New from Michigan... The Little Tractor Co.

[ksmith]

Hi everyone, I just registered. I didn't know about this forum. I've been busy building tractors... I'm Kurt, and I make tractors...

This is a project I just finished today. It's not done or painted yet, but I need to use it this Saturday to move a piano... There are 800 pound of potatoes on the wagon in the picture, and it held up fine, so I think it can handle a piano.

My big trailer wont' fit through the gates in my In-laws yard to their basement entrance, so I decided I needed to make a little wagon to haul it on. I plan on adding sides to it, painting them red, and lettering them for the business.

I've really enjoyed looking around this forum. There are a lot of cool projects going on here.

If anyone is interested and hasn't visited yet, I build custom 1/2 scale farm tractors our of garden tractors. The website is...

www.TheLittleTractorCo.blogspot.com

Thanks again,
Kurt Smith

[william1041200]

You do very very nice work! It's great that you fell into something you love that you can make a living off of!!!

I know that every machine can be custom made, but can you give a general cost of a nice IH model, like the one pulling the wagon? Nice work on that wagon too!

[jeff k.]

Originally Posted by william1041200

You do very very nice work! It's great that you fell into something you love that you can make a living off of!!!

I know that every machine can be custom made, but can you give a general cost of a nice IH model, like the one pulling the wagon? Nice work on that wagon too!

I asked this is what he said.

They range from $4,000-$6,500 depending on the model replicated, and the condition of the garden tractor I'm starting with. I have about $1,500-$2,000 in parts and paint. The rest goes to labor.

Kurt

[Methos]

Kurt

I visited your site just the other day! You've got some talent! I love that trailer! I've been wanting one like that but not much of a need or storage room for one.

[ksmith]

Thanks everyone.

It has been very fun to see things unfold for this new chapter in my life. I consider myself very blessed.

When I get done moving the piano I'll take some more picts of the wagon. I had some pretty good old tires and rims from the mini's I've been building so I thought what the heck, I'll make a wagon.

If I had bought new tires and rims I'd have almost $300 in them... plus the cost of steel and wood. I couldn't justify that for a wagon...

Kurt

[truckntran]

Very nice work, Those hubcaps for the rear wheels are really nice...Are they steel or molded composite or what?

It is good there are still people in this economy who can support your business....I am surprised that folks still can spend on a real luxury item like that. And happy for you that you have customers!

Sure would like to see some shop pics.. You gotta have a well equipped shop! What sort of sheet metal cutting and bending stuff do you use?

I have seen the little copycat tractors before but NEVER with the detail you do, especially the mechanicals ..they don't have that "I put a new hood on my Cub cadet and painted it to look like a tractor " look at all. Wow.

[hilltop]

Welcome to OCC Kurt.

I've been working with sculptors for a lot of years but never thought I'd see such "artistry" in the tractor world!

Outstanding work - Looking forward to seeing your ongoing projects!!

[ACecil]

Kurt! Glad to have you! You did an excellent job on your tractor!

[ksmith]

The rear rims are standard implement rims with "hub caps" that I made. The hub caps are made out of a composite aluminum and plastic material that can be cut with wood working tools. I then drill, and cut all of the holes that the real rim has, and make wooden blocks to represent the castings. It's amazing what primer and paint can do... I think it's one of the best finishing touches I could do. Each pair takes about 6 or 7 hours to make.

My shop is nothing too great. I'm currently working out of my Dad's farm shop. Drill press, welder, grinder, chop saw, and torch. I bend the metal by hand... I'm going to make some investments in tools soon.

I look at each tractor as a piece of functioning art. I have always enjoyed art, and REALLY enjoy making something that bring my customers a lot of joy.

These tractors are about as expensive as the real ones, but they are totally unique. You can't buy the conversations that are had over the hood of one of the minis. I like it best when I'm asked "So when did international make this?" or "What year is this" and I reply with "It's a 2008."

Kurt

[ksmith]

I'll ad this in the events area as well. I should have 4 of the minis at the plow day. My 826, and the John Deere 2030, 430, and 5020 should be there as well.

Hi all, with the success of last years plow day, we're going to do it again. We'll have about 40 acres, just north of last years field. Last year we had 30 participants, and 40 tractors. So if you can make it, I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun. Last year we worked about 20 acres.

This ground is heavier than what we worked last year, but is still nice ground.

The field is about 5 miles off I-75, very easy to get to. The address across the street from the field is...
11150 Cemetery Rd, Erie, MI 48133

It will be open to any make of garden tractor, I'm not going to open it up to big tractors because the field wouldn't take very long to finish with large equipment.

I'll rent a port a pot, and we'll have a couple of coolers of water. Everyone would be responsible for their own food.

Since this is my parent's property I'd like to have no alcohol.

If anyone would like a PDF file of the flier, to post at a dealer or club, let me know and I'll email it to you.

Thanks, Kurt

brushfiredesign@yahoo.com