He Collects Numbered Deere 2-Cyl. Tractors

He Collects Numbered Deere 2-Cyl. Tractors TRACTORS Antiques 18-5-2 Kraig Wileman, Edgerton, Wis., and his family own 50 Deere 2-cyl. "numbered series" tractors built from 1952 to 1960. (Be-fore 1952, Deere 2-cyl. tractors were designated by letter "A", "D", "G", etc.) "About half of them are restored to their original condition and look like new," says Wileman, who uses some of the tractors to grow tobacco on their farm. "They're easy to operate and come in handy because al-most anyone can drive them. All my numbered series tractors are electric start." Wileman keeps the restored tractors in sheds. However, most of them are displayed on Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends. Some of the tractors are quite rare. They include a 1958 730 Hi-Cropper designed for working in rice and sugar cane. Only 78 were ever built. "They have been sold for as much as $20,000 in restored condition," says Wileman. His 1958 620 orchard model has sheet metal over the rear tires and steering wheel to keep the tractor from knocking apples off trees. Only 400 were ever built. "It's worth up to $25,000 in restored condition". He also owns a 1960 330, a small model that was often equipped with a belly mower and used by counties to mow township roads. Only 1,000 were ever built. Restored models are worth $10,000 to $15,000 apiece. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Kraig Wileman, 909 Hillside Road, Edgerton, Wis. 53534 (ph 608 884-6191).

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