Toy Tractors: John Deere, Allis Chalmers, Case International And New Holland

Die-cast toys were first manufactured in the middle of the first half of the 20th century. The most popular of these boy's toys were those inspired and modeled after the machines of big boys–cars, planes and trains. Also popular were designs patterned after vehicles and equipment from industries like construction and agriculture.

Unfortunately, it is difficult if not impossible to find antique die-cast toys.

Those found are considered very rare and highly collectible. Although many die-cast models of everything from model cars, replica delivery trucks to toy tractors were cast, the alloy used in the process was notoriously known to be weak. ZAMAK, a commonly used alloy primarily made of zinc and a combination of aluminum, magnesium and copper, was prone to metal fatigue, corrosion and pitting (cavities that form in the metal). The most commonly collectible antique die-cast toys date to just before the middle of the twentieth century.

Starting in the 1960s, many companies commissioned die-cast model companies to make toys branded with company trademarks and names. In the 1970s die-cast replicas of current commercial vehicles as well as early modern vehicles became popular with consumers. Among these commercial and industrial vehicles were farming vehicles, toy tractors, harvesters and combines from companies like Massey Fergusen, Renault and Deutz. European agricultural manufacturers however, have done little to match the popularity of John Deere toy tractors.

Perhaps the most popular even with non-rural and non-agricultural collectors of model toy tractors are the familiar green and yellow machines of John Deere. Deere and Company tractors, planters and combines are regularly featured on the shelves of collectors.

Agricultural vehicle makers like Allis Chalmers have manufactured equipment as far back as the 1840s. Their most collectible and memorable tools are perhaps the toy tractors of aspiring farmers. Their harvesting equipment like balers and their long line of tractor models have long been replicated as miniatures.

Case International's fire engine red trucks are perhaps more familiar to UK collectors than their American counterparts. The familiar red finish can be found on all their toy tractors, trailers and harvesters as well as the combines, wagons and carts.

Collectors of New Holland toy tractors are probably first drawn to the dark blue shades that coat many of their real life counterparts. Many of the blue tractors come complete with scrapers, cultivators, planters and grain carts.

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ZAMAK. 2006. Wikipedia. 26 Oct 2006. www.wikipedia.org

Deere & Company. 2006. Wikipedia. 26 Oct 2006. www.wikipedia.org

Die-cast Toy. 2006. Wikipedia. 26 Oct 2006. www.wikipedia.org

Collectibles/ Tractors. 2006. Diecast Legends. 27 Oct 2006. www.grandprixlegends.com

Tractors. 2006. allcarmodels.com. 27 Oct 2006. www.allcarmodels.com

The Fan Shop. Case IH. 27 Oct 2006. www.caseih.com

Products. 2006. New Holland 27 Oct 2006. www.newholland.com