Matt Giesler, Entrant, 2009 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition

Before you start searching for a classic or any kind of pre-owned tractor for the farm, there are one or two factors you have to bear in mind. To begin with, do not get caught up from nostalgia. Buying and restoring an antique tractor can be a great pleasing hobby to engage in. Nonetheless it also can develop into a costly one.

Since 1995, the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition (www.chevrondelotrc.com) has rewarded the determination, mechanical skills and business savvy of high school aged FFA members from around the country. Through the restoration of an antique tractor, participants develop skills applicable to the modern business world. The skills needed for success in the program - equipment maintenance, teamwork, project management, budgeting, planning and marketing - help develop the participants into future leaders in the agriculture community. For more on Delo lubricants go to www.deloperformance.com

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Prior to your beginning to look for your tractor, make certain that you know what you really want. This might appear overly simple, but it is easy to get side tracked and buy something that you did not start out to find. Only once you are able to create a complete listing of your requirements should you commence your search. Don't forget to include your technical and performance needs in the list. Unless you understand just what you happen to be looking for, how are you going to determine where and how to search?

If you are sincerely searching for an antique tractor, be careful and not let enthusiasm run away with you. If you do, you may well be in trouble before beginning the project. Rebuilding an antique tractor or other old farm implement is rewarding. Nevertheless it isn't an overnight project moreover it can get pricey very rapidly. Components for a lot of older tractors are obtainable however some are tough to locate and can be on the spendy side. Original tires may be impossible to locate and reproduction tires can cost more than your tractor. You may discover that rather than buying a project tractor, it would be just as satisfying to purchase one which somebody else has previously put all of the effort, expense and time into. Chances are good that you could buy it for a lesser amount of money than the owner put into it, to say nothing about all of his labor.

Examine the tractor prior to deciding to acquire it. Do you find it easy to get started and seem, sound and feel right? Are the tires in good shape? Is there any hydraulic leakage evident? Can you notice any missing components or accessories? Make certain and give just as close an examination to any attachments. Last but not least, be sure that an antique tractor genuinely fulfills the needs of the job you want it for. It's tough to go wrong with an antique tractor like a John Deere if you shop cautiously.