Sears Sold This Tractor From Their Catalog - 1939 Sears Economy Tractor

John Braum from Wisconsin owns a 1939 Sears Economy. John shares the history of his tractor and the passion for collecting these uncommon classics.
In the 1930’s the Sears, Roebuck & Company was working hard to become a player the the tractor business. They wanted to develop an efficient, reliable and cost competitive tractor. In 1937 the Peru Wheel Company of Peru, IL contracted with sears to do just that. Peru proposed using rebuilt tractor and transmission components from a Ford Model A with the frame and castings supplied by Peru. With this the Economy Tractor was born.
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#lesserknown #tractor #classic #classictractor #classictractorfever #auction #antique #antiquetractor #history #agriculture #farming #farmlife #harvest #threshing #fieldwork#sears #searscompany #searseconomy

[@garye2680]

My Granddad bought a New 1938 Sears Economy. He bought it with mounted cultivars. We are in the middle of rebuilding it.

[@gregorymalchuk272]

I have a really important question. How did they solve the issue of an engine governor? Because car engines don't have them but tractors tend to need them.

[@BeingMe23]

@gregorymalchuk272 Every engine has governor to help with over speeding. Now a diesel engine has a governor on the injection pump to help with torque rise under heavy loads.

[@n.mcneil4066]

@@gregorymalchuk272 These tractors would have had an after market governor (such as Pierce or Novi) mounted on the right side of the engine & run by the fan belt.

[@markh2128]

When I was a kid the Sears catalog was all about TOYS! Early 70s. Then I got a little older and it was the Sears LINGERIE section lol

[@johnnywalker2947]

They had shotguns too. Hell, people used to use the catalog for toilet paper but saved their actual smooth toilet paper for special guests.

[@Alwis-Haph-Rytte]

In the late 60's the neighborhood girls were showing me those sears pics, LOL

[@akallio9000]

I remember the phrase "Measure across the fullest part of the bust".

[@richardmiller3919]

Ted Williams autograph fishing poles

[@gregbenwell6173]

Here in New York where I live there was a barn on Route 38 (between Owego NY and Newark Valley), that had a barn just sitting beside the road!! Not an uncommon site for this area by no means, sure, but one day my car broke down (flat tire) literally 30 feet from the barn. Has I limped the car to the shoulder and jumped out to change the tire I ignored the large classic barn sitting there road side. And I fought to the tire changed. After I finished the job, grabbed the tire and then the jack to toss them back into the trunk, I looked over at the barn finally and THAT is when I noticed there was a small "plaque" on the side barn nailed too it, and my curiosity got the better of me. Like most people I had never actually LOOKED at the barn and it had literally sat there for YEARS, and I myself had drove by it many times in my life totally ignoring it!! But this strange plaque I had never noticed before really surprised me when I got close enough to read it......it said: Sears & Roebuck Barn, it gave a year and a model number and a catalog number. The plaque wasn't very big in fact it was only about the size of a sheet of paper which looked as though it was cooper or bronze with red and black paint on it for the lettering and the decor. And you could barely make out some of the other things listed on it. BUT I was totally taken back that here this barn had sat probably for almost 100 years an NOBODY realized it was a Sears Barn!! Back about 15 years ago I was driving that same stretch of road, and as I got to where the barn was, I noticed then it was gone!! Apparently somebody had tore it down finally, it was old and weathered after all....but when realized it was gone, I wondered if anybody else ever read that plaque and realized just how important that barn would have been had they kept it??? Probably not, because it is gone from history now!!

[@daleolson3506]

Sears the Amazon of yesteryear

[@ianwinfield929]

Dale olson a bygone era of consumerism

[@davidbrattain1446]

Sears. An American Tragedy. No other retailer, none, had the market share, logistical experience and access to quality products like sears. They had the opportunity to rule the Internet and eCommerce but they blew it in so many ways. Sad...

[@alanstrong3295]

Time to pull a float in an upcoming parade. That is the Sears America once knew.

[@harrystephens1658]

In my younger days lots of things I needed were ordered at Sears Catalog store. This was in the late 1960's early 1970's. All my tools even a set of Craiger mag wheels.

[@socksumi]

Don't know how it happened but this city boy is addicted to these antique tractor videos.

[@johntoothman4888]

Sears sold all kinds of stuff. This was when America was standing tall!!

[@zachwinn9787]

Good day back then.its a shame ill never see it in my life time

[@johntoothman4888]

@@zachwinn9787 As long as we all set around on our hands then no you wont.

[@mikecubes1642]

you got that right, we dont even make anything in the US anymore

[@michaelmacluskie6089]

@@mikecubes1642 All thanks to your last useless President Obama.....but now your once "Made in America " products that were flushed down the toilet by Obama and his friends the Clintons are now coming back to your country all Thanks to your magnificent President DJ Trump. MAGA.

[@smug8567]

John are you related to that Toothman family that put their hired hand in chains then hacked him to death with an ax?

[@flhusa1]

sears sold a house,everything that went in it ,and the insurance for the house.

[@rocksandoil2241]

I own a Montgomery Wards wagon. Sears and Wards sold everything from kit houses to honey bees,

[@alanstrong3295]

Sears was such a pal to the American farmer.

