Minneapolis-Moline Prairie Gold Tractors

By James N. Boblenz
Published on October 20, 2011
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The Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Baler, from the collection of Bergman Farms, Fort Recovery, Ohio.
The Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Baler, from the collection of Bergman Farms, Fort Recovery, Ohio.
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The 1940 Minneapolis-Moline Model R standard with cab, ready for its first show. The restoration was completed the night before the tractor's debut when the cab’s doors were retrieved from the body shop and installed. 
The 1940 Minneapolis-Moline Model R standard with cab, ready for its first show. The restoration was completed the night before the tractor's debut when the cab’s doors were retrieved from the body shop and installed. 
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“Uncle Harry” at the wheel of the Elders’ 1937 MM Model Z.
“Uncle Harry” at the wheel of the Elders’ 1937 MM Model Z.
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Another restored Minneapolis-Moline Model Z displayed at the Mount Gilead show.
Another restored Minneapolis-Moline Model Z displayed at the Mount Gilead show.
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This 1951 Minneapolis-Moline Model U originally belonged to Howard Elder.
This 1951 Minneapolis-Moline Model U originally belonged to Howard Elder.
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A “farmer” driving the Minneapolis-Moline Model R with cab, complete with arm hanging out the side window.
A “farmer” driving the Minneapolis-Moline Model R with cab, complete with arm hanging out the side window.
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This 1938 Minneapolis-Moline Model UDLX Comfortractor is owned by Don Wolf, Fort Wayne, Ind.
This 1938 Minneapolis-Moline Model UDLX Comfortractor is owned by Don Wolf, Fort Wayne, Ind.
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Minneapolis-Moline’s heavy-duty, wire-tie Bale-O-Matic, equipped with a Wisconsin V-4 engine.
Minneapolis-Moline’s heavy-duty, wire-tie Bale-O-Matic, equipped with a Wisconsin V-4 engine.
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The smallest MM: the 1- to 2-plow Model BF.
The smallest MM: the 1- to 2-plow Model BF.
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This Model GB was Minneapolis-Moline’s biggest tractor in 1958. It is owned by Mike Murphy, Edison, Ohio.
This Model GB was Minneapolis-Moline’s biggest tractor in 1958. It is owned by Mike Murphy, Edison, Ohio.
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The Model R’s cab, on its way to the body shop. 
The Model R’s cab, on its way to the body shop. 

Gold: A precious metal; The color of kings and royalty. The color of vast fields of ripe wheat shimmering under the bright sun and cloudless skies of the prairie states.
Prairie Gold: The color Minneapolis-Moline selected for its machines to differentiate them from other manufacturers’ equipment.

Bright colored tractors adorned fields beginning in the late 1930s. Even then, tractor manufacturers used design and color to set their products apart. Farmers felt considerable loyalty toward various tractor brands, and manufacturers did not want anyone to confuse their product with that of another line. Because of the design and color combination, most farmers soon learned to identify tractor brands in a quick glance.

For instance, Farmall was all red with silver wheel rims. John Deere was Granny Smith apple green with bright yellow wheels. Olivers were clad in dark green with red wheels. Massey-Harris chose bright red with yellow wheels. Allis-Chalmers used Persian red. Minneapolis-Moline stood out with Prairie Gold paint on the sheet metal and a blood-red tone on the wheels and radiator grille.

Both sides of the family

At today’s antique tractor shows, those golden tractors still stand out. In 2010, the Farm Days show in Mount Gilead, Ohio, featured Minneapolis-Moline. Among the exhibitors were Dale and Debbie Elder, Clarks Mills, Pa., showing a 1937 Model Z row-crop and a 1940 Model R standard with cab.

The Elders brought along mascots as well and those generated plenty of attention – especially “Uncle Harry” driving the row-crop tractor. A distinguished looking fellow, Harry sported wire-rimmed glasses, a suit (complete with white shirt and tie) and straw hat. Driving the standard tread Model R was another mannequin dressed as a farmer in bib overalls and ball cap.

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