Russ' Vintage Iron

Harry Ferguson was an innovative icon of the tractor manufacturing business in the first part of the 1900s. His three-point system changed how these machines were used, allowing the tractor and implement (mainly a plow at that time) to work as one unit in a time when this was not the case.

This month on Russ' Vintage Iron, we look back at some vintage manure spreaders. New Idea, International, Hampton and Kelly Ryan are some of the names of the past which helped farmers turn animal waste into valuable fertilizer for their crops.

After my column last month about strange named, little-known tractor manufacturers, I did receive an interesting email about a tractor from a famous 1960s TV sitcom. Was Hoyt Clagwell a real tractor manufacturer? Read on for the fascinating answer.

There are many U.S. tractor manufacturers that no longer make these machines. I thought it would be interesting to look at some of these names, which were probably not very well known nearly 100 years ago. I created a Top 10 list of strange-named, little-known former tractor manufacturers.

Change happens in life whether we like it or not. Situations change as family members pass away. My dad and uncle farmed together for many years, but my uncle moved to another state 18 years ago. After he passed, I am grateful we ended up with most of the farm equipment they owned...

Last month in the Russ' Vintage Iron column, I discussed how many tractors farmers own and operate. I even did a three-day X poll to see what farmers had to say. This month, the column features an emailed story from a reader about owning tractors.

Last month's Russ' Vintage Iron column focused on a Nebraska farm family with 51 International tractors. That got me thinking: How many tractors do farmers really own? I know a few farmers with just a couple tractors, but I also know farmers with many more. So, I ran a Twitter poll!

For one Nebraska family, International tractors are a way of life. The Kennard, Nebraska, farm family has a collection of more than 50 International/Case-IH tractors ranging from 1937 to 2013 model years. The family recently displayed their expansive collection for patriarch Wayne Dreessen's...

A photo of one man's request on a simple laminated sign at the 2024 National Red Power Show in Spencer, Iowa, last month has spread like wildfire on social media. A South Dakota farmer is on a mission to locate his late father's 1953 Farmall Super M tractor.

For those of us with fair skin, spending much time in the sun is just not in the cards. This is not a good thing for those who spend as much time outside as farmers do. Luckily, there are various sunshades which will keep you safe from the sun.

Those of us raised with aunts, uncles and cousins who lived nearby almost felt we had multiple sets of parents and siblings. My dad farmed with his brother for my entire childhood. I have an endless supply of memories of both him and vintage iron.

A photo of an owner's manual of long-gone farm equipment on X, formerly known as Twitter, caught my eye the other day. This led me to search for manuals we might have in an old cabinet in our shed. What vintage iron discoveries were made?

When you are a lover of vintage iron, the thought of old tractors is never far from your mind. Since it is Valentine's Day and the color most associated with the day is red, it is only fitting that a couple stories about red tractors are featured in this month's Russ' Vintage Iron column.

I had several uncles who farmed, but only my uncle Jack farmed with Oliver tractors. While my dad and the other two uncles liked John Deere, Jack's favorite tractors were the ones with darker green paint. And the two will always go together in my mind.

Last month in Russ' Vintage Iron column, I wrote about visiting a farm and running across a vintage International Harvester combine sitting in a tree line. This month I am sharing some of the many responses to that column. Some comments mentioned I missed some models, while others shared their...

A simple errand turns into a column in this month's edition of Russ' Vintage Iron. Crossing paths with a rusty, old combine in the trees sparks some thoughts about vintage International Harvester combines.

For the September Russ' Vintage Iron column, the original plan was to find another subject after two months of delving into Thieman tractors. But another interesting email from a reader altered this plan, and it is more about the somewhat forgotten tractor manufacturer from Albert City, Iowa.

The Thieman tractor was the subject of last month's Russ' Vintage Iron column. This month we have a couple of emails detailing more about the Thieman tractors, including one from a descendant of the founders of Thieman Harvester Co.

A simple conversation with a neighbor turns into a Vintage Iron column idea. A long-defunct tractor manufacturer built an inexpensive tractor during the Great Depression until World War II. Thieman tractors came in a kit and farmers assembled their tractors with their choice of a Ford...

Those who love vintage iron look forward to the beginning of summer, as it marks the start of small-town parades, tractor shows and antique tractor pulls. June is when many small-town celebrations take place, and parades are often at the heart of those. Who is bringing vintage iron to these...