How I Became Interested in John Deere Tractors -- Featuring member Don Hasselbach

Don said that he grew up on a farm that was located in Canton, Michigan.  At that time his family had all Case tractors.  The neighbors in farms around him had John Deere tractors.  He said he always liked the sound of these two cylinder tractors and wanted to have one of his own.  But, it wasn't until after he was married and had a career working outside of the farm that he began to collect his own John Deere tractors.  In 1960, he first bought a 1949 "A" tractor.  Since that time he estimates that he has bought, renovated and/or sold at least 60 to 70 John Deere two cylinder tractors.

The pictures on this page were taken at his house when he hosted a membership meeting in June, 2005. Don is shown above in front of his restored 1959 "430" JD tractor.  Below, left is his '720.'   Below, right are some of his JD lawn tractors.