In issue #2 we learned about the history of the French & Hecht wheel company. However, we didn’t cover how this company related to Oliver.

Hart-Parr No.3

While 2003 was the centennial birthday of the oldest production gas tractor in the country, it is only fitting that issue #3 of Oliver Heritage should FEATURE #3.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting the crew from O’Brien County Implement, let me introduce you.

While most of us have heard of French and Hecht, few of us realized what an industrial giant they were. Let’s go back 125 years or so to Davenport, Iowa.

DON'T OVERLOOK THE WATER PUMP

The engine we are dealing with is a Hercules DJXC used in an Oliver OC-12. It also applies to the Hercules DOOC which is used in an Oliver-Cletrac AD.

The serial number plate is attached with rivets to the motor and is a very good way to ID the year, horsepower and in some cases, how the motor was accessorized as it left the factory. Those factory accessories may include electric start, long shafts and when motors were supplied as twins, counter rotating props.

As one starts his journey in life, he also starts having dreams. We are not sure as to when they begin the dreams for wants and desires, but with a young lad named Frankie Bowles, his dreams of tractors of all sizes started as soon as he could walk.

Not many farm equipment dealerships remain today that can say “we’ve been a family business for over 50 years.” But Bodner Equipment in Staunton, Illinois can say that with pride.

FOR THE OWNERS AND USERS OF CLETRAC CRAWLER TRACTORS

A salute to the premiere issue of OLIVER HERITAGE!