If there is one thing that BangShift Mid-West has in spades, it’s access to agricultural equipment on a scale that would leave Lohnes drooling. And since it’s a new year, why not lead on a good foot with some good tractor coverage? Western Kentucky University’s Agricultural Department hosts this annual tractor show in Bowling Green, and for a small event, the draw was very impressive. In addition to the good spread of tractors, there were quite a few hot-bulb engines that were in full operation, two steam-engined pieces, and of all things, a lawn tractor that had been re-powered by a Volkswagen 1600cc engine. Over on the other end of the arena, a John Deere hooked to an antique hay baler was…well, baling hay. That is the one thing I like about these tractors: they are no-BS pieces of machinery. There’s an engine, a transmission, a steering wheel, and every option past that is meant for work. Seeing industrial engines that are over 110 years old function like it was nothing is great and provides an all-inclusive experience. You see the mechanical bits moving, including the exposed crankshaft and connecting rod. You smell the fuel, oil, and exhaust. And you better know what you are doing with one, lest you find yourself on the way to the E.R. From professionally restored to rough and useable, there’s something for everyone here.
