Durable, steady and reliable. That is how Brandon Strupp describes the daily performance of his favorite tractor, a 1976 model Duetz 6806. The used machine with low hours was purchased by Brandon’s grandfather, Vince, in 1985 from Strupp Implement in Slinger, Wis., for $2,000.

“At that time, he was farming over 300 acres, milked 300 cows, had 200 sows and needed a tractor with over 60 hp,” says Strupp, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison who currently works as an agronomist for the DeLong Co. in Evansville, Wis. “It immediately went to work, operating an eight-row cultivator, blower, a Duetz GP 2.3 round baler, TMR mixer, hauling gravity boxes, spreading manure and doing various other farm chores.”

Major and auxiliary features on the tractor include a wide front end, power steering, independent PTO, flat-top-style fenders, two headlights and one side exhaust rear light, full directional and brake lights, attached toolbox on the left front fender, radio, hydraulic wet disc brakes, and eight forward and four reverse gears. A rollover protective structure and a cab with heater were optional. Manufactured in Germany, the tractor has a 3.8-liter, four-cylinder, diesel air-cooled engine; 24.3-gallon fuel tank; operating weight of 6,070 pounds; rating at 62 hp; top road speed of 18 mph; and reddish pink wheels.

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When Vince retired, his son Jeff took over the operation and purchased the tractor in 2009. He teamed it with a Duetz 6206, International 986, Massey Ferguson 3535 with front-wheel assist and Allis-Chalmers 180.

Today, the farm near Hartford, Wis., covers just 20 acres, and the family raises custom calves and some sheep. The 6806 is now only used about 100 hours each summer to mow pastures, weeds and brush.

Fond memories

When Brandon was 6 years old, he remembers sitting on his dad’s lap in the tractor. He liked to think he had total control of the steering wheel while raking hay. By age 10, he was picking up round bales by himself, and during his teenage years, he drove the tractor nearly every day. The tractor has never had any engine problems. The tires were changed once, along with the fuel pump.

“The 6806 featured excellent maneuverability and had a tight turning radius,” Brandon says. “It worked so well on the headlands, especially operating the cultivator. The motor always turns over, even at minus 20 degrees.

“Even though there are plenty of scratches, dings and rust spots on the fenders, this is my favorite tractor because now that I’m employed in an agricultural-related position, I often reflect on a host of memories when we had the dairy herd. As the third generation associated with this farm, I want to strive and maintain my association with that green machine as long as possible.”

To have your favorite tractor featured, email or send in a photo of yourself with your tractor, along with a 300-word write-up about the tractor, to: [email protected] or Wisconsin Agriculturist, P.O. Box 236, Brandon, WI 53919.