looking for other tractors that I enjoy. I’ve worked in my barn for anywhere from two to five years on a lot of these tractors, and I look at them and it’s great, but it’s time.” As someone who’s sold cars through Mecum in the past, purchased tractors from Gone Farmin’ and attended the auctions year after year, Dale said Gone Farmin’s Fall Premier in East Moline this November seemed like the ideal solution. “My dad and I have been out to the Gone Farmin’ auctions twice a year for the past six or seven years,” he said. “We always go to the auction whether we buy or sell, so we knew that’s where we wanted to take them. We like the new center out there in Moline, we knew it was going to be a great setting to sell them, and we’ve had great luck with Mecum. That’s why we made the decision to say, hey, let’s put them in this November.” For those looking for fine examples of some John Deere rarities, especially those of the Orchard variety, The Dale Collection of fers some truly enticing examples ranging in age from a 1937 John Deere 62 that was the 11th built to the aforementioned 1970 2020 Gas Orchard. Of the nine tractors, six showcase that beautiful Orchard sheet metal, the earliest example being a 1938 AOS and Dale’s personal favorite being the 3020 LP, as he said it’s one of the nicest tractors he’s ever seen. Meanwhile, the 1960 John Deere 430U LP stands as just one of three built and is also one of Dale’s favorites because of how the big, bubbled LP tank sits on the tractor, while the ’46 BO Lindeman stands out for its track system rather than traditional wheels. As a plus, given Dale’s dedication to his pursuits, it’s safe to say these tractors are in splendid condition. “When you bid, you know these tractors are done right,” he said. “They’re completely restored, good, solid tractors. They’re not just paint. They’re buying a legit, restored, torn apart and put back together tractor, and hopefully when you see them out there at Mecum in person, you’ll think, yeah, they look nicer in person than they did in pictures.” OFFERED NOVEMBER 18 AT THE GONE FARMIN’ 2022 FALL PREMIER MECUM.COM // 99