[@deederseavert1592]

I had one it had dualles

[@SuperKyle309]

I grow up in a house built from a sears catalog.

[@horsepower0539]

That two bottom plow is like my grandpa used to pull behind his F12 Farmall years and years ago when I was a young kid nice to see there's old memories I remember the bolts to take the plow point off to get it fixed I miss those days

[@davidmcclellan2786]

When I was a kid, we had a Sears outboard motor.

[@alanstrong3295]

I made fun of Sears. I must not have looked up their history all that well. It did serve the farmers.

[@jeffreyplum5259]

There were even Sears and Montgomery Ward tractor conversion kits for Fords, Model T or A.

[@gregorymalchuk272]

Did any of them include a way of rigging up an engine governor?

[@crippledrider]

Long,long ago I had seen a Sears catalog from 1918, it did not have that tractor, but cars houses and farm machinery, were all in there. And by todays standards very reasonably priced, can you imagine a complete house for $450.00

[@mtpocketswoodenickle2637]

Imagine if you will, that they paid with gold and silver coin as real money not fiat currency of today? Let's use the $450 for a house as an example. A one ounce, twenty dollar double eagle, divided into 450 = 22.5 ounces of gold. At today's gold price, that equals = $29250.oo

[@DeanMk1]

@@mtpocketswoodenickle2637 According to the inflation calculator at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website, $450 in March of 1918 (assuming the new catalogues came out in the spring) is the same as $8090.74 in January of 2019

[@BeingMe23]

Yes I can imagine a house for $450 in the early 1900s. A working man's wage salary was $1518

[@markgamble8377]

My parents bought a 1947 bf avery from sears new. Its still stored in the old cow barn. Their first tractor

[@peanutsmith1462]

That was made when man took pride in what they built and proud to say it’s made in the USA

[@fubarmodelyard1392]

That's pretty cool. There was a time when just about everything you had could come from Sears

[@cth0211]

even complete kbuild yourself houses.

[@jlyle51]

Yep and there old catalog. Was used in the outhouse. Free toilet paper.

[@danw6014]

I have a Sear & Roebuck loader mounted on a 1937 Oliver Hart Parr 70.

[@capefear3297]

We had a Sears and Roebuck Allstate car on the farm, that was actually a Henry J..

[@BuzzLOLOL]

We had a tractor my Dad made in 1930's powered by a 1928 Chevy 4 banger and Chevy 3 speed backed by a truck 4 speed... 13 speeds forward and 7 in reverse...

[@coryjohnson5409]

Around here we called them Doodlebugs

[@donaldhofman296]

My brother in law has a doddlebug in his collection! He has around 100 tractors! Including the complete line of Minneapolis Moline tractors!

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@donaldhofman296 - My Grandpa was a roving mechanic over USA and Canada in early 1900's for Minneapolis Moline...

[@gregorymalchuk272]

@@BuzzLOLOL Did he manage to rig up some kind of engine governor? Because the car engine wouldn't have had one, but most tractors have them.

[@stanleybaker3400]

It's really sad sears is no more

[@g.r.4853]

I think Sears' death began when they decided to change their tool warranty of replacing the tool, even old tools that had a lifetime warranty were included. That changed MY tool buying to Lowes. When someone went to Sears to replace a broken tool, more often than not they bought other stuff, another tool, clothes, or even a boat. Of course everyone's favorite Walmart harmed them and everyone else. Walmart whose founder swore nothing would be sold in his store not made in America. It seems his descendants have the policy nothing will be sold in their store that IS made in America. Long live greed and china.

[@TSemasFl]

Sears would have been much better off if they didn't throw a life line by buying the sinking ship, Kmart. Which dragged them both under. Sears has poor management and their CEO Eddie Lambert is a total scumbag. Deliberately ran Sears in the ground so he himself could buy it out of bankruptcy court for Pennies on the dollar. His greed caused a lot of people to hit the unemployment line.

[@fatdad64able]

@@johnogara3029 then why does he have six likes and you have none?

[@craigcook1571]

One of my customers lives in a Craftsman (Sears) house her dad built many years ago. We dont even have a Sears here anymore. They sure lost their way over the years. That tractor sounds sweet when it starts up

[@markgamble8377]

My parents bought lots of wards&sears stuff.refigerators sears almunin boat motor.sea king.wards 1947 bf avery with front mounted cullivators.it still runs.start it every year.it sitting in barn origional cond. All urs look nice and fresh.

[@robertmoulton2656]

Lovely tractors ,thanks for preserving history !

[@earlwright3613]

Sears also sold houses ,machine guns, and bubble gum lol

[@BillTheTractorMan]

Neat to see some one with 6 of them! I've been collecting Sears items for over ten years now, and the Economy tractor is one that has been the highest on my list to find. I also enjoy the Economy hit and miss engines Sears sold.

[@johnleasure6672]

We have a sears&roebuck wagon

[@georgestreicher252]

Sears sold cars too. I was in the National Auto Museum in Reno and saw an All State car there. It was really a rebadges Henry J , early 50's.

