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Steiner Tractor Parts, Inc.
1660 S M 13, Lennon, MI 48449
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1955 Oliver 55

01/30/2023 by ST Leave a Comment

A friend of ours purchased a house to renovate and with it, came a tractor that was lost in the brush and even had a tree growing up through it.  He asked my Dad if he would be interested in coming and getting it out of there.  My husband and Dad showed up with a tractor and trailer and set to work trying to get it out.  As they cleared brush and cut the tree down, I think it became their personal challenge to get it running again. 

Within a week, my Dad and brother had it driving around with intentions of entering it in the antique tractor pull at our local, annual threshers event.  True to form, Dad pulled it and took first place in his class.  It looked a bit rough with years of grime on it, mismatched tires, and moss and lichen still growing on it, but Dad’s grin was priceless!  When asked what he spent on it, he joked that the most money was spent on oil and grease!

It is a 1955 Oliver 55  or affectionately known on the farm as “lil ollie”.

Veronica Brown
Sullivan, Missouri

If you would like to submit a story with photo(s) about an experience with your tractor, interesting facts about its history, or a restoration project,  please go to Tractor Story Submissions. If your story is picked to appear on the blog you will receive a FREE Steiner hat. Some stories will also go on to be published in our quarterly magazine. We look forward to hearing your story!

Restoration for Awareness

01/28/2023 by ST Leave a Comment

tractor restored for awareness
1942 Farmall H

My name is Ken Christopherson, and I restored this 1942 Farmall H with the help and donations of dozens of other people and companies (Steiner Tractor Parts included)! This tractor originally belonged to a best friend’s uncle who used it as a Halloween hayride tractor for many, many years. I was contacted by them in 2015 to see if I was interested in purchasing the tractor as they were liquidating their equipment due to the hayride coming to a close for the final time. I ended up purchasing the tractor that had been sitting parked in the woods for over a decade. The engine was stuck, and I was amazed the tires still held air. After getting it home and getting it running, I began to think how it would be a great candidate for a memorial restoration project.

Tractor restoration for awareness

Over the course of my life, I have lost several friends, coworkers, and my mother to suicide, and I thought that the best way for me to give back, bring awareness, and also to promote the antique tractor hobby would be to tackle this project.

I charged head-on into a full nut and bolt restoration of this H. After tearing it down, things were MUCH worse than I had anticipated (as they usually are on these old relics). From the engine having been well used up, and the transmission case having suffered bearing failures and cracking in the casting itself, this was truly the biggest challenge I have tackled to date (after bringing over a dozen tractors back to life).

Restoration for awareness
Restoration process for awareness

Without the help of dozens of donors, companies, etc., this would have never been possible. I added some special touches throughout the restoration, including items that were chrome plated (see if you can find them)! The tractor now lives a semi-retired life and travels to shows, parades, and vintage plow days with a variety of suicide awareness memorabilia to help promote and raise awareness for these tragic life events that have touched nearly every family in some way. It has been a great honor to have been able to do this project (which took nearly 2.5 years).

I have also chronicled the entire project on my YouTube channel (Kenny Kizzle Rusty Nutz Ranch). I hope that you all enjoy the story – and if you see the tractor at a show, be sure to stop and say hello! Most importantly, if you know someone who is struggling – please reach out. You never know how far a smile, a laugh, or a hug may go.

Ken Christopherson
East Bethel, Minnesota


If you would like to submit a story with photo(s) about an experience with your tractor, interesting facts about its history, or a restoration project,  please go to Tractor Story Submissions. If your story is picked to appear on the blog you will receive a FREE Steiner hat. Some stories will also go on to be published in our quarterly magazine. We look forward to hearing your story!

Ford Tractor

01/20/2023 by ST Leave a Comment

The tractor belonged to my Grandma Bohl.  It was her “car” back in the day.  

