Old Tractors, New Life the Rise of Restoration

Friday, August 22, 2025

‘For most, buying & restoring vintage tractors is all about sentimental value.’

By Mary Loggan

In recent years, vintage tractor restoration has become more than just a hobby; it's a way to preserve agricultural history while reconnecting with the past. As more enthusiasts discover the joy of restoring these classic machines, the demand for vintage tractors is rising.

In Alberta, organizations like the Strathcona Vintage Tractor Association and the Prairie Tractor and Engine Museum host vintage tractor pulls, restoration showcases, and educational events, preserving local agricultural heritage. The Canadian Tractor Museum in Westlock, Alta., boasts an extensive collection and serves as a hub for enthusiasts, offering tours, displays, and community events.

Manitoba’s Roland Antique Tractor Club and Agricultural Museum also highlights Prairie tractor history, featuring restored equipment and local stories. Major summer events, such as the Pioneer Acres Annual Show in Alberta, bring together collectors and the public for tractor pulls, parades, live demonstrations, and hands-on restoration advice, celebrating machinery from the 1890s to the 1960s.

Farmers who lived through the golden era of tractor farming know just how much these machines shaped the landscape of agriculture. Today, a younger generation, eager to reconnect with the past, enjoys the hands-on work of restoring these iconic machines. It’s not just about the work; it’s about bringing back a piece of history that helped shape farming communities across the Prairies.

Better Farming recently spoke with experts about acquiring vintage tractors and the many benefits of ownership.

Finding the perfect tractor

“It all depends on what you want,” says Tony Gerber, tractor mechanic and owner of T & D Restoration.

“Vintage tractors are becoming harder to acquire locally, especially if you are looking for a specific model. I recommend starting with online classifieds or specialized tractor sale websites, which provide a broad view of available machines nationwide.”

He points out that local auctions and farm sales present opportunities to bid on tractors in various conditions, from well-preserved models to those needing serious TLC.

Ken Scanlan, vintage tractor collector and owner of Scanlan Tractor & Auto Restoration, agrees and adds, “Tractor clubs and social media forums can be a goldmine for finding tractors that might not be listed elsewhere.

“For most, buying and restoring vintage tractors is all about sentimental value. I see many people wanting the same type of tractor used by parents or grandparents on the farm back in the day; it allows them to relive those memories.”

Scanlan also says that when looking to purchase tractors, it's essential to check the working order of the tractor first and worry less about the exterior condition.

“Be sure to check the engine block for cracks and welts and ensure the tires and rims are in decent condition, as well as the sheet metal. Listen to the transmission closely when it’s started and see how much smoke comes out.”

Gerber adds, “When scouting for vintage tractors, the condition is critical – look for tractors that still have a solid frame and engine components.

“In my experience, tractors that have been sitting for long periods can often have coolant leaks; when this happens, the coolant can get mixed with the oil and cause many problems that could be expensive to fix.

“Deterioration in older tractors is common and unavoidable, and often, you can’t determine the problem until it's up and running. When you have it running, always check the transmission and ensure the PTO stops and starts well.

“It’s important to know what expenses you’ll have ahead of time. Unfortunately, it is easy to get your money tied up with excessive repairs.”

Gerber also highlights that rarity plays a role in the search, especially if you want something specific or a model with a limited production run. He says to keep in mind the availability of parts; tractors from well-established brands are easier to source replacement parts for than less-known ones.

Restoration

“Get a good team of people around you to help when needed,” says Gerber.

He points out that restoring a vintage tractor is rarely a solo endeavour, as many opt to tap into the expertise of others. Local mechanics with a passion for vintage equipment or restoration specialists can be a tremendous asset, especially for tasks that require more technical expertise.

“It’s important to ensure the machine is brought back to life safely and effectively. Mechanics can also help find you the proper parts, as some are rare and harder to find.”

Scanlan says that it is important to ask questions and always consult a mechanic if you encounter any problems, as this can make the process run smoother.

“The restoration process is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby, but as professionals, we are always here to help when needed. Some people enjoy doing it themselves; others like to come to mechanics and have us do the work. It depends on your preference.”

He also adds that joining tractor clubs and online forums is one of the best ways to surround yourself with knowledgeable individuals who can offer advice, share experiences, and help guide you through restoration.

Benefits

According to Scanlan, restoring and owning a vintage tractor has many benefits beyond simply bringing an old machine back to life.

For many, he says, the personal satisfaction of fixing something with their hands is top of the list.

“Beyond personal satisfaction, there are practical benefits as well. A restored tractor can become a valuable tool on the farm again, helping with tasks like plowing, hauling, or even cutting hay.

Scanlan explains that his collection is based on sentimental value.

“We still have the very first tractor my grandfather bought when he started farming, a 1937 J.I. Case L. It's nice to see it pass through generations and preserve our family history. My children will be the fifth generation on this tractor.”

He points out that these machines are essential to Canada’s farming legacy. By giving them a second life, restorers ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn from the tools that once defined the agricultural landscape.

For others, he says, “The tractor may serve as a showpiece at farm events or vintage tractor rallies, where enthusiasts gather to showcase their restored machines and share stories.”

Gerber adds, “There are many showcases people can attend nationwide and local tractor groups. It’s also great to see other people’s collections and their models. There are also different showrooms you can visit to see specific collections.

“One of the biggest benefits of this hobby is that it creates a sense of community where people can meet and share experiences, whether about the tractor and its history or the restoration project. It's nice to meet people with the same interests and preserve a piece of history.”

Growing in popularity

Scanlan says he’s seen an increase in vintage tractor restoration, even in younger generations.

“I think this hobby is growing because technology has made it easier for people to gain access and find resources. Even through social media sites like Facebook, so many groups are dedicated to tractor restoration that it's easier for people to find connections and get involved.

“I remember back in the day, the only way we would connect with others was from my dad’s black book where he collected phone numbers. Things have changed since then.”

According to Gerber, one primary reason for the popularity is the emotional connection to simpler times in farming, when tractors were the backbone of rural life.

“Many people long for a time when farming felt more intimate, and restoring these machines brings back that connection to the past.

“That’s how it was for me; restoring tractors that were once used on the farm takes me back to my childhood and younger days. In doing this, I get to relive those memories again.”

He also points out that younger farmers may not have been exposed to the working history of these machines but have developed an appreciation for them as pieces of history.

Popular models

“In my experience, John Deere is definitely the most popular,” Gerber says.

“Because so many were made in the past, they are most common in restoration projects today. In particular, the most common model is the 1964 4020 John Deere because it was the first one with power steering and seated you up nice and high. This tractor also put John Deere on the map as a tractor brand, as it was the first to have those features.”

Gerber also points out that John Deeres are easier to restore because finding and replacing parts is simpler, as you can still get some from dealers.

Scanlan agrees that John Deeres are the most popular.

“The new generation John Deere seems to be the popular ones at this time, the 10 and 20 series, and anything made in the 1960s is popular; as the generation that farmed with those tractors are now collecting them.”

He reports that International Harvester and Case IH models are also popular, but less so with Massey Ferguson currently.

Consequently, these tractors are more challenging to restore, he says. Parts for these tractors are not readily available and are harder to find. There were also fewer of them produced, so there were not as many that were preserved.

Whether it’s the satisfaction of seeing a rusted relic run again or the stories that emerge along the way, enthusiasts like Gerber and Scanlan remind us that these tractors are more than metal – they’re a bridge to the past and a hobby that continues to grow across the Prairies. BF