An illustrated history of the garden tractors that make small farms and vast gardens grow--the Cub Cadets, John Deeres, Simplicitys, Fords, Ariens, Wheel Horses, Kabotas, etc.
Garden tractors have come a long way. And as anyone who has acquired a few acres knows, these are the machines that do the yeoman’s work, the tilling and mowing and pulling and plowing that makes a small farm or a vast garden grow. This illustrated history features the brands that have endeared themselves the landowners everywhere--the Cub Cadets and John Deeres, Simplicitys and Fords, Ariens, and Kubotas that, in their can-do engineering, dependability, and bright good looks, are more than mere machines around the yard and small farm. Accompanied by current and vintage images of these indefatigable machines, this chronicle of the garden tractor is a wonderful testament to what makes America work, furrow by furrow.
Contents
Chapter 1
The Market Emerges (Pre–World War II)
Chapter 2
Focusing the Market: A Post–World War II Scramble (1946–1959)
Chapter 3
Getting Down to Business (1960–1969)
Chapter 4
Refining the Lines (1970–1979)
Chapter 5
Consolidation into the Future (1980 to Present)“…it is the best book written about garden tractors to date. This would make a very nice addition to any ones library and a must for serious garden tractor collectors.” - Vintage Garden Tractor Club of America newsletter
Oscar H. Will III is the author of Payline: International Harvester’s Construction Division and the Collector’s Originality Guide: Farmall Regular and F-Series. He and his wife live in Scranton, Kansas.
Garden tractors have come a long way. And as anyone who has acquired a few acres knows, these are the machines that do the yeoman’s work, the tilling and mowing and pulling and plowing that makes a small farm or a vast garden grow. This illustrated history features the brands that help landowners everywhere--Cub Cadets, John Deeres, Simplicitys, Fords, Ariens, Kubotas, and more. With current and vintage images, the book is a wonderful testament to what makes America work, furrow by furrow.
Garden Tractors celebrates the reliable little workhorses that have done the mowing, tilling, planting, and plowing on small farms and acreages since before World War II. With 150 photos and vintage advertisements of some of the most innovative and sought-after Cub Cadet, John Deere, Simplicity, Speedex, Wheel Horse, Bolens, and Kubota models—as well as the implements designed for them—this well-illustrated tribute also gives the behind-the-scenes story of how some of these trusty machines were developed, were marketed, and ultimately became beloved by thousands who just wanted to work their own pieces of land. It also chronicles how the all-purpose garden tractor has only continued to grow in popularity over the years as more and more people have embraced the rural life, discovering these tractors’ remarkable can-do engineering, dependability, and bright good looks.
Publisher: MBI Publishing Company
Imprint: Voyageur Press
Distributor: MBI Publishing Company
Publication Date: 02-15-2009
Pages: 128
Measurements: 11.00in X 8.50in X 1.69lb