A customer, Ron Rack,  who is also a photographer of antique tractors & cars was in our store and asked to take a picture of the tractor which has our old Ford tractor sign mounted to it.   Zimmer Tractor has been a Ford-New Holland tractor dealership since 1960 in Brookville, Indiana.

Daryl ZImmer
Brookville, Indiana
Tractor Photo Contest Winner

January 2023 Gift Card Winners

01/19/2023 by RT Leave a Comment

  • Subscriber of the Month – $200 Steiner Gift Card
    • Jordan Friedrich of Ontario, Canada
    • Subscriber since 2014
    • Favorite tractor brand is John Deere
    • Currently working on a Case V and Case VAC

“Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures of just the tractors. Pictured in the photo is my friend, who I got to know through my grandfather.” -Jordan Friedrich

“Back story is the little Case V and the bigger VAC were my friends primary tractors on his farm. One day I was over for a visit and he mentioned that they weren’t running right/well. So a plan was hatched and I did the tune up on the V and the VAC along with a new coil. First tractors I worked on, I’ve worked on plenty of small engines and the old hit and miss engines. Unfortunately, he’s no longer with us, he passed away 5 years ago.”

– Jordan Friedrich

  • Product Review Winner – $25 Steiner Gift Card
    • Lester & Donna Goslar of Mapleton, Iowa

  • “My Barn” Winner – $100 Steiner Gift Card
    • Wayne Friday of Selma, Alabama

Congratulations to all the winners!

A Tale of Two Tractors

01/18/2023 by ST Leave a Comment

two tractors

LeRoy Svehla farmed one mile West and 6.25 miles “South” of Clarkson, Nebraska. He purchased a used John Deere 630 at a farm auction in the 1960s and used this tractor mostly to feed cattle. This was the first tractor his youngest daughter, Diane, drove as a child. LeRoy retired from farming in 1994 and moved to Schuyler, Nebraska but the tractor remained in a shed and unused on the family farm until 2006.

Marvin Podany farmed one mile West and 6.25 miles “North” of Clarkson — the same road as LeRoy, except North of town. He purchased a used John Deere 630 at a farm auction in the 1970s and used this tractor to plant his crops in the spring and harvest in the fall, and for many things in between. This was the first tractor his youngest son, Cory, drove as a child. Marvin retired from farming in 2007 and his oldest daughter, Trish, who lives in Seward, Nebraska purchased his 630. She and her husband, James, still have this tractor.

LeRoy’s daughter Diane and Marvin’s son Cory were high school sweethearts. They had their first date on August 4, 1985, and were married 5 years later, to the date, on August 4, 1990. LeRoy passed away in July 2005. His wife, Norma, decided to sell his John Deere 630 tractor in 2006. Prior to doing so, Norma’s son, Dale, asked that Marvin, Cory’s dad, do some research on the history of this tractor. Marvin agreed, obtained the serial number, and then initiated a search through the Two-Cylinder Club to find out the year it was made, what dealership it was shipped to, and other miscellaneous information.

It was at this time that Marvin made an interesting discovery. Out of curiosity, Marvin checked the serial number on his 630 tractor and discovered it was one number from LeRoy’s. Marvin’s serial number is 6311023 and LeRoy’s is 6311024. The two tractors have consecutive serial numbers.

Marvin’s best friend, Dean J Brabec, who lived in Clarkson and restored many antique John Deere tractors, was interested in purchasing LeRoy’s tractor and ended up buying it from Norma in 2006. We’re not sure why, but he stored it in a garage amongst several other restored tractors he owned, but never restored this one.

