There’s nothing quite like the joy of bringing an antique tractor back to life. Once your restoration project is complete, bask in the glow of a new-again tractor with these fun ideas:
1. Show it off! Parades and tractor shows are a great way to celebrate your accomplishment and meet new friends.
2. Plow a garden – for yourself and all your friends. Go overboard and plow up the entire yard? That’s what seeding implements are for.
3. Start a small business delivering brides to the altar at outdoor, rustic weddings. This trend is really catching on – contact a local wedding planner to get started offering your services.
4. Park the tractor in the front yard and add a couple of scarecrows for cute Halloween tableau. You can decorate your tractor for Christmas, too.
5. Some dads run alongside their kids teaching them how to ride a bicycle. My dad ran alongside a tractor. Do the same for your children (or grandchildren) and instill a love for antique iron in the next generation!
6. Hitch up the wagon and haul something! From firewood to hayrides, you can find plenty to haul.
7. Go to a tractor pull. You’d be surprised at how powerful a restored tractor can be, even without modifications. Look up recommended hitch height in original literature – it’s the key to success.
8. Blade the driveway. Do a good deed and take care of others in your neighborhood too. When spring comes, remember: a landscape rake can work wonders on a muddy gravel driveway.
9. Speaking of doing a good deed: Volunteer to help members of your local Boy Scout troop earn their Farm Mechanics badge.
10. One thing I love almost as much as vintage farm equipment is square dancing. I went every week for years at the local senior citizen’s center until they kicked me out for being too young! Next time I get the bug, I plan to combine these loves by finding a tractor square dance. Yes, they exist!
11. Drive into town for ice cream. Just use your slow moving vehicle sign, stick to back roads, and enjoy the slower pace (and great gas mileage!)
12. Plant a food plot for wildlife, either on your own land or at the home of a local hunter. Conservation societies can provide valuable advice on design and placement, providing critical winter wildlife habitats.
13. Arrange a visit at a local preschool or kindergarten. Every child needs to meet a tractor!
Antique tractors are at their best when they are being used. I hope these ideas inspire you to get yours out of the garage and have some fun!