Open Station Add-Ons Look OEM

Open Station Add-Ons Look OEM When Paul Proksch restores a tractor, he wants it to look right. John Deere open-station tractors are a favorite, so when the company discontinued some add-ons like the slow-moving vehicle bracket, he tried salvage yards without luck. Finally, he took matters into his own hands. “I welded one together and took it to a local fabricator,” says Proksch. “He made up 12. I needed one for a 4320 I was working on, and offered the rest for sale on Facebook Marketplace. I restore one or two tractors a year, so I don’t really care if I sell any.” Proksch also fabricated right-side steps for some of his Deere restoration projects. Left-side steps are available from Deere, but the original right-side step was barely a toe hold. He designed his right-side steps to match the left, including a custom-bent handrail. Proksch admits he’s fussy about restorations. He’s completed around a dozen, mostly open-platform. He details each tractor carefully and, when finished, isn’t afraid to ask a good price. “To do it right, you have to spend some money,” says Proksch. “The 4320 has all-new rims and radial tires, extra steps, and a professional paint job. On top of that is my labor. I spent all summer on it. I’m asking $41,900, but it doesn’t really matter if it sells. If not, I’ll keep it.” Proksch posts tractors he has for sale on Tractor Tuesday. In late November, they included a 1979 4240, the 1972 4320, and a 1987 4050, all open station. Proksch likes the Tractor Tuesday website. There’s no listing fee. The buyer pays a fee in addition to the final bid amount, which is paid to the seller. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Paul Proksch, Stoddard, Wis. (ph 608-498-2882; www.tractortuesday.com).

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