Jim’s John Deere Collection

Here’s something you might have missed at the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Show in Portland, Indiana: Jim Meyer’s John Deere collection.

One of the more fascinating things in Jim’s collection is this prototype John Deere mini bike, the JD PT 50. It looks like a cousin to the John Deere AMT (which is the predecessor to the modern-day Gator).

According to Jim, this is a one-of-a-kind prototype built by John Deere in the mid-80s. It was built in Horicon, Wisconsin – near where the John Deere lawn mowers are built. Through a lucky connection, Jim was actually given the prototype for free!

The PT 50 never made it beyond the prototype stage, making this an incredibly unique find.

Also on display was Jim’s scale model 8410T, built from a lawn tractor. Isn’t it neat!

He also has a scale model of a 8420.

Here’s his pristine 330 John Deere, and a 300.

And here’s a model 2520 that he built from a 70’s lawn tractor. Jim got creative with this one and used an electric motor so that it could be driven indoors at his son’s wedding! Jim’s son used the tractor to haul around the bride and the wedding party. Sounds like a fun wedding, Jim!

Jim welcomed his new daughter-in-law to the family with a custom Pink patio series tractor. He let me sit on it for a picture.