That tractor doesn't seem old. It is only about fifty years old. Many tractors of that age are still being used on farms around here. BTW, it is a Minneapolis Moline from the 1960s or late 1950s.
The tractor is a 1960-63 Minneapolis Moline M-5 which produced about 50 horse power. In 1960 it sold for about $4,500-$4,900, and is worth about the same today if in good to excellent condition. They were sold with both gas and diesel motors, but I think the one pictured is a gas tractor.
I'm surprised tractors cost that much in 1960; cars were less expensive, weren't they? Oh, and I know what you mean about 50 not seeming old, but it's starting to be a pretty good chunk of America's history, isn't it?
Many cars were less expensive, but that is still true. A large new tractor today can be more than a quarter of a million dollars. In 1962 I bought a new Ford Falcon for $1,800, but it was a low priced car. Most family sedans were under $3,000.
Fifty years doesn't seem old, but you are right. It is about 21 percent of all American history. Today I drove a 60 year old tractor, and it still runs perfectly as it was designed to do.
I rather like when old farm equipment is put to good use as decoration. Better than rusting away in a field. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat tractor doesn't seem old. It is only about fifty years old. Many tractors of that age are still being used on farms around here. BTW, it is a Minneapolis Moline from the 1960s or late 1950s.
DeleteThe tractor is a 1960-63 Minneapolis Moline M-5 which produced about 50 horse power. In 1960 it sold for about $4,500-$4,900, and is worth about the same today if in good to excellent condition. They were sold with both gas and diesel motors, but I think the one pictured is a gas tractor.
ReplyDeleteCreativity is the salt of life!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised tractors cost that much in 1960; cars were less expensive, weren't they? Oh, and I know what you mean about 50 not seeming old, but it's starting to be a pretty good chunk of America's history, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteMany cars were less expensive, but that is still true. A large new tractor today can be more than a quarter of a million dollars. In 1962 I bought a new Ford Falcon for $1,800, but it was a low priced car. Most family sedans were under $3,000.
DeleteFifty years doesn't seem old, but you are right. It is about 21 percent of all American history. Today I drove a 60 year old tractor, and it still runs perfectly as it was designed to do.