In May 2020, Cory’s wife Diane was diagnosed with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord which results in muscle loss, loss of movement, and eventual paralysis. In the early fall of 2020, Dean J Brabec passed away. After his passing, his son, Jeremy, knowing the story of the consecutive serial number tractors, asked Marvin’s son, Cory, if he would like to purchase LeRoy’s 630 to keep the two tractors together in the same family. He and Diane agreed and bought the tractor from Dean J’s widow, Karen, in the Spring of 2021. LeRoy’s 630 sat in a shed at Dean J’s farm for 15 years. His son Jeremy put some gas in it, hooked up one battery, and to everyone’s surprise and against all odds it started and ran well enough to put on a trailer.

two tractors John Deere

Now the two tractors are back together again. Cory and Diane’s “new” old tractor was hauled to Marvin’s garage. Diane wanted Cory to get some time away from all his caregiving obligations, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity for Cory and his dad to work together to get this tractor running again. In April 2021, Marvin and Cory began tearing the tractor down. It required a new radiator, water pump, exhaust and intake manifolds, and batteries, among many other things. Cory was able to work on the tractor with his dad a few times a month thanks to some extra special caregivers who took care of Diane while he was gone. He learned a lot from his dad and enjoyed every minute they spent together.

two tractors John Deere

In early 2022, Cory’s dad, Marvin, was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. After surgery and starting chemotherapy treatments, Marvin continued to work to get this tractor running again and did so in April 2022. He and Cory spent many hours working together to make this happen, utilizing Marvin’s knowledge of two-cylinder tractors, along with the help of his friend, Rick Novotny, as well.

John Deere tractor restoration
Marvin and Cory

How is it that two tractors produced in 1959, bought used at random farm auctions in different decades, end up in the same town, on the same road, equally distant from the town, and in the same family through marriage? We believe these are not mere coincidences. This is more than a tale of two tractors. It’s a story of families coming together. It’s about a father and a daughter, a father and a son, a friendship, and two unexpected and heartbreaking illnesses. LeRoy taught Diane to drive his tractor, and Marvin taught Cory to drive his tractor. It was 20 to 30 years after Cory and Diane would fall in love and get married before discovering the many so-called coincidences. The two tractors are together again. Their families are connected more today than ever before. It’s a story of learning, growing up and growing old, loss, reminding us of what is really important, and showing up for each other when it matters the most.

Cody Podany of Lincoln, Nebraska


If you would like to submit a story with photo(s) about an experience with your tractor, interesting facts about its history, or a restoration project,  please go to Tractor Story Submissions. If your story is picked to appear on the blog you will receive a FREE Steiner hat. Some stories will also go on to be published in our quarterly magazine. We look forward to hearing your story!

Free Delivery!

01/17/2023 by ST Leave a Comment

Free Economy or Standard delivery on retail orders of $49+

Enter coupon code:  NEWDEAL49

Offer ends January 31st, 2023 11:59 pm EST

Taxes not included towards subtotal. Promo does not apply to special order items. Cannot be combined with other offers. Standard and economy delivery only in the contiguous US.

1940 Farmall H

01/16/2023 by ST Leave a Comment

Hello Steiner Family, my name is Oscar Flores. I was raised in California but as soon as I was able, I knew that this concrete metropolis was not my style or way of retirement.

My in-laws retired and moved back to their birthplace of Olathe, Colorado, we followed along and purchased some land with hopes of retiring in this beautiful small town. My father-in-law was into old tractors and I soon gained a love of old vehicles and tractors. When my in-laws passed away, my wife and I decided to purchase our retirement home in Wilmot, South Dakota. This area is a largely agricultural town/county with lots of old barns and farm equipment.

While shopping for yard decorations, I found the tractor I was not only looking for but happened to be in pretty good shape and runs great. My tractor is a 1940 Farmall Model H, this now begins my fun journey of restoring my tractor. I hope to be able to pull wagons in some of our small-town parades. The restoration of my tractor will go well with my fully restored 1931 Ford Model A Pick Up Truck, and 1954 Ford Squire Woody Wagon. I am always looking for the next project in my life. I look forward to sharing my restoration with you all!!

