Farmer turns classic Deere tractors into museum

North Dakotan features vintage Deere tractors in new museum.
North Dakotan features vintage Deere tractors in new museum.
A recently opened museum in Fairmount, North Dakota, features refurbished John Deere tractors and collectibles, The Wahpeton Daily News of North Dakota reports.

Charlie's Green Acres Museum's pieces include eight fully restored 1940s and 50s-era tractors, which were used by farmer and museum owner Charlie Hardie at his family farm, states the news source. All eight machines are 2-cylinder tractors, which were produced until around 1960 by Deere. After that time, the equipment maker built machinery with 4 and 6 cylinders.

Hardie tells the news source that he found it difficult to dispose of the older units when it came time to purchase newer equipment.

"I put them in storage for 20 years or more, until I decided to refurbish them," he said. Hardie's goal for the museum is to attract tractor aficionados, and inform youth visitors about the rich history of John Deere.

One tractor that may one day find its way to Hardie's museum is the new 8235R, which has manual 4-wheel drive, ActiveCommand Steering and JDLINK wireless. The steering feature allows for better responsiveness, while the wireless capability enables owners to monitor their vehicle's performance and receive updates from Deere.