Bob Lyons, Portland, Ind., loves his tractors and restored farm equipment. One tractor he is particularly proud of is a John Deere 2520 diesel with power shift. John Deere built the 2520 from 1968 through 1972, but only a few hundred power-shift diesel models were made. Lyons also has a gas 3520 power shift, which is rarer yet.

According to tractordata.com, John Deere made about 6,000 2520 models, including both gas and diesel versions. The 2520 replaced the 2510. The 2520 Lyons owns is equipped with a canopy and wide front end. The 2520 diesel was equipped with a four-cylinder, 3.6-liter John Deere engine. High-crop versions were also offered in the 2520 line, but few were ever made. 

Lyons brought his 2520 to the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Show held at the Jay County Fairgrounds in late August. It was supposed to be the lead tractor in the annual tractor drive that occurs the day before the show. But when rain canceled the drive, Lyons parked his tractor in the exhibit field hooked to a Massey-Harris wagon with wooden sides. The show, held annually for over 50 years and supposedly the largest gas engine and tractor show in the world, featured Oliver and Hart-Parr tractors in 2017. As usual, however, all brands of older tractors were welcome. 

Lyons is the former longtime agriculture teacher at Jay County High School. Today he farms but finds time to enjoy his tractor collection, which includes other brands besides John Deere.

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