I've been collecting and restoring engines, tractors and implements for nearly 30 yrs. I've completely restored close to 40 tractors and dozens and dozens of engines and implements, but have traded or sold many of them over the years.
I did an informal count the other day, and i still have over 200 tires, 19 batteries, 25+ sets of points, 15 radiators, and hundreds of grease zerks to attend to. It would take over 50 gallons of engine oil and I have no idea how much gear lube to service all of the engines/transmissions.
I came to the conclusion several years ago, that I needed to limit my collection, and that is STILL what I have!
I've got several friends who are badly infected with the tractor bug and some of them have a hundred or more tractors. One of the common themes that I hear is that they are overwelmed with all of the pending projects, some to the point that it almost depresses them to go into their shops.
I've started divesting myself of some of my tractors and implements but have a hard time letting go of stuff too. Almost everything I have kept is restored, but holy cow, just the MAINTENANCE of them can be overwhelming.
The hard part is deciding which things I can sell. I've sold several things over the years and often find myself suffering from "seller's remorse." It is a relief though, to walk out to my shop and NOT have a dozen projects staring at me from the corners.
It seems that owning the things doesn't bring as much satisfaction as the restoring of them, and you can only do so much.
Anyone else out there in the same boat? I'm guessing there is, as there are auctions every week.
I did an informal count the other day, and i still have over 200 tires, 19 batteries, 25+ sets of points, 15 radiators, and hundreds of grease zerks to attend to. It would take over 50 gallons of engine oil and I have no idea how much gear lube to service all of the engines/transmissions.
I came to the conclusion several years ago, that I needed to limit my collection, and that is STILL what I have!
I've got several friends who are badly infected with the tractor bug and some of them have a hundred or more tractors. One of the common themes that I hear is that they are overwelmed with all of the pending projects, some to the point that it almost depresses them to go into their shops.
I've started divesting myself of some of my tractors and implements but have a hard time letting go of stuff too. Almost everything I have kept is restored, but holy cow, just the MAINTENANCE of them can be overwhelming.
The hard part is deciding which things I can sell. I've sold several things over the years and often find myself suffering from "seller's remorse." It is a relief though, to walk out to my shop and NOT have a dozen projects staring at me from the corners.
It seems that owning the things doesn't bring as much satisfaction as the restoring of them, and you can only do so much.
Anyone else out there in the same boat? I'm guessing there is, as there are auctions every week.