Heritage Iron Issue #91

Heritage Iron Issue #91 - Jan/Feb 2024

• Featuring: Case 1175, The Odd Number Out in the Case 70 Series. You have to wonder what Case had in mind when they introduced the Model 1175 Agri King in late-1971 with full production in 1972. After all, its nearly identical predecessor had just been introduced only a year earlier. But, what first appeared to be minor changes between the 1170 and the 1175 were really big changes when you dig deeper.

• American Agriculture Movement: The Tractors Are Coming. Tractorcade, as it became known, was an immense demonstration organized by the American Agriculture Movement (AAM) in 1979. After voiced frustrations from farmers asking for fairness and change continued to fall upon deaf ears, the rumble from thousands of tractors headed toward the nation’s capital sent Congress the message loud and clear, “The tractors are coming.”

• Full Vision: In the Field and Factory. Farmers operating tractors and combines toiled away in fields exposed to the weather for years. In the early-1950s, several manufacturers popped up hoping to provide a cab to protect these operators from the elements. Oftentimes, these cabs were uncomfortable and provided limited view for the operator. Fortunately, a Kansas-born farmer had a vision. Learn the history of Full Vision Cab Co.

• First Hydrostatic Combines: Who Had the First? Bragging rights… everyone wants them. Whether it was first to get into the field, first in the grain line at the elevator, or the first deer harvested during deer season, someone has to be first. When it comes to hydrostatic drive in a combine, International Harvester claims to be the first, but so does Deere. 

• Mini Muscle: Gregg Taylor’s Tractor Trove.

• Massey’s Bigger Ponies: Models 97 and 98. By 1960, the race was on for bigger horsepower to do more work in less time. This equated to bigger acres and greater production on the farm. Massey had a pony in the late-1940s and early-1950s, but they needed a horse. That’s when Minneapolis-Moline and Oliver entered the picture. 

• Midwest Industries: “We build it best or we don’t build it.” What do wagons hoists, boats, farm equipment, and castles have in common? One man - Byron Godbersen. You would know of his work under the name Midwest Industries. 

• History Vault: The tractor scene from 40, 50, and 60 years ago.