This tractor seemed to be the forgotten customized miniature tractor…or at least for this website. In 2019 our farming operation underwent some major changes. One change was that the barn shop was no more. Tractor building gradually resumed as we relocated our shop. During this time Dale saw a future project when he looked at

Going back to a different green for our miniature tractor build this year. Dale always liked the John Deere 4960. They were produced 1992 through 1994, testing at 200 PTO horsepower. Although we didn’t have that model to farm with, it remained a tractor that we thought needed to sit in our shed, albeit a

This little guy is a pinch too small to be called a true half scale tractor although there are parts that do measure right in that 1/2 scale range. We try to say they are garden tractor size; this build beginning on a John Deere 332 lawn and garden tractor. This “open station JD 4440”

Each year we look ahead to upcoming shows that we would like to attend. Some shows take us to places we have never visited and others have become favorites. Since the previous mini tractor build had been an Oliver we decided to make a second Oliver and hopefully take both to Forest City, Iowa for

Time for a new project. How about doing a tractor that has several different colors Dianne suggested? After looking at possible options, the Oliver Super 99 GM diesel was chosen. Let’s just say that probably wasn’t the most scientific or sentimental way to choose a tractor to build! A John Deere 425 with a bucket

Throughout the 44 years Dale and wife Dianne dairy farmed there were several colors of tractors in use at any given time.  Loyalty to one brand changed as dealerships came and went.  As Dale and Todd talked over what tractor they would like to build next, Todd suggested a Minneapolis Moline.  The particular MM model

A new decade brought a new project.  On the lookout for a different tractor to build with its unique challenges, we decided to take on a Massey project.  Dale liked the look of the Massey Ferguson 2805, being the biggest 2WD Massey of that era (1978-1983).  Since our earlier builds we have gravitated to starting

In 1981 IH announced the new “50 Series” of tractors which included the 187 hp 5488. The new innovative and stylish design changed the look of the IH tractors from that time on. However, the International “50” and also “30” series tractors had a short life span becoming Case IH in 1985. This project began

One of the projects we completed in 2018 was our John Deere 4WD. We enlisted the help of Glenn Peterson after seeing several of his 4WD projects. We liked the look and stance of his articulated tractors. The project began with using a JD 332 diesel garden tractor and the transmission from a JD 318.

2018 was the year to tackle a couple of our more ambitious projects. We decided to truly customize one of our builds. The project began with a tired JD 430 diesel garden tractor. After taking it down to the running chassis the build began. The exhaust was rerouted and gas tank moved from under the

We like to build with IH Cub Cadet 102 mowers because of their narrow frame and shift transmission. To get the look of a full-size tractor most of our little tractors have their frame lengthened as soon as they are stripped down to the chassis. For our similar style IH tractors two different grills were

Another build starting with a Cub Cadet, but this time the front grill for this Gold Demonstrator has its own distinctive look. The adjustable looking front axle, custom muffler, weights, weight brackets, custom decals, and warning lights were features added to recreate those found on a full size tractor. There are different schools of thought

Our “Jeep” was built from a John Deere CX Gator. We were looking for a mode of transportation that was different from the standard golf carts and UTV’s we saw at tractor shows. Having owned several Jeep Wranglers gave us inspiration. The first order of business after removing the dump bed and building a frame

Our intention with this project was to take a Cub 104 and add features to make it look like a full size pulling tractor, not a garden tractor puller. The tires were custom cut by Jeremy Miller of m.e.Miller Tire. Rims were fabricated to have a dished in look. Metal work and details done in

The second Oliver project we did was a 2255 mock FWA which was built using a John Deere 425. Welding equipment was updated and a more complicated fabrication process began. In addition to the similar body mods as the previous Oliver 1655, Todd and Dale added their own air cleaner and wheel inserts. One hundred

2015 was Todd and Dale’s break out year. Until this time repaints were the norm and any fabrication had to be outsourced. A grinder with 4 ½ cut off wheel was purchased. It didn’t take long to find out something to bend metal was needed. YouTube to the rescue and Todd and Dale’s first fabrication

A JD round fender was the starting point for this little tractor. Besides new paint, it had a customized seat, hand built rear fenders and a narrow front end kit.

Our take on a custom miniature pulling tractor. Built on a Cub 102 because of its stick transmission.

Ten year old son/grandson helped his dad and grandfather restore and paint this Cub Cadet.

A Cub Cadet Original, painted and custom umbrella added.

The customizing hobby of T&D began with this 110 JD flat fender. Changes to the original 110 included fabricated canopy and axle, along with duals and treaded front tires and covers.