Big Equipment Co. Sponsored Us A Hood! Plus We Walk Around The Burnt Big Buds

Thanks to Ron Harmon at Big Equipment Company for sponsoring us this hood to use on our Case IH Titan/New Holland/Big Bud sprayer project!
Also in this video I walk around the tractors that were destroyed in the tragic fire at Big Equipment Company over Christmas Eve 2017. No one knows how the fire was started but Ron will rebuild and will continue restoring Big Bud Tractors.

[@Closeoutracer]

I can tell you guys love these Buds. When equipment has served and earned for your family so well.. How can you not ? Many more earning days ahead for the Welker Big Buds.

[@tarrymorse3173]

I remember when Big Buds were first produced, they were awesome! . I am glad you were keeping them working in the field. We need a few here in Minneesota

[@UltraMagaFan]

You can get a 1980 525/50 Big Bud for $200,000. Big Equipment sells them used. If you need one for your farm buy one. You'd have to ship it from Harve Montana but it's still possible to get one in Minnesota.

[@HuntGamingProductions]

These tractors needs to be in a museum

[@deanbrown4512]

Blessings to Big Equipment Co, so sorry for the enormous loss. Blessings to Ron Harmony. Dean Brown in SC

[@kevinfarmer5895]

Thanks for the tour, that is going to look great on the sprayer (sort of a tribute to those tractors lost). Thanks Ron For your sponsorship.

[@WelkerFarms]

We feel the same way, it'll feel really good farming with that hood in the front:)

[@mckenzie4003]

Makes me wanna cry, but at least no one was hurt and thank God for insurance. Hopefully someone buys the big buds and rebuild 1-2 with all the parts

[@stefansfarmvideos4301]

Too bad for those guys...:( Just realised, that I was walking arround the yard of this dealership while I´ve been to Montana last summer. Greetings from Germany!

[@WelkerFarms]

Yes, it was a sad situation. Cool!

[@rc3140]

Others misfortune will become some others good fortunes. Thanks Nick for sharing another fantastic show 👍🏼

[@WelkerFarms]

You bet!

[@leol1682]

Love the Big Bud video man what a mess .grave yard .

[@WelkerFarms]

It is a grave yard:( But some of those tractors can see life again someday!

[@WelkerFarms]

There were lots of new tractors not far away, I just didn't walk over to them:)

[@andy24491]

one day id love to get to see the 747

[@mwhitelaw8569]

The QSX is a motor to look into when blocks are worn out of those 1150 series

[@ShootLuckGaming]

I love Big Bud Such a cool badass iconic looking tractor

[@farming4g]

That is sad to see all these burnt tractors... can happen to anyone.

[@WelkerFarms]

It is very sad:( Fire is pretty destructive, even to thick thick iron!

[@dillburgerr916]

Yeah we had our tractor burn down a couple weeks ago

[@DAVIDKHAINE]

That's really something how you can tell the Buds still look like Buds just burnt, but the delta track and combine are nothing...

[@georgewilliams6657]

Sad seeing all that burnt equipment

[@mowermananymower574]

Same it is sad to see the buds in this condition the versatile combine had a lot of pulleys on it

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Looks like a sad parts yard to me, not only quality iron gone but hopes and dreams as well.Hopefully the hood works well for you guys.!!!

[@drewl4762]

Sprayer is gonna look good. To bad about those classic big buds, hopefully they can be rebirthed!

[@WelkerFarms]

I bet money they will be fixed someday. Big Equipment does good work!

[@Brian-rx9xx]

Drew L spdpfllglgpdpvlpa

[@stevemccoy8138]

I never drove a Big Bud, but spent many hours in a Steiger, Panther, nice tractor.

[@johnnyboy830]

Sad seeing the tractors like that. They had one hell of an fleet that got destroyed

[@WelkerFarms]

I hear you...it was sad but there were over 500 tractors built so I'm sure more will come and go. There were other Buds there that looked great, I just didn't walk around them this time.

[@giannidifrancesco193]

It is so sad to see these tractors with history destroyed.

[@jeeprocks86]

Cool video. 1150 Cummins is now called a K19. There are several versions of the K19 available with various K fuel systems. There are also electronic controlled versions of the QSK19 HPI fuel system and MCRS. 19s are manufactured in Seymour Indiana.

[@markmortensen4341]

Thanks for showing all that. I'm always curious when something like this happens what the aftermath looks like. I think it's worse seeing the Big Buds damage because of they're uniqueness! I would like to be a mouse in the room and hear how much was actually covered by insurance. Thanks Nick and Scott.

[@WelkerFarms]

You bet Mark! And from what I've heard their insurance company has been very generous and working with them closely on the situation so I think Big Equipment will come out okay.

