One tradition of the Drayton Farm Show is the chance to check out or purchase the latest version of the customized toy tractor collectible.
Every year since the event began, the Drayton Kinsmen Club has been offering a different scale model toy tractor to interested show-goers and collectors.
“The club orders and customizes 75 tractors and usually sells out. Most are pre-ordered before the show begins,” said show chairman Carl Bondi.
“It’s a great deal for toy tractor enthusiasts.”
The 2016 collectible tractor is a prestige collection, die-cast, 1/16 scale model John Deere 4440. The tractor is die cast construction with front and rear wheel inserts, dual rear wheels, three-point hitch, front weights, cab glass, rear work lights and steerable front wheels.
Show organizers have customized the tractor’s step by using metal instead of the original plastic. The unit is sold packaged in an official Drayton Farm Show box for $135.
John Deere manufactured the full-sized tractor between 1978 and 1982. After one year of production the rear axle size increased from 86 to 92mm.
The tractor became the most popular in the Iron Horse Series of John Deere tractors, establishing the firm as a world leader in horsepower.
Stronger or heavier internal components throughout the design were used to provide stamina to back up the machine’s increased horse power. In 1982 the 7.6L six-cylinder diesel engine with a fuel capacity of 65 gallons (246L) could be purchased for US$44,000.
“There are limited quantities of the 2016 Drayton Farm Show collectible tractor,” said Bondi. “(For) anyone interested in ordering a tractor, order forms are available on the website, www.draytonkinsmen.ca. Pick up of the collectible is at the Drayton Kinsmen booth (#85) at the show.”
