4-H machinery club reflects on project
By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Reporter
Farms.com
Members of the Hamilton-Wentworth County 4-H machinery club were able to get a taste of ag history this year when they helped restore a Case IH pull-type A-6 combine.
The combine, which is currently being showcased at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) in the Case IH lot, has a U.S. patent date of 1937 on it, according to a feature article in the September issue of Better Farming.
The combine has its roots in Racine, Wisconsin, where it was produced by J. I. Case Co. Incorporated.
Craig Smith, co-owner of O’Neil’s Farm Equipment Ltd. in Binbrook, found the 1930s model online and immediately brought it to the attention of Robert Meier, a Case IH territory sales manager for central and eastern Ontario.
Together, Smith and Meier found a way to revitalize this piece of equipment while providing the next generation with an opportunity to engage in ag history.
The group of kids, which met at COFS yesterday to show off their hard work, appreciated the learning opportunity.
“I really liked grinding the rust off and painting (the combine),” said Ethan, who was sporting a brand-new Case IH hat.
Jack also enjoyed grinding the rust off the equipment.
“It was a lot of fun to get the combine back to its original self,” he said.
“Everything!” Declan, a second year 4-H member, said when asked what he enjoyed most about the restoration.
Declan plans on joining the 4-H machinery club again next year.
The club leaders also enjoyed the project.
“I really enjoyed watching the kids learn,” said Cam, one of the two leaders. “It was really neat to see (the kids) figure out how to fix the combine up.”
The group began working on the project in May and met once a month, according to Meier. There were a few make-up meetings needed to complete the project in time.
The restoration couldn’t have been a success without the help of numerous individuals, said Meier.
The following businesses and individuals provided support throughout the project:
- Albright Trucking, Chatsworth – original move of combine from museum to winter storage
- Ray Packham, Hamilton – sheet metal work
- Wayne Richardson, Hamilton – made new hardwood arms for reel
- Connie Adams, Hamilton – assisted with painting
- Brad Milmine, Hamilton – steel work
- Josh Burrows, Hamilton – assisted with assembly
- Eli Bauman, Wellesley – made new canvass and drive belts
- Mark Dixon, Mildmay – located the correct Case model CC tractor and brought it to COFS
- Richard Langdon, New Zealand – technical assistance (owns and runs a similar combine)
- Roy Diemart, Ayton – loan of Case model CC tractor for the final display
- Chris Becker, Tired Iron, Woodstock – technical advice for restoration
- Henry at Shantz Farm Equipment salvage yard – supplied spare sheet metal
- Carson Brown, Elmira – assisted with sourcing material
- O’Neil’s Farm Equipment, Binbrook – parts and supplies
- Todd Handeland, Minnesota – supplied knife for header to replace one that was missing
- Paul Roper, Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show – supplied show passes for 4-H club members