[@BrowerBandit]

i want that Series 3 just to leave it looking like that but fix the mechanical and get her in the field again.

[@adijohn9988]

Fantastic tractor

[@WelkerFarms]

They are beautiful machines

[@Leofred2000]

You should have gotten a series 4 aswell. Having them all 😄

[@dadsvespa]

Wow....Its sad to see what a fire can do to a beautiful machine within seconds...its gone. Sad. (massachusettsmatt)

[@chriscardoza9714]

I hope he comes back really like those tractors....

[@WelkerFarms]

I'm sure we will make a trip back to Big Equipment and I can do a better video showing the tractors there that are in excellent shape and also for sale. He has a huge yard of all sorts of machinery and these were just the more weathered ones in this video, not to mention the burnt tractors.

[@nellsonstout7001]

Welker Farms Inc if/ when you do, show us the 2 Wagners he has for parts

[@truckinbobb]

The series 4 looks to have an 855 Cummins in it. Modern version of the KTA525/600 is a QSK, and they are actually being made along side the older versions of the KTA, still a lot of these older style engines being produced but aren't being openly sold.

[@christianlacasse3406]

Nice job

[@johntaternose9876]

That versatile combine is likely an Rt 490

[@diamond_laws2151]

Love how there’s another big brute lol

[@mute8s]

What is blowing my mind is how the burnt tractors seem to have tires that aren't melted or flat. The owner of a ranch my buddy is caretaker of just recently brought out a similar very used but running CAT and within a week of gently pushing dirt around one of it's tires went flat.

[@WelkerFarms]

mute8s Big Equipment Company took off the burnt tires and rims and installed a few used ones they had just so they could roll the burnt tractors around. The original tires are long gone.

[@mute8s]

I thought that might have been the case but when I saw those ones with the missing tracks I figured if they had been melted off they would have just moved them the same way they moved the tracked ones. Thanks for the quick reply! Big machinery is so cool.

[@richardlambeck362]

Really sad to see all that burned equipment. ..at least you got a decent hood.

[@WelkerFarms]

I know it is very sad....but we are very happy with our hood!

[@mathewwalworth5236]

Big bud is an awesome tractor but I was raised around versatile another awesome tractor

[@jlyon228]

at the 18 second mark the tractor with the turquoise looks to be a Bafus Big Bud from Pendleton Oregon in his signature turquoise color. he ran two of these and rumor was he had a third sitting in a shed that had never been used. he burned the ass end off one around 1994. he traded the Big Buds in Havre Montana for two IH 9280's. I remember seeing that thing sitting in the field with the ass torched off. I worked for a neighboring farm that used Cat D4D tractors to farm with so Bafus's Big Buds always made an impression on a young guy that farmed right next to the Bafus operation.

[@jlyon228]

in fact, Bafus Big Bud was what I typed in the search. I always wondered what happened to them. looks like the one is sitting in the bone yard.

[@joefahrenschon2437]

i remember sitting in a big bud when i was younger at the Western Canada Farm progress show in Regina no sure on the model

[@Jimmy-sh9fj]

I read a magazine called classic tractor and there was a collum on the fire it's sad about them tractors. And there was a BIG BUD 747 16v model

[@austinseubert6047]

I feel bad for anyone farmer who has to go through this very sad

[@WelkerFarms]

It is a sad sad sight.

[@voetsek009]

Wouldn't hurt to talk a little bit about the Big Equipment fire and the loss of all of their buildings.

[@WelkerFarms]

I wish I would have, in the description under the video I did write this, "Also in this video I walk around the tractors that were destroyed in the tragic fire at Big Equipment Company over Christmas Eve 2017. No one knows how the fire was started but Ron will rebuild and will continue restoring Big Bud Tractors." So basically no one knows what started the fire but the entire building and everything inside was destroyed.

[@gonietubenyc5741]

That’s 1 + million in equipment gone !! Hopefully insurance covers them for the losses

[@tiffanyspaeth9939]

I like your map and your trakter

[@clintellis8534]

I could imagine those being beautiful when they weren't burnt

[@Farmerjon9660]

Never seen a big bud in real life but that whole deal sucks. Definitely legendary tractors

[@WelkerFarms]

They are sweet machines! Only 150 series 3 were built and 22 series 4 so fairly rare.

[@justbashingrc3624]

My great grandpa had big bud don’t know which one tho

[@jonthelamb4549]

I’ve only ever seen one it some how made its way up to Alberta it did not look like it had a engine but it was cool seeing it

[@thevox1075]

I'm sure those old Buds will work again. Nobody builds like that anymore. Wish they'd go back into business building the next generation of tractor. Do you guys know much about Versatile? I have a D145 I'm restoring, but think it'd look nice with a 700 cab on it. Already replaced the old 470 V8 with a Cummins 5.9 12 valve. I bet that's a little baby tractor compared to what you run. Love your videos.

