NEAT Club donates restored tractor to MCC sale
- May 7
- 2 min read
By Gary West
The North Easthope Antique Tractor Club (NEAT) is once again showcasing a year of hard work with a major donation to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Relief Sale in New Hamburg on Saturday, May 30.
This year, the club is donating a fully restored 1963 Allis-Chalmers D-15 Series II tractor – a draw for antique tractor enthusiasts, especially fans of the Allis-Chalmers brand.
The 46-horsepower gas tractor features a high-low power shift and live PTO, and has been completely refurbished, repainted and fitted with excellent tires. Club members say it now runs like new.
The tractor was donated to the club by Lyle Stokes of the Milton area and was stripped down and rebuilt over the past year by NEAT members, who volunteer countless hours on the project.
This marks the 15th tractor the club has restored and donated to the MCC sale. With the addition of two antique tractors in this year’s auction, the club’s total contribution to the fundraiser is expected to surpass $100,000 over the years. Proceeds from the sale support MCC’s humanitarian work locally and internationally.
Restoration work takes place annually at the shop of Calvin and Darlene Schmidt near Wellesley, where a dedicated group of volunteers meets regularly to bring the tractors back to life.
Club members involved in this year’s project include John Schyff, Murray Gingerich, Wayne Gerber, Henry Dietrich, Bob Schlotzhauer, Gid Jantzi, Joe Detzler, John Mohr and Bill McMillan.
The tractor’s professional paint job was completed by Keith Schmidt of Amulree, who has a personal connection to the brand, having grown up with Allis-Chalmers equipment on the family farm.
As in previous years, online bidding will also be available through HiBid, allowing more buyers to take part in the auction.
Looking ahead, the club has already selected its next project – a Massey Ferguson 165 – which will be restored over the coming year for a future MCC sale.
Comments