Oscar Flores

1940 Farmall A

01/13/2023 by ST Leave a Comment

This is my Grandfather’s 1940 Farmall A. He purchased it secondhand in 1953 to work the 18 acres of land he and my Grandmother farmed and operated a roadside stand for decades. It has sat in the back of the barn since the late 1980s until recently, with the help of my wife’s nephew, I have been able to restore it to working condition and I now use it to mow the lawn on our property.

Steve Getz
Girard, Pennsylvania

If you would like to submit a story with photo(s) about an experience with your tractor, interesting facts about its history, or a restoration project,  please go to Tractor Story Submissions. If your story is picked to appear on the blog you will receive a FREE Steiner hat. Some stories will also go on to be published in our quarterly magazine. We look forward to hearing your story!

February Birthdays and Anniversaries

01/05/2023 by ST Leave a Comment

Birthdays

13th – Tara C. – Returns Team

20th – Randy F. – Store Team

22nd – Justin D. – Shipping Team

23rd – Angie H. – Customer Service Team

28th – Marvin T. – Tech Team

Anniversaries

6th – Derrick B. – 11 years (Shipping Team)

11th – Patti P. – 21 years (Customer Service Team)

19th – Jill H. – 8 years (Customer Service Team)

Featured Photo – 1939 John Deere A

01/04/2023 by ST Leave a Comment

David & Mata’s photo was also chosen as the 2023 Steiner Tractor Parts catalog cover.

 The 1939 Model A, John Deere pictured, is the oldest tractor among the six owned and operated by a comparatively small (100 acres) but robust (6th generation) rural East Tennessee farm.  Day-to-day operations and service records reveal a historical legacy of dependability, loyalty, and reliability on the rural Appalachian farm where it is used. This record of integrity is in stark contrast to that found when using more plastic, disposable, and temperamental machinery deemed “modern”. This comparison is often seen when using public rental pieces and recalling instances where the “older” was required to assist the “newer”- just to get the job finished. 

  According to John Deere (February 7, 1804 – May 17, 1886), an American blacksmith and manufacturer who founded Deere & Company, farm life is deceptively hard, and dependable machines are a necessity.  “I never put on the market a poorly-made implement….Whoever said that country life was simple, never lived on a farm.”, This underlying attitude may best describe why a 1939 simple green giant is one still used today in 2023 and why operators David Banks (shown here) and sons, Byron and William. are appreciative of the brand. 

  Purchased proudly in 2010 as a first trek into farm auctions by a then coming-of-age farm owner William Banks,  the 1939 John Deere was selected as a novice’s pronounced restoration project and as an estate replacement piece for another John Deere, “A”   used actively in farming by his great – grandfather from 1950 – 1998. The former John Deere was also used to teach my older brother, Byron, to operate at two years of age.   Happily, according to this author and photographer, the “new”  1939 John Deere, Model A, replacement shows no sign of slowing down in it’s duty to dependability, thanks in no small part to maintenance made available by Steiner Tractor Parts and the pride in ownership by the “Banks” Boys when proudly seeking their American Dream.

David Banks of New Tazewell, Tennessee
Photo by Mata Banks

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

12/25/2022 by ST Leave a Comment

Save on your tractor parts!

12/22/2022 by ST Leave a Comment

10% off your tractor parts

Enjoy our Frosty Fun Savings!

10% off any size retail order!

Enter Coupon code: FROSTY22 during checkout.

Offer good December 22nd– 29th, 2022 11:59 pm EST

See details and start shopping at SteinerTractor.com/specials

December Parts Review Winner

12/19/2022 by RT Leave a Comment

December’s $25 Steiner gift card winner is Ronald Paulson of Sulphur Springs, Texas. The winner is randomly drawn from all of the parts reviews submitted to us during the month of November. Congratulations, Ronald!

December “My Barn” Winner

12/19/2022 by RT Leave a Comment

This month’s lucky winner of a $100 Steiner gift card is Tim Galant of North Ridgeville, Ohio. Our monthly winner is drawn randomly from all of the customers who have added a tractor to their barn while logged into their Steiner account. Congratulations, Tim!

