Heritage Iron Issue #92

Heritage Iron Issue #92 - March/April 2024

• FEATURING: John Deere 4050, the 3020 All Grown Up. The Iron Horse lineup was introduced in late-1977 with tractors from 90-180 horsepower. As soon as one series was introduced, engineering got to work on the next series that would be the replacement. Average lead time – about five years. When 1982 arrived, the next series was ready as “New for 1983.” Welcome the 50 series, a.k.a. “The Producers.” Feature tractor owner: Agri-Crafts – Hermann, MO.

• Sizing Up the Competition: JD 4050 vs. The Rest. When the John Deere 4050 was introduced as “New for ’83,” it joined many other tractors in the 100-horsepower (PTO) class. Here’s what the competition looked like in 1983: Case 2090, Ford TW-15, Massey-Ferguson 2705, Allis-Chalmers 8010, Hesston 1180 DT, IH 3488, White 2-110.

• American Agriculture Movement: The Tractors Are Coming, Part 2. “The tractors are coming, but the people are the legends.” That’s how part one of this article ended in the previous issue of Heritage Iron. From hell or high water to freezing rain and snow, what could persuade farmers to drive their tractors thousands of miles across the country to our nation’s capital?

• International Harvester 1066 Hydro Industrial: When IH introduced the “Big Red” line of the tractors in 1971 (the new IH 66 series), the hydrostatic drive transmission could be found in two models: the new Hydro 966 and Hydro 1066.

• Evolution of the Landhandler: The Magazine, Not the Tractor. In 1969, Allis-Chalmers debuted their new Model 220 tractor. In 1970, this tractor took on the designation of Landhandler. At the same time, Allis came out with a tabloid newsletter for AC users and potential customers sharing the same trademark name as the tractor.

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

• Mini Muscle: Nichols Elite Collection. Bill Nichols is a dyed-in-the-wool farmer at heart. While he did not farm full time, he stayed connected to agriculture by collecting farm toys.