Collecting vintage tractors in America isn’t just a hobby — it’s a genuine art form of preserving agricultural heritage. From steam giants of the early 20th century to the first diesel machines of the 1950s, these collections tell the story of American farming. We’ve compiled seven of the most remarkable collectors whose assemblages impress with their scale, rarity of exhibits, and contribution to preserving the “iron legacy.”
1. Bruce and Walter Keller — Keller’s Retired Tractor Museum (Brillion, Wisconsin)
Collection Size: 587–600 tractors
The Keller brothers’ museum is a true mecca for John Deere enthusiasts. Their collection is considered one of the largest private collections in the U.S. and is open to public visits. The museum’s special pride includes dozens of “first off the line” tractors and experimental prototypes of the legendary green brand.
Collection Highlights:
- Unique pre-production John Deere specimens.
- Experimental models that never made it to mass production.
- Complete chronology of John Deere development from early models to modern times.
Accessibility. The museum is open for visits, making it a unique educational resource for enthusiasts and researchers of agricultural history.
2. John Thiesse (Crosby, North Dakota)
Specialization. Steam and gas engines, pre-war prairie tractors
John Thiesse (1930–2024) remains in history as a legend of “prairie tractor” collecting — heavy tractors used for breaking virgin soil on the Great Plains. For decades, he was a leading expert on pre-war agricultural machinery, especially rare brands like Big Four and Hart-Parr.
Community Contributions:
- Expert consultations for museums and restorers.
- Preservation of unique specimens from the era of transition from steam to gasoline engines.
- Documentation of early American tractor manufacturer history.
Although John Thiesse passed away in 2024, his collection and contribution to preserving agricultural heritage remain well-documented and continue to inspire new generations of collectors.
3. Jim McFadden (Sharon Springs, New York)
Distinctive Feature: International collection “Tractors From All Over”
Jim McFadden combines the roles of dealer, auctioneer (MacFadden & Sons company), and passionate collector. His private collection stands out for its broad geographical coverage—from American classics to rare European and even Asian machines.
Unique Approach:
- Original, unrestored specimens from different continents.
- Emphasis on preserving authenticity and patina of time.
- Professional documentation of each machine’s provenance.
Through his auction activities, McFadden also helps other collectors find rare specimens and evaluate the historical value of machinery.
4. Greg McGrew (Pennsylvania)
Collection Philosophy: Originality and low hours
Greg McGrew is known for his principled approach to collecting—he seeks exclusively “low-hour” tractors in maximum original condition. In 2024, his personal collection became the subject of a major online auction, which resonated within the community due to the rarity and quality of the machines presented.
Main Criteria of Collection:
- Low engine hours (often under 1,000 hours).
- Preserved original paint and equipment.
- Complete documented usage history.
The McGrew collection auction became a real event for collectors, as many of the tractors offered were of near-museum quality.
5. Gary Sutherly (Michigan)
Status: Pioneer of “old iron” collecting in Michigan
Gary Sutherly was one of the early enthusiasts of the vintage machinery preservation movement in the Great Lakes region. His massive collection included not only tractors but also steam engines, stationary gas motors, and related equipment.
Legacy Scale:
- Years of collecting various types of agricultural engines.
- Preservation of technical knowledge about repair and operation of vintage machines.
- Influence on shaping Michigan’s collector culture.
In 2025, the Sutherly collection was sold through a series of auctions, confirming its impressive volume and diversity.
6. Jack and Janet Digman (Iowa)
Specialization: Single-brand Oliver collection
The Digman couple dedicated decades to collecting everything related to the Oliver Tractor Company brand. Their collection is an example of deep vertical specialization, from miniature toy models to full-size working tractors.
Collection Uniqueness:
- Complete lineup of Oliver models from various production years.
- Advertising materials, documentation, parts.
- Toy replicas and brand merchandise.
Thematic single-brand collections like the Digmans’ have special value for researchers studying individual manufacturer histories and the evolution of their engineering solutions.
7. Jim Neuwirth (Nebraska)
Scale: 190+ units of machinery and engines
Jim Neuwirth created one of the largest private collections in the Corn Belt region, with emphasis on Farmall and International Harvester tractors. In 2024, his collection was offered for sale as a single block, which became a significant event in the collectible machinery market.
Collection Features:
- Focus on Farmall and International Harvester brands.
- Wide representation of models from the 1920s through 1970s.
- Preserved stationary engines and related equipment.
The Neuwirth collection reflects the evolution of the most popular tractor brands in the American Midwest and showcases typical machinery that formed the backbone of farming operations for half a century.
These seven collectors represent different approaches to preserving America’s tractor heritage — from public museums to private specialized collections. Their work preserves not only metal machines but also the history of American agriculture, engineering thought, and farming culture. Thanks to such enthusiasts, future generations will be able to see and experience the era of agricultural mechanization that forever changed the face of the American prairies.
