What Drives Antique Tractor Values

Antique and vintage tractors are more than machines. They’re emotional pieces of the past that can carry real weight and memories. Whether it’s a tractor that’s been in the family for generations, or one that’s still a workhorse around the farm, these machines definitely have their place.

In this eposide, Dave and Andy chat with Ryan Roossinck, writer of “Interesting Iron” for Successful Farming, about current and past antique tractor values and factors influencing today’s market. As a new generation of collectors enters the scene, there’s a shift in popularity from older models like John Deere As and Bs and Farmall Hs and Ms to muscle tractors and even early 4WD machines.

They also talk about what tractors are on their own wish lists and why they feel a connection to them.

Meet Andy Campbell

Andy Campbell is director of insights at Tractor Zoom. As a past engineer, professor, and entrepreneur, Campbell is passionate about bridging the gap between data and action for farmers, dealers, auctioneers, and ag lenders. He continues to help operate his family farm in Iowa.

Tractor Zoom was started in 2017 to help farmers and other decision makers have access to current equipment values and make data-driven decisions about heavy equipment.

Meet Dave Mowitz

Dave Mowitz worked at Successful Farming from 1982 to 2022, covering equipment trends for Successful Farming magazine, the Successful Farming TV show, and the Ageless Iron Almanac. Although recently retired, he continues to serve as a contributing editor and now podcast host.

Mowitz was raised on a family farm in Nebraska, of which he is now a part-owner.

Listen to the Podcast

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Episode Highlights

• Nostalgia drives demand. Collectors want dad’s tractor, or at least one like they remember running in their youth. Muscle tractors are gaining in popularity.
• Top prices today seem to be for tractors in their “work clothes” – that is, generally unrestored. Patina is powerful, and a tractor is only original once.
• Options are also important. Tractors with limited-run features, like front wheel assist or 2WD, are desirable because there were fewer made in the first place.