Green Machines

Tue, May 13 2008

— Would you drive eight hours to see a tractor show?
Rich Raber said he’s had such a call from a man looking for directions to get to the 14th Annual John Deere Two-Cylinder Antique Tractor Show at Village Square Mall in Effingham this weekend.
“Some of these tractors were nothing but a bucket of rust when they were found and have now been restored to better when they came out of the factory,” Raber said. “Most shows would not see the quality of restoration of these tractors.”
Raber is coordinating the show that brought 63 antique tractors to the Effingham mall Thursday. The show will run through Sunday and feature two engine displays, an antique truck and two trailers with antique engines.
One of the featured tractors is the legendary John Deere 6030 owned by Brad, Yvonne, Connor and Dalton Walk of Sigel.
“The tractor is the first 6030 ever made. Ten days ago I brought home the very last 6030 to leave Deere and Co. It’s also the last New Generation tractor to leave Deere and Co.,” Brad Walk said.
According to its description, “The 6030 was the most powerful two-wheel drive tractor of its time. Introduced early in 1972, the last member of the New York Generation family muscled its way to the top of the ongoing horsepower race with its turbocharged engine.”
Brad Walk said it took two and a half years to restore the tractor. Bernie Platz, Steve Shafer and Clayton Ehorn helped with the restoration process.
“The entire tractor was completely rebuilt mechanically. All new John Deere parts were put in the engine and transmission. Nothing was left untouched,” Brad Walk said.
Walk’s neighbor, Chad Walk (no relation), was watching the tractor for Brad on Thursday and today. No one is supposed to touch the tractor, and Chad Walk is on guard duty until the mall closes tonight. The Walks also will have a computer display that shows the restoration process of the tractor.
“It’s an interesting show. It gives the local people a chance to see antique tractors and equipment, which educates younger people on how it was used in the past,” Raber said.
Another interesting display is a stationary John Deere engine painted blue with red letters. It was one of 118 engines made for the Pure Oil Co. in Noble. Normally, John Deere tractors are painted green with yellow letters.
Roger Ohnesorge had a tractor in the show that belonged to his father.
“They’ve got a lot of nice tractors here. It’s something we enjoy doing, letting people know that the tractors are out here. A lot of these old tractors out here are brought back to life,” he said.
The Jasper County Antique Tractor and Machinery Club will sell raffle tickets, hats, T-shirts and patches. The winner of the drawing will have a choice between an International Gold Hydro Pedal Tractor or a Craftsman 19.2 V cordless combo kit with a drill.
The County Line Sod-busters will hold a bake sale beginning at noon on Saturday.
The show is sponsored by The Old National Trail Two-Cylinder Club and East Central Illinois Two-Cylinder Club.
For more information, call Raber at 217-536-6315 or Steve Miller at 618-483-6241.
Angie Faller can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or angie.faller@
effinghamdailynews.com.

Photos

Old and restored tractors line the hallway of Village Square Mall in Effingham as part of the 14th Annual John Deere Two-Cylinder Antique Tractor Show Thursday night. Effingham Daily News