for the agro classic magazine in the U.S., we recently visited on a tractor graveyard. The resulting report and there's photos in the coming weeks in several parts at this location. Here, then, part 1
No doubt: No invention has eased the life of the farmer in the last hundred years, just as the tractor. Even the monstrous steam-powered giants of the early years made it possible for him who could afford to order more field, less work. And much more: Soon there were all kinds of extensions that the tractor soon become an indispensable helper in managing myriad projects made - in business and "productivity growth" mentioned. As far as efficiency paid off course. The farmers made more sales, they could then ... well ... stuck in even more farm equipment. This carousel spins (if you look aside from the ever-increasing sales) over 100 years later still happily ever after: those who can afford to always buy new, better, more productive machines. But what happens to such a machine when it has served its purpose and was being sidelined? If the farmer decides some point: I do not need it anymore. Maybe it is unusable due to wear, abuse or accident. Maybe they will, although still functional, does not need anymore. Three options: scrap press, barn or collectors.
million tractors rusting in front of him
Not in America, where space does not matter and put environmental protection in its infancy! There is the farmer from his old machine somewhere on a remote area or at a landing. The once bright color will fade slowly gives way to grate that spreads first to the exhaust, then the whole body. Millions of old farm equipment rusting so dumb, stoic and alone in front of him.
Lonely? Not all! Because just as there are in the land of opportunity unimaginably large spaces for scrap cars, there are always against so-called "Tractor Graveyard". In German: tractor graveyards.
especially in the Midwest, the breadbasket of the USA, there is an entire profession that does nothing more than in the country to track down old farm equipment. Take part in farm sales, auctions, or simply drive through the village streets in search of equipment no longer needed. The day is saved when the eye wanders over a meadow and at the other End of a wooded plot appears, has kept the farmers in the decades his old equipment. The Fund is first made, the real work begins. The treasure hunter needs to find out who owns the land the coveted machines actually. And then there's the farmer who wants to be persuaded to give up the stuff, too. Often not so simple. And so the first approach is then usually an aesthetic: "Man alive! The way would look like without all the garbage out probably more beautiful ... "
Indispensable often saw nothing
This can of course also to go back. The fact that someone is interested at once for what has been regarded for years as a farmer ugly garbage could arouse sentimental feelings - or at least drive the price up. The Americans are not free to be particularly good at business known. There are circulating credible stories of shrewd buyers who have yet actually offered to buy the trees from a forest "for wood making" and "tow away all the garbage for free. This again is not easy, because, first, the forest ride not determined because of its easy to
selected as the junkyard, and secondly have evolved over the decades, the trees spread out around and above the machines. Without going as often saw nothing.
Richard has is farm equipment of all types
Richard Erb such a tractor-type. For over 40 years of gnarled man with German ancestors of the farmers in his area has been its historical treasures babbles. On his site there are hundreds of old farm equipment of all types, sizes and states. Although you will find the latest John Deere combine in vain. But there's gems like a 1947 Case tractor or a Farmall 1939 and countless plows, tillers, manure spreaders, and even some machines for carriages. If it is still to be a historic pitchfork - no problem.
Richard Erb is a small, friendly and quiet man, his face is drawn with the laugh lines from more than 80 years, which to him, given his drive does not like off so well. Without batting an eyelid he swings in today - the wrench in his hand - on his back under a tractor, to investigate a strange noise. Only one concession he makes to his age: "When I was 70," he laughs, "I realized that it is more convenient to work closely at the dinner table."
Since then, the new acquisitions in the front instead of in the last corner dragged his 16-acre farm.
To be continued ...
- more about the visit to the cemetery by Richard Erb tractor in the next few days on this
- Many thanks to Grant Groberg of www.planetchicken.com for the beautiful pictures and the story of Richard Erb.
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