A 1950 TO2O Model Ferguson tractor rates as a pure favorite for Don Fredrich from Burlington. It was purchased, along with a two-bottom plow, by his father, Clarence, from an implement dealer in West Bend for $1,500 to replace a team of horses used to farm. Besides plowing, disking and harrowing the Fredrichs’ 115-acre farm, the tractor also operated a two-row John Deere Model 90 corn planter. The TO2O was used to saw wood to heat the house, unload wagons, and chop and blow shreddings from a Letts Mill into the barn. Five years after buying the Ferguson, Fredrich’s father added a small Wagner manure loader with internal hydraulics to finish chores more efficiently. Model features include: a wide front end, 24-hp rating, two lights in the front and one red and white light in the back, belt pulley, fenders, gas engine, a steel seat and a three-point hitch Ferguson system that improved overall flexibility. Initially, when the tractor came off the showroom floor, there was no live hydraulics or power steering.

UP TO THE TASK: This 1950 TO2O Ferguson tractor was purchased, along with a two-bottom plow, from an implement dealer in West Bend for $1,500 to replace a team of horses.

The motor, which has 5,600 total hours on it, has been overhauled twice, with the rings, pistons and bearings all being replaced. “I remember driving the tractor when I was 7, doing various chores around the farm and raking hay,” Fredrich says. “Today it is used to dig post holes and help plant apple trees.” Although he’s retired, Fredrich helps his nephew Jeff Ehrhart farm 2,400 acres. Besides the TO2O, he owns 13 antique tractors: seven Fergusons, a 1939 F-20 International, a 1952 Farmall H, a 1953 Farmall M, a 1954 WD Allis, a 1957 Super 88 Oliver and a 1959 diesel 730 John Deere. The TO2O was dependable, and easy to drive and get on and off of. It had good maneuverability and always started.

“Its reliability came through in 1950 when the barn burned and the cows were moved to a neighboring farm. In those cold days, it always started and stayed warm as it had a comfort cover, which also made the many trips to milk more bearable,” Fredrich adds. “I cut my teeth on this tractor and have always had a soft spot for it.”

To have your favorite tractor featured, send in a photo of yourself with your tractor, along with a 150-word write-up about the tractor, to: Wisconsin Agriculturist, P.O. Box 236, Brandon, WI 53919.