in fixing all the mechanical issues. We then reassembled everything so the frame could be painted.
“The tractor, including sheet metal, was taken to a local shop for painting assistance. With the owner’s help, we taped and painted most of the exposed parts. After bringing everything back to our home shop, the tractor was reassembled and decals applied. My mom and sister, Kendra, touched up any imperfections. The Model 1066 is a project I’m pleased with (as you can see by the accompanying picture),” Kyle concluded.
The Model 1066 has served other purposes. It went to Kyle’s Senior Prom with his date. Kyle and his wife, Cassey, had their engagement and wedding pictures taken with the tractor. It also pulled a float in the annual Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival parade.
Family roots
Jim Hudson is the senior member of the three-generation Hudson family tractor collection. Although his parents weren’t farmers, they lived on 30 acres share-cropped by neighbors. “Beginning at age 9, I worked for my neighboring farmer. The neighbor’s Farmall tractors, Model M and Model 460, were great to operate. I even drove the farm pickup well before my 16th birthday,” Jim said.
The first tractor-related assignments hold fond memories for those who grow up on farms. “My first tractor task came at age 11. I was sent to the field on the Farmall Model M to disc cornstalks in preparation for plowing. That first experience was very memorable,” Jim said.
After his college education, Jim was employed at Colonel Crawford Local Schools in North Robinson, Ohio. His first jobs were teaching and coaching basketball. Following on-the-job experience and further education, Jim became Colonel Crawford’s high school principal.
In 1970, Jim and Marcia purchased a 150-acre farm, whereupon a new Farmall Model M tractor was purchased from a local farmer. Jim said, “Our son, Craig, helped with the farm work until he began farming on his own. In 2006, Craig bought the farm equipment and we cash rented the farm to him.
“During my 31-year-public school career, farming was my after-hours second job. Following retirement, I worked for a local farm, Spreng Longacre Farms. I’m currently helping my son Craig, and grandsons, Kyle and Cole, with their farming operation.”
A restoration family
When you begin restoring tractors, another challenge seems to be lurking around the corner. The Hudsons’ next project (as of this writing) includes a 1966 International Wheatland Model 1206 that Kyle’s wife, Cassey, picked up while on the couple’s honeymoon in Nebraska. They also promised to restore a Farmall Model B for a neighbor.
The father-son team of Craig, Kyle, and Cole has been an active member of the FFA during high school. Craig and Kyle restored a tractor as part of their projects, and Cole is scheduled to restore a 1967 International Model 1206 as his high school project. Through their accomplishments, Craig and Kyle received the coveted American FFA Degree from the National FFA Organization. This is an uncommon feat for a father-son team.
It’s been said: A family who works together and plays together, stays together. The Hudson family is a prime example. They farm together, restore tractors together, and enjoy social activities as a family.
“I find enjoyment in helping the family with their farming operation. The restoration work they’ve done is impressive. Marcia and I are especially proud of our family and their dedication to farming. It’s been a rewarding way to raise a family,” Jim shared lovingly. FC
Freelance writer Fred Hendricks of Mansfield, Ohio, covers a vast array of interesting subjects. You may contact Fred at fwhendricks@gmail.com