[@WelkerFarms]

We know a little but not as much as others as we've never operated a versatile that I know of. That sounds like a nice machine after all the work you've put into it!

[@jjkonpmp]

Hi. Small question for you. Do you ever were thinking about restore one of these big buds. I know that a lot of work and $?. Big bud on the tracks, one and only.

[@JacobTerherst]

Fire sprinklers save lives and tractors. The best insurance can't replace irreplaceable anything.

[@daltonpayne6483]

I saw a tracked Versirile in Illinois

[@LIlKaste]

Awesome

[@thevox1075]

How many acres do you farm, and what kind of crops? Do you minimum till there? My old Versatile can pull a 9 shank coulter chisel, 30' disk or field cultivator. 6-7 bottom plow. Probably just going to put mine on a no till drill. My wife's uncle has a large farm I can use it on. Those old Buds, Rites, Versatile's and Steigers can last for decades if they're treated right. Mine's going to start a second life. She was built to work, not sit undignified in a fencerow rusting. She sat for 9 years, and now she's getting the love. If I had more money, I'd try to save them all!

[@WelkerFarms]

We farm around 10,000. We do nearly no till and grow mostly wheat and peas with some lentils. The older machines like yours are tanks and built to last, always some parts that will fail but most can easily be found at a local parts store. Totally understand about saving them all...never enough time nor money:(

[@henrya2130]

You should get a big bud hood for your case

[@chuckh8800]

Is there a motor from the burned out tractors to put in your tractor that needs a trans and motor

[@chrisw.4318]

Surprised to see that many burnt out tractors. How common is it for equipment to catch fire?

[@notsamsamsucks3586]

All of those need to be restored

[@OscarVaughn]

Yes I know this is an older video. Are u planning on checking out a new big bud?

[@Hondacrf2024]

- 10 😅 well sir I live in Canada I work outside and a few weeks ago it was -45 -50 with wind chill

[@jimderess2206]

This is just south of the border from Canada. -10 was a warm day last February in Havre.

[@olivermai9454]

Just sad to see burnt big buds

[@alisonf9006]

I WANT THAT GRAVE YARD! do another big bud resto

[@WelkerFarms]

I think you see gold like we do there! Lots of priceless machines that just need a little tlc.

[@RPCFarming]

Do they still make them

[@jakeziegler599]

What a shame.....hated to see that happen. How many buds were lost in the fire? I’ve never been around the isx15 or an 1150. How do u think those 15L compare?

[@WelkerFarms]

3 were lost, two series 3 and 1 series 4. Plus two Delta tracks and a versatile combine. I haven't spent a lot of time around the isx15 but I imagine hp they are similar. The 1150 is a strong torque engine that is simple and reliable but the isx is high tech and efficient. I would probably stick with the 1150 as it doesn't have a computer haha but I'm sure the isx would be an excellent engine to use.

[@kloydarnepena6275]

ColdPlay lead singer...Martin...look-a-like!!!

[@riftventdweller6185]

I wouldn't mind a story on all of those sowers that I assume are also in the graveyard, if you guys wouldn't mind

[@WelkerFarms]

Most if not all are for sale and in working condition, some are nearly new as well. That yard has some old machines but lots of new too, Big EQUIPMENT Co is expanding to two yards where they will keep the new machinery on one lot and the older on the other. There is a lot of reall nice tractors, combines, and sprayers there.

[@riftventdweller6185]

Nice! Thanks for the info! I just noticed the awkward repetition in my question... Anywho, the Case is looking great so far, I hope Coby and Hank are doing well, (and the rest of the crew I guess ;) ). May your harvests be bountiful and your mechanical troubles minimal!

[@longscaling2408]

Explain to me what big bud . Are they homemade tractors, custom. Are they for sale to the public

[@andrewmaas6620]

That's depressing seeing all those burnt tractors

[@WelkerFarms]

I know:(

[@nellsonstout7001]

Can the series 4 be rebuilt? I know it’ll take a lot of effort but is it even remotely possible?

[@karljacobson1575]

That's a real shame . Damn fire destroyed a lot of neat rigs! Will he ever rebuild any of those Buds??

[@WelkerFarms]

It is a shame, but there is a good chance someday they can rebuild them as the frames are still usable.

[@karljacobson1575]

Welker Farms Inc ya that's good.

[@adrianklaver113]

Thanks for the tour. Looking forward to seeing the hood in its new life. So did they put replacement tires on the burned up Big Buds to get them out of the building? Otherwise I am trying to figure how it got hot enough to melt glass and warp steel, but not burn up the tires?