John Deere 720 Diesel

12/17/2022 by ST Leave a Comment

I have always liked/wanted a John Deere 720 diesel with the pony motor starting. I also wanted an OEM 3-point and square OEM wide front. I had to look for a while but finally found all those features on a tractor near Cando North Dakota.

Hauled it home to St Cloud Minnesota, and spent 3 years repairing oil leaks and other minor things – the diesel engine seems very sound as is. Finally got it painted just this past December 2021.

Hal Undersander
Saint Cloud, Minnesota


If you would like to submit a story with photo(s) about an experience with your tractor, interesting facts about its history, or a restoration project,  please go to Tractor Story Submissions. If your story is picked to appear on the blog you will receive a FREE Steiner hat. Some stories will also go on to be published in our quarterly magazine. We look forward to hearing your story!

1964 Oliver 550

12/15/2022 by ST Leave a Comment

1964 Oliver was bought new by my great grandfather in 1964.

My brother and I had just finished putting a new clutch in and used it to clear snow on the place to break in the clutch.

Jonathon Schmedding
Walthill, Nebraska
Tractor Photo Contest Winner


If you would like to submit a story with photo(s) about an experience with your tractor, interesting facts about its history, or a restoration project,  please go to Tractor Story Submissions. If your story is picked to appear on the blog you will receive a FREE Steiner hat. Some stories will also go on to be published in our quarterly magazine. We look forward to hearing your story!

1940 John Deere A

12/08/2022 by ST Leave a Comment

This is a lifelong story of a 1940 John Deere Model A tractor that was owned by my parents when they farmed north of Chamberlain, South Dakota, in West Point Township. Above is me and my sister Gail standing next to the tractor, taken in about 1953. 

In 1956 my parents sold out and a neighbor bought the tractor at the auction. He used the tractor primarily for baling hay with an Allis Chalmers Rotobaler. When he no longer used the tractor he parked it in the trees where it sat for many years before a friend of his moved it into a shed, it sat for 9 more years before I acquired it in April of 2017. The picture below shows the result of the neglect it suffered for many years. Some of the parts had been taken off by the friend but he still had everything except one front wheel.

I restored the tractor in time to pull a float in the 2018 Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo Parade which is held annually in Mitchell, South Dakota. Below is a picture of my sister Gail and me on the morning of the parade. The tractor is all original except for the hood, gas tank, and one front wheel.

The last picture shows her in all her glory in the parade, good enough for a third-place trophy. In the picture are my son Brian, daughter Nancy, wife Michelle, and my twin grandsons Luke and Garrett.

Michael Ommen
Mitchell, South Dakota

Featured Photo – Ferguson 40

12/07/2022 by ST Leave a Comment

Here is my 1956 Ferguson 40.  It was the 503rd Ferguson 40 tractor to roll off the assembly line.  My son and I decorated it for Christmas that year and then came a good snow, and my wife snapped this picture early in the morning.  The other part of the story the house in which we live was built in 1956 as well.

Anthony Holley
Jonesborough, Tennessee
2023 Tractor Photo Contest Winner

January Birthdays and Anniversaries

12/05/2022 by ST Leave a Comment

Birthdays

12th – Stenor O. – Tech. Team

20th – Travis P. – Shipping Team

Anniversaries

4th – Michael P. – 2 year (Shipping Team)

10th – Ron A. – 1 year (Customer Service Team)

10th – Sean B. – 1 year (Customer Service Team)

10th – Angela H. – 1 year (Customer Service Team)

22nd – Jayce Z. – 5 years (Inventory Control)

November “My Barn” Winner

11/18/2022 by RT Leave a Comment

This month’s lucky winner of a $100 Steiner gift card is Joseph Hiett of Gurnee, Illinois. Our monthly winner is drawn randomly from all of the customers who have added a tractor to their barn while logged into their Steiner account. Congratulations, Joseph!

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