Couple Welcomes New Addition To Growing Collection

    Collecting is a time-honored tradition. From spoons and pens to classic vehicles and, yes, tractors, North Lake County residents have a rich history of preservation. On Sunday, Umatilla resident Rusty Robinson was seen tootling along SR 19 atop he and wife Martha's newest edition to their growing tractor collection, a 1962 Oliver model 1850.
    "It got here Friday," Robinson said of the tractor, which was shipped from Iowa, just a few miles from the Oliver plant where it was manufactured. The tractor is the second Oliver in the family's collection, joining a 1972 model 1655 that joined the family last year. The couple also has New Holland tractors in their fleet.
    "I wanted a narrow front tractor," Robinson said of the process that ended with one, then two narrow front Olivers. John Deere, International, and big Ford units were all under consideration. Oliver won out, setting the couple on the path to what could be an extended acquisition program.
    “There could be another one,” Robinson said of future growth in the collection.
    But don’t think the Olivers will be just fun time distractions.
    "Everything here works," said Robinson, who operates a tractor service business, and who especially like's the narrow front Oliver's tight turning radius.
    “The 1655 is an awesome mow tractor. It will turn on a dime.”
    The 1850, which clocks in with 92 horsepower, ‘has got some grunt,’ according to Robinson. So much so, in fact, that it may well find its way down to Zellwood for a future antique tractor pull event.
    “I think the 1850 might make a trip down there.”
    And that’s not all, the tractors should be expected to appear in area parades going forward, as the Robinsons like the idea of sharing the fun.
    “Let me know if you know of anyone that needs a float pulled.”