Moline's Seasonal Rest

Warm autumn weather has given Iowa farmers time to finish the harvest and condition their fields. I found this older (some say antique) Moline-brand tractor and rusted pull plough positioned on a field's edge. Together they finished field preparation and await more warmer weather for beginning spring planting in about four months.

Restoring Minneapolis Moline Tractors

Each year a group of Minneapolis Moline enthusiasts meet to exchange stories and parade their yellow tractors in area events. "Restoring tractors is half the fun of owning one," a guy on this tractor told me. He was trying to replace the steering wheel. His son grew impatient holding the wheel while his dad tried to unhinge the bolts.

When assembled and painted the restored farm tractors look like they did in 1929 and ending in the 1960s when they rolled off assembly lines. More examples of restored Minneapolis Moline tractors can be seen annually at the Old Threshers Reunion in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. From the grandstand and parade grounds you can experience a wide variety of American made tractor brands spanning steam to diesel power. This year the event is August 30th through September 3rd.