"The little engine that could"

During the recent hay-cutting season, John and I talked alot about aquiring another tractor to expedite the process.  Cutting and raking, raking and baling, baling and moving, well you get the picture.  Miss Rita said "go buy you a tractor".  But I didn't want just any tractor.  Then I began to think about Dad.  When we bought the farm back in the early 70's, Dad bought a Ford 8N tractor that we used to clear land, move things, plow...you name it.  Well, oddly enough, every time I thought about aquiring an antique tractor, I thought about Dad, and I liked that feeling.Well, like Eddie always says, "when he gets something in his head...". I began to search the country for a Ford 8N tractor to refurbish and work on the farm.  I looked at tractors in Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, but none were exactly right.  Then, one of my guys at work found one for sale, right around the corner.  So last Friday, Bob Sr. and I picked up the newest addition to the Butterfield Farm and Rita's Ranch Family...a 1948 Ford 8N tractor, Serial Number 7775.

Is he a little rough around the edges? Does he need a little TLC?  Don't we all?  People have asked me if this little tractor can handle the rigors of life on the farm, and keep up with the 50+ hp  four wheel drives of today?  Since we bought this little tractor, I am reminded of a story Mom used to read us.  The book was titled "The little engine that could" by Watty Piper. It is an excellent story of optimism, courage and hope.  Plus it's only 48 pages long...my kind of book. I highly recommend it.

Can we turn this 62 year old tractor into a viable member of the farm?  "I think I can, I think I can"

Say hello to the newest member of the family "I-van".
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Uncle Chuck