Sears Roebuck Economy Tractors

[Paul Leatherman III]

Well Look here fellas

This is what followed me home from the auction today. This makes #2 now. We still have the one that my grandfather bought new in 1950 couple waiting restoration. and now just 10 miles here another turned up. What ya think fellas???

[Tony Thompson]

Paul,
I think these unusual little tractors have a signifigant role in our diverse agricultural heritage.
I had an opportunity to buy one years ago and have been kicking myself for passing on it. They qualify for low production, easy to haul, cute and engine parts are a snap!
You asked what anyone thinks...
I think you should drag the abandon one home if it is within reason and most important, restore your grandpa's tractor!
I never knew my grandfathers. A series of unsavory events left me with no parents. I can only try to imagine how incredibly wonderful it would be to have a dad, a grandpa, and the pricless opportunity to restore a rare antique tractor that my grandad bought new.
Tony

[Chris Shroh]

Nice find paul, I have never seen a economy tractor like that. Is the model A engine and radiator and shell correct for the tractor? If so was the tractor a kit you could buy from sears where you just add the drive train like a theiman kit or did it come from sears like that.?

[Brasherman]

Pretty sweet find either way. I too wonder about the model A grill and hood.

[Tony Thompson]

The tractor Paul posted is a 1939.
They were made by Peru Plow Works of Peru IL.
The company began experimenting with a tractor designed around ever available Ford A parts in 1935.
In 1937 Sears asked Peru to build for them and a two year contract was signed for 1938-1939.
They came with their own hood and radiator and the price was kept low by using reconditioned A engines. Sears sold parts for A ford engines and the tractor could be purchased without an engine if the owner had his own to install.
These cute little tractors were produced only two years, 1938 had the steering over the hood to a tall front pedistal much like the F-series Farmalls did. 1939 had the steering going down into the dash and under to front.
Here is the interesting part...
It is estimated that less than three hundred of both years were made...that would be rare to many collectors
Many of these machines had the steel converted to cutoffs and several of them ended up with an A radiator during an engine replacment somewhere along the way.
I had a chance to buy one and passed...a few weeks later I went to Waukee swap and there was a parts unit for sale. A different vendor there had a second one for sale. They were both priced right and before I had left a third vendor had a pair of rear steel for an Economy...all at the same swap on the same day.
I did not buy any of this stuff...what a bone head
Thinking about it now , I just want to

[Mike McKnight]

Originally Posted by Paul Leatherman III

What ya think fellas???

I think you should consider yourself lucky-maybe a trip to buy a lottery ticket should be in order?
Mike

[Paul Leatherman III]

Well thanks guys. We did buy their tractor at the sale. We knew what is was and a few others did too so for $300 it came home. I know the history of the Sears tractors thanks to some online and magazine articles. The radiator and grill shell are incorrect and were added I am sure after the other one was damaged. To find parts becomes the next big step and by that I mean a correct hood and side shields. I have read that 500 were made and that during the 1938 model run half through they switched from the over the hood steering rod. It is also my impression that there are fewer than 10 left today. I will send more pictures here right directly.

[JIMnWV]

Congrats Paul on Your Find, One of My Co Workers has a 1938 Economy,Neat little Tractor. Here's a few pics of The Tractor at My Show.

Jim

[Mike McKnight]

A fellow brought one to our Michigan City, MS show a few years ago. Sorry, don't have any pics.
Mike

[Paul Leatherman III]

Well It is now home. In a few days it will sit in the shed with its brother and wait.

I need an air cleaner for it. It was special and unique to this tractor I think. Also radiators for the pair of them.

I will need rims both front and back.....and some thing else......oh yeah lot so of time. My uncle said that of the Economy that my grandfather bought it was his first tractor at 7 years old. He would work all week just to buy a quarters worth of gas to put it in to drive it around the farm. So here we go yet again with another project.