Discover the Passion for Tractors
Starting with a Simple Invitation
Mike Trotter recounts how he and his wife, Judy, were invited to join the Peach State Antique Tractor and Engine Club nearly 20 years ago. At that time, he didn't even own a tractor. It was his oldest son-in-law who sparked his interest. Since then, he has been hooked on tractors and has received valuable tips and advice from fellow club members. "We certainly owe a debt of gratitude to all the friends, family, and members of the Peach State tractor club who helped us get started," Mike says. "We can't thank them enough."His grandson, Walker Brown, also played a significant role. In 2005, while returning home to Dalton, Georgia, they spotted a 1954 Ford Jubilee and a few other tractors in Ringgold. Walker fell in love with the tractor, and that's how their collection began. "We stopped to take a look and Walker just fell in love with that tractor," Mike says. "My wife said, ‘I guess we need to go back in the morning when they’re open and see how much they want for it.’ So, that’s how we ended up with our first Ford."
Building a Diverse Collection
Since that first tractor, Mike's collection has grown significantly. He now owns a 1953 Ford Golden Jubilee, a 1952 Ford 8N propane model, a Ford LGT 120 garden tractor, a Ford 2N, an 8N gas model, a 1948 Farmall Cub equipped with a mounted planter, and a 1952 Massey Harris Pony. About half of these tractors have been fully restored.For example, the Ford Golden Jubilee was found in a barn in Pikeville, Tennessee. Mike's friend, Johnny Hicks, had purchased some land with a barn. When they went to look, they found the Golden Jubilee and a Ford 8N. Mike got the Jubilee, and his friend kept the 8N. Similarly, the Farmall Cub came about when Mike took in three tractors from a collector named Carter Boyd with the promise to repaint and sell them. He ended up keeping the Cub after selling two of the tractors and repainting a trailer for the collector. He found the mounted planter and seed hoppers at a yard sale.
From Body Shop to Tractor Restoration
Interestingly, tractor restoration was already one of Mike's talents. Early in his married life, he and a friend owned a body shop in Ringgold where they painted semi-tractors and cars. After working in the body shop and then for Coca-Cola for 22 years, he took an office job with a local trucking company for 26 years before retiring. Even during his retirement, he continued to buy and repair cars in his spare time.When it came to restoring tractors, it wasn't a major challenge for him. He even rebuilt and painted a "people carrier" to pull behind one of his tractors at local shows. Each tractor in his collection has a story behind it.
Helping Others and Passing on the Legacy
Mike helps others in the tractor community, just as others have helped him. His stepson, Alan Brown, is restoring a Ford 8N that belonged to his grandfather. The Trotters collect tractors of various brands and colors, showing their non-denominational approach.Mike's latest acquisition is a 1955 Mack semi-truck tractor. His plan is to restore it and use it to haul tractors to antique tractor shows. It's a nod to the past when dealers might have used similar setups. "It already runs," Mike says, "although it’s sometimes a little hard to start, since it has an air-driven starter. I know I’m getting older every year and don’t get as much done on projects as I’d like. But if you don’t have a plan, you’ll never get it done."