Classic Deere

Apr 21, 2003 12:00 PM, Wayne Wenzel

Tractor history. Johnnie Popper historians will enjoy the color photos and archival images in Cletus Hohman’s new book Classic John Deere Tractors, 1914 – 1970. The book features old-time favorites such as the Waterloo Boy model N, as well as some shots of Deere's German cousin, the Lanz Bulldog. The 1939 machine was equipped with road gears so farmers could “drive to town after a day of plowing fields.”

All 96 pages cover plenty more popular and obscure models, decade by decade. An excellent source of history, trivia and Americana, the book also provides an address list of various John Deere clubs, magazines and resources for further study. Hardcover price: $19.95.

Restoration handbook. You’ll want to grab a wrench and get to work after reading Tharran Gaines’ book How to Restore Classic John Deere Tractors. Gaines brings his experience as a repair manual writer and longtime ag journalist to each of the book’s 224 pages. Interviews with hands-on tractor enthusiasts across the country are accompanied by clear color photographs of various repair projects in progress. The book is so pretty, you may not want to take it out and get grease on it. Paperback price: $29.95.

To order, send check or money order (include $4.95 per order for shipping and handling) to Voyageur Press, Dept. FIN, Box 338, Stillwater, MN 55082, 800/888-9653, or visit www.voyageurpress.com to order online.