Little Pedal Tractors Bring Big Bucks

Little Pedal Tractors Bring Big Bucks FARM HOME Toys/Games 28-3-6 That toy pedal tractor you played with as a child might be worth big bucks today, according to Helen Deal of Zion, Illinois. She and her husband Stuart run a mail order business for pedal tractor parts, from rims and seats to chains and pedals. They also own one of the largest collections of pedal tractors û with more than 600 in all. "We have most of the models ever made," says Helen Deal. "We got them at auctions and from individuals. Now, as new ones come out, we get them, too." Pedal tractors were first introduced in the late 1940's and quickly caught on. In recent years, they have become popular collector items. The Deals had acquired more than 100 full-size antique tractors when they decided to downsize from horsepower to foot power. "We were running out of room, so we had an auction," recalls Deal. She thinks part of the attraction of pedal tractors is being reminded of your youth. Another is that unlike full-size tractors, pedal tractors can be easily stored and just as easily retrieved. The Deals have a number of rare tractors and a number of favorites like the 900 Ford "chain steer". She admits they don't have one of the rarest of all, the "coffin block" Deere that has been priced as high as $20,000. Deal notes that pedal tractors come in tin, heavy-duty plastic and cast aluminum. She cautions against reproductions of rare tractors, which may be offered as the real thing. They are slightly smaller because they were cast from molds made from the originals. "If you have any questions, check the measurements with someone you know that has an original," she advises. "The Criswell Pedal Tractor Guide from Criswell Press is very good. We carry it at our store." Even though she sells parts for refurbishing, Deal warns pedal tractor owners to think twice before refurbishing. Like any antique, pedal tractors may be worth more in their original shape. In addition to parts, the Deals sell "how-to" videos on collecting and restoring pedal tractors. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Helen and Stuart Deal, 2500 Sheridan Rd. #206, Zion, Ill. 60099 (ph 847 244-7746; email: arealdeal@webtv.net).

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