A few days ago, I asked my father in law if he would write a story for my blog about one of his old tractors. He sounded intrigued but reluctant. I didn't push, and figured that he would just forget about it. Imagine my surprise and delight this morning when I walked into the barn, and he handed me a piece of paper! Here is the first intstallment of stories from guest bloggers about life on "our" farm...
"The Ferguson TO 30"
 |
| My father in law on the old Ferguson TO 30, on the day he sold it -2010 |
The Ferguson that I had, my Father purchased slightly used in the early 1950's. It had three speeds in each of it's four gears, plus three speeds in reverse.
We used the TO 30 to plant tobacco, because it went real slow in first gear, low. I also used it to plow (with a two-bottom plow), rake hay and load manure. It had a Sauder loader (made in New Holland) that was very quick to take on and off.
When I would plow, for entertainment, I would drive over the soft, plowed ground and let the clutch out quick. The front end would rear up and land softly on the plowed ground. I had alot of fun with this tractor!
The TO 30 was very fast on the road...but one humbling experience was when I got into a road race with a young Amish boy in his buggy. To make a long story short, I simply got beat! He had a very fast horse!
I have many memories with this tractor. The tractor got sold locally, so I still see it from time to time!"
Thanks, Lloyd, for a trip down memory lane!
I would someday love to see how to plant tobacco. Thanks for the post and thank your for your comment on my blog! I allready figured out you didn't mean the last pic!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Leontien
Oh I love this story what a great idea having someone relive a memory. that is a col tractor. My Hero would have loved to play with that one. B
ReplyDeleteI think it's a wonderful idea for you to record these family stories on your blog. I tried to get my mom to write something for me, but I'm not sure she's ready to be "famous." :)
ReplyDeleteLovely post and photo ! We have tractors driving around here in the summer hauling tabacco plants. Hubby's grandpa owned a Ferguson company Massy Ferguson as we know them was the most popular farm tractor over here for years. Still is used today on some farms ! Have a great day !
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great idea, and I love the story. I wish more "old tractors" would tell their stories.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post! What a wonderful idea to include memories from people in your life! I love this! I like that he did wheelies on his tractor! So cool!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. I just love the story of the 'race'! You have a delightful blog and I'm looking forward to reading more. : )
ReplyDelete~Andrea~
I like your story and love history of old tractors....my to30 was my dads from1959 till 2009 ...it burned up in barn fire the day after labor day 2009 i completed total rebuild in 2013...i do have to correct you on one thing...ford did not buy the three point hitch or even pay to use it.. .harry ferguson sued ford for patient infringement....and he won...that's where he got the money to open the plant in detroit that made the to20 and to30
ReplyDelete