[@jakeziegler599]

Adrian Klaver yes those are replacement tires

[@WelkerFarms]

They are likely the duels that were taken off so the buds could go inside the shop. They remove the outer tires to make more room inside.

[@anonymous-op3wg]

We're did the tractors burn at

[@benjamindickey4511]

I don't know what started this fire but holy cow it must have been hot

[@dennislamers986]

A burnt equipment scrap yard thats differant. It would be cool to tour the Big Bud plant

[@lynwessel2471]

Big Equipment Co (Formerly Big Bud Inc) had a shop fire Dec 24, 2017 these are the tractors that were being refurbished at the time.

[@malachicopeland8451]

Do u guys own the big bud name?

[@mathewjam_994]

Rust in peace

[@boerbrabant]

Are you guys getting a deal on that series 4 so you guy have all the models😉😉. Would be awesome tho.

[@WelkerFarms]

Now that is a good idea! Burnt or not it would be sweet to have it in our yard!

[@Ham68229]

Did the fire start on their lot or are these machines from separate fires? Either way, huge chunk of money lost, at least there might be some salvageable parts, (maybe).

[@WelkerFarms]

No one knows the cause and never will as it was so intense it destroyed any evidence. Very sad, millions of dollars lost.

[@masonwerth9367]

You should remake a big bud quad track

[@raymondgower9862]

Nice Detroit diesel

[@WelkerFarms]

Yes they have a few Detroit in Big Buds:)

[@raymondgower9862]

It's a shame all those engines are toasted

[@fatnstupidstreams5959]

When did they catch fire

[@kevinleese8325]

Did someone’s shop with these tractors in it burn?

[@tomcander3669]

Welkers explain why you don't put powershifts into your Buds when rebuilding?

[@blossomquisno9187]

Are you guys in Havre to pickup that hood, where the shop burned down, twice

[@lynwessel2471]

This was shortly after the Dec 24 2017 fire .

[@RonnyR1985]

thats a damn shame.how old are your big buds nick.quality videos .

[@WelkerFarms]

I konw...sad sad day, thanks!

[@42lookc]

Bummer. :(

[@gdfishing4045]

How’d they all burn

[@Chris-nk8rh]

So sad 😥🙁

[@butcherbill565]

Watching your videos made me though 'bout some much things, i mean, i'm not from USA or any other huge country therefor from my point of view the way you're working is very different from where i live, everything is bigger/taller that would be a really good idea if you could compare your business to some one who runs pretty much the same kind of business but in another country, like in Europe or something

[@WelkerFarms]

It's always fascinating to see how parts of the world farm, different equipment and methods but same result to grow a crop.

[@butcherbill565]

@@WelkerFarms true that sir

[@jonathanvick3491]

How did this happen?

[@aminbentriaa1780]

good

[@navyshot747]

Where are these tractors and do they sell them?

[@WelkerFarms]

These tractors are at Big Equipment Company in Havre, Montana. They have lots of classic Big Buds, Versatiles, Steigers, Wagners, and brand new Versatiles and rebuilt Big Buds. The Yard is pretty large and has a big variety of tractors, implements, and combines. They sell pretty much anything that is in their lot.

[@TacoBellCustomerService]

We’re the tractors inside a building when they caught on fire ? Or did it spread outside

[@gregoryshaykett8899]

Ryan R. 815 in

[@WelkerFarms]

They were all inside.

[@petereder4021]

Did your tractors and combines burn down or did you buy them? This is so sad, beautiful tractors :c.

[@WelkerFarms]

These are not ours and are owned by Big Equipment Company in Havre Montana. The building burnt down from an unknown cause and destroyed these beautiful tractors:(

[@petereder4021]

Welker Farms Inc oh ok thats not good sorry for that. Good luck at repairing them

[@pingpongjung1983]

Does Big Equipment help Versatile? I don't know anything about Big Equipment other than y'all have said they designed the Big Bud.

[@bobaner9259]

what size of detroit and

[@ndtschau]

0:01 *sniff* I smell nothing...😉👍🏻

[@zarb88]

Cant believe the tires didn’t burn.

[@Buck1954]

How did all those tractors catch fire? "Got torched" doesn't carry enough explanation.

[@markpontes4457]

Did they ever figure out what caused the fire?

[@WelkerFarms]

As far as I know they haven't found out and may never know.

[@thenumerousfew1205]

Did they all burn at the same time?

[@WelkerFarms]

Yes :(

[@troyhoover9896]

Bad day for the insurance company. Sad

[@joshuavroman1254]

Does anyone know how these tractors got torched?

[@WelkerFarms]

A building caught on fire!

[@bobaner9259]

how many where made?

[@WelkerFarms]

just over 500