Minneapolis-Moline gets new lease on life

For 45 years, Minneapolis-Moline (M-M) tractors were a popular sell to farmers in Western Canada and the Northern United States for their durability and reliability. Minneapolis Steel and Machinery, Minneapolis Threshing Machine Company, and the Moline Plow Company merged together in 1929 to create farming equipment that rivaled the ever popular John Deere. In 1963 M-M was purchased by White Motors, who ultimately dropped the name in 1974. One surviving tractor was on display at this year’s Threshermen’s Show belonging to thirteen year old, Jace Hansen.

The Threshermen’s Show and Senior’s Festival is well known for its ability to bring the agricultural past of Saskatchewan back to life, with demonstrations of blacksmithing,  grain grinding and steam threshing. While the Show N Shine offers a chance for people to see the various types of antique tractors, not many are aware of the interesting pasts of the tractors themselves. However, Hansen brought out his circa 1930 M-M UB gas tractor not only to proudly display, but to share his story.

“This model was sitting in a shed where we rent pasture for our cattle. I needed a tractor to help me out with my chores around the farm. I love old tractors so it was a perfect fit,” explained Hansen.

Hansen also made note of the previous owners. The tractor was purchased by them new in 1950 here in Yorkton, and was used extensively around their farm: cutting wood, grinding grain, plowing, seeding, etc. The tractor itself features a 4.6 L, 4 cylinder engine, tricycle front, 2WD and manual steering.

Hansen and his father have since been making fixes and modifications to the tractor on their farm near Springside. The UB originally featured steel wheels, a norm of the era, but has since been replaced with rubber tires for easier maneuverability. The areas of focus for the duo now are the starter, engine and wiring.

“I like seeing how old things work, and comparing them to how tractors are made now. They [the old tractors] are actually quite complicated because they had so many little machines within them – no computers built into them like now. They are simpler to use, though.”

Hansen also stated that he is doing his best to keep history alive and functioning by owning the antique; another good reason to be involved in the Threshermen’s Show N Shine.

While most would believe that old tractors are looked upon nostalgically by the older generation, thirteen year old Jace Hansen is keeping the Minneapolis-Moline brand of tractors alive by using his own model for his daily farm chores.

In addition, Hansen is doing his part by preserving and celebrating a piece of history; just as the Threshermen’s Show and Senior Festival does each and every year.