What are they teaching these new JD mechanics?

I do know of a few young people that take interest in old tractors and that want to learn. It's just too bad that the streotype labels all of us as "young, dumb, ignorant kids". I've found myself in many situations where I was judged by others to be some dumb kid that wants to play with grandpa's tractor. Often times old timers won't take me seriously and then maybe I get through to them when I start talking about something technical like power steering vane seals or setting the backlash on governor gears. I've had several people just stand there with their mouth dropped open when they realize that I might actually know something.

I read this discussion board regularly and tinker with my 720, 520, and other tractors regularly. I try to take as much in as possible because I realize that the next generation of collectors/restorers has a much narrower technical knowledge. I've had lots of experience with repairing and maintaining various two-cylinders and with my uncle's shed being full of debuques that he can't even change points in. Maybe someday people like myself will be in demand and rare. The old timers won't be around forever.

Of course I realize that my upbringing really assisted my in my technical skills and common sense development (that many people have too little of if any at all these days). I would often become offended by mature people taking me as a dumb kid, but now I really enjoy the challenge of trying to make them realize that I know the difference between a clutch toggle and a throttle disc. I have been fortunate to have an internship at a local JD dealer. I love to surprise customers as they come in asking about their old tractors and equipment. Most people think that I'm just the punk kid behind the counter who doesn't know how to change the oil in the lawnmower but they usually leave with quite an improved impression. I've even helped a few people work on their tractors. It is surprising how many people really don't have a clue about their tractors. A fellow just the other day asked me what you were supposed to put into the big plug close by the clutch pulley. He was worried that he couldn't see any oil in there (reduction cover) and he was needing oil so he could fill it up(to the top)! He was sure glad that he stopped by or he would have had real problems.

So anyway, enough of my ranting,

but please next time you see that punk kid(and maybe dressed in clothes that your mother wouldn't have let you wear in her house) at least give us the benefit of the doubt...however I caution to ask plenty of questions and urge us on to find the right solution and not yield to frustration and grab that "fire wrench" in angst.

Thank You

Tyler Buchheit in Missouri

Just want to add my atta-boy also. If you can keep up your knowledge and interest in this subject, then your value only goes up. My kids are just entering the teen years, so I know that there are more interests now than ever. Turning wrenches on tractors is further down the chart even more for the average kid now,( and I stress average) what with the complexity of the average car (to also help drive interest), and new things like computers and video games that weren't on the scene 30 years ago. I could talk bicycle repair in high school, as that's all my resources could take. You sound fortunate enough to have walked into a nice match of resources,ability and interest at a young age. I sincerely congratulate you, and would love to come across a young person such as yourself to talk tractors. Cam.

Dave

"REAL MACHINIST" are fit trim older gentlemen with silver hair, bifocals, smooth polished cotton gray work shirts and matching pants, and a pocket saver in their shirts with a small metal scale. Im sure any of you over 40 know exactly the ones I described??

Also there were "Service Stations" where the owner attendant wore a gray or blue uniform with the logo on their shirts and jackets, some a tie even, and matching caps, who checked oil and added fluids and us teens hung out sitting on wooden coke cases. The Roadway Truck Drivers (drove Macks mostly, B or H models often) who stopped in had aviator style caps with Roadway badges and logo on hats, shirts and jackets. Us kids listened to the trucks entering Loogootee's Arrow Cafe/Truck Stop from the east (Shoals) and guessed the engines as Cummins, Mack, or the easy and obvious 671 or 318 whining 2 cycle GMC's.

Gotta love Nostalgia

John T