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.
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).
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!
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