Kelly and Her 1953 John Deere 40

This tractor is far more than just a machine — it’s a piece of our family history. From the time Kelly was a little girl, her mother told her stories about her grandfather’s beloved 1953 John Deere 40. The tractor was especially meaningful because Kelly was born on her grandfather John Kuchar’s birthday, creating a special bond between them.

John Kuchar immigrated to the United States from the Czech Republic and settled in Lansing, Michigan, where he farmed his land. In 1953, he proudly purchased this tractor brand new — the first tractor he had ever owned. To him, it represented hard work, sacrifice, and the American dream. Sadly, John passed away from a heart defect when Kelly was still very young. Even so, the stories and memories surrounding him and his tractor stayed with her throughout her life. Kelly spent many years riding on the tractor, enjoying hayrides, and making memories with her family.

Her parents always promised the tractor would someday be hers. A few years ago Kelly lost both her mother and father. Unfortunately, after their passing, the family’s wishes regarding the tractor were not honored, causing Kelly a great deal of heartbreak. When Kelly’s oldest son, Zachary, learned how much this affected her, he began searching for another tractor. He eventually found the exact same model — a 1953 John Deere 40 — in Michigan. Wanting to surprise his mother before her 54th birthday, Zach hooked a trailer to his truck, loaded up his wolf dogs, and drove nonstop from Colorado to Michigan and back — four days on the road — to bring the tractor home. He arrived just in time to surprise Kelly on her birthday.

Today, that 1953 John Deere 40 resides on Kelly’s ranch in Pueblo West, Colorado, where it continues to represent family, perseverance, sacrifice, and the unbreakable connection between generations.

Kelly Gross
Pueblo West, Colorado
Tractor Photo Contest Winner

Our tractor photo contest runs every year between April – July.
For exact dates and to enter visit our tractor photo contest page at SteinerTractor.com/photo-contest.

If you would like to send in 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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