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Fun with Tractors: Two Essential Books for Vintage Tractor Enthusiasts

Local Features by Tobias Wedgwood 7th Mar 2026  
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Out in the rolling countryside of Somerset, tractors aren't just machines , they are history, heritage, and a way of life. Tobias and Heather Wedgwood, farmers and lifelong tractor enthusiasts, have spent years immersed in the world of vintage machinery. Through their popular YouTube channel, Fun with Tractors (@fatherandsontractors), they've built a loyal following of restorers, collectors, and curious newcomers who share their passion for classic agricultural iron.

Now, they've distilled that knowledge into two practical, down-to-earth books designed to help enthusiasts at every stage of their journey — whether identifying a barn find or bringing a long-forgotten machine back to life.

How to Date Your Vintage Tractor

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Have you ever wondered exactly how old your tractor is? Perhaps you've discovered a serial number but don't know what it means. How to Date Your Vintage Tractor is a comprehensive reference guide packed with thousands of serial numbers and production dates covering many of the most popular and collectible marques, including:

Allis Chalmers

Case IH

David Brown

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Ferguson

Farmall

Ford

Fordson

International Harvester

John Deere

Massey Ferguson

Massey Harris

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…and many more.

This isn't just a list of numbers. Tobias shares practical tips and tricks to help you gauge a tractor's age even when plates are missing or hard to read. It's an invaluable workshop companion for restorers, collectors, buyers, and sellers alike — a must-have reference for anyone serious about vintage tractors.

How to Restore a Vintage Tractor

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Restoring a tractor can be one of the most rewarding projects you'll ever undertake — but it can also feel overwhelming if you don't know where to start. That's where How to Restore a Vintage Tractor comes in.

Written as a beginner's guide, this book walks you through:

Choosing the right tractor to restore

Understanding wiring systems

Repairing and rebuilding fuel systems

Bodywork preparation

Paint selection and finishing techniques

And even the often-overlooked topic of how focusing on a project can aid ones mental health.

Practical, honest, and based on real hands-on experience, this guide removes the guesswork and gives readers the confidence to tackle their own restoration journey.

Built by Enthusiasts, for Enthusiasts

What sets these books apart is authenticity. Tobias and Heather aren't writing from behind a desk — they live and breathe tractors every day. As working farmers and lifelong collectors, they understand the challenges, frustrations, and triumphs that come with vintage machinery ownership.

Together, these two books form a complete toolkit: one to identify and date your tractor, and the other to bring it back to its former glory.

Available Now

Both books are available for £20 for the pair, or they can be purchased separately.

To order, email:

[email protected]

Whether you're preserving history, restoring a family heirloom, or simply love the sound of a well-tuned engine from decades past, these guides will quickly become trusted companions in your workshop.

Because with the right knowledge — and a little patience — every old tractor has a story worth saving.

Article by Tobias Wedgwood @fatherandsontractors

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