[@glenngoetz3054]

That is absolutely true!

[@lawrencefure2102]

I think the mail order tractor didn't last very long, because of lack of dealer support. All other tractor company's had a dealer in, or near a farmers home town. I you needed a part for your Sears tractor you had to send an order for the part, then wait for it to show up in the mail. Having a dealer near by a farmer could make a trip to town to get what he needed. Plus there were skilled mechanics on hand for anyone that didn't have the tools, or mechanical skills it took to make any repairs on the tractor.

[@michigandon]

I believe this to be somewhat of a problem yet today with Northern Tools Nortrac line of tractors. Perhaps not quite as bad as way back then since you can at least call the 1-800 number or get online to order a part and/or get technical support, but still a bit of a hindrance.

[@lovinsnotfun-eranymore5213]

April 2019 and in my 60's . I grew up in pork n dairy farming and with horses . Thrashed , binders, snow fence silos , drove a milkcan truck and onto Bulk tankers . . and I've never seen or heard of a Sears - Roebuck tractor . This put a Smile on my face just being Happy for you John !! Stamp collecting LOL ! Was that suggested by a fem or one of today's Millions of feminized Manginas . " Hang on to em and Enjoy them " I myself would hate to take them out in the fields now and get them dirty . Parades is a Good idea with a small white 2 sided S & R signage identifying them . Btw , I'm The Sign Doctor - Since before 1972 . I Still hand letter all kinds of things including some Old tractors here too in Ontario , Canada . Last summer I relettered a couple Old CO-OP tractors . Oh yah , and I also think I remember Motor Bikes and mini bikes being sold in Old S & R newsprint type catalogs . . which also doubled as toilet paper with time in the Out House . Last - Sears did it to themselves ... Young incompetent and Greedy Management and Office staff closed them down . I was a VERY GOOD Long Time 90% of Catalog customer to them till about 2005 for Music , Many Tools as to warranty , Clothes and all kinds of Appliances and Household items , as I don't like going shopping to stores . They started $crewing up several times , so I stopped dealing with them completely .

[@beeroquoisnation]

There is little left with the integrity of Sears Roebuck and Company.

[@SchnelleKat]

I gotta find me one. :O

[@henryhenry903]

That’s really cool, im going to see if I can show my dad a tractor he hasn’t heard of lol

[@davidwaggoner8521]

Of course you know where last years catalog would end up at!

[@tommyo8068]

Nice looking tractors

[@Antiquetractorsetc]

Very cool tractor. I want one. That plow looks a lot like an International Harvester little genius???

[@CoalChrome]

I just met this guy at our tractor show. current update: he owns 19 of them

[@james44mag31]

Sears sold house kits also in the 30s, I know where there's a Sears house in Virginia 2 story that's been turned into a B&B

[@terracethornhill]

When I was a kid, you could buy a remanufactured engine for your car from the Sears catalog.

[@kevinjasper6620]

There is a subdivision in Indianapolis that the homes had to have been sold by Sears and Robuck. When these homes were constructed, they had to be done like they would have when they were originally sold. That means no power tools could be used.

[@markr4882]

My neighbor has an old Sears tractor back in his shed

[@gregorymalchuk272]

Could you ask the owner about how Sears solved the issue of rigging up an engine governor on a model A engine?

[@mackplymale342]

I enjoyed the video. So sad to see Sears die. I got all my school clothes from sears. Amazon will dies too some day.

[@7viewerlogic670]

Nice!

[@SkyPuncherFarms]

I still have an old motorcycle that Sears sold. Its's a re-badged 1964 Gilera 106

[@keithlucas6260]

I still have a Sears Puch 250 "twingle" that my mom bought new in 68 for $299.....and it still runs and has the original tires.

[@SkyPuncherFarms]

That's awesome! I have owned over 90 bikes, and that is one that has slipped my grasp! Always wanted one though.

[@solidwoods6999]

$500 for a lightweight tractor . Now a rear tire with tube is 500 clams

[@jeffscott8323]

Even sold a car Alstate

[@richierich396]

I lived in a sears house for bout 10yrs. Lol

[@downhilltwofour0082]

Sears also sold Housing kits. Order it and they shipped it to you with instructions on how to assemble it!

[@keithlucas6260]

I still have a Sears Puch 250 "twingle" that my mom bought new in 68 for $299.....and it still runs and has the original tires. Additionally I still have my 66 Sears Suburban 12 hp garden tractor that I've had in parades.

[@lwilson9426]

Thanks

[@Sid-jx4gl]

I had a twingle in highschool

[@paulhudson4254]

In Amarillo, Texas there are both Sears and Montgomery Ward kit homes! Wish we could save them!

[@algow5988]

Not made in China.

[@bobdyer422]

Sears didn't put out a catalog. It was a door stop, wheel chock, child booster seat, bat killer, the catalog did everything, plus help build America. I like the steel wheel version. Thanks for sharing

[@Ken6151]

Also used as "striking paper" in the outhouse.

[@robj2704]

Sears also sold a rebadged HenryJ automobile called an Allstate.

[@michigandon]

Sold Vespa scooters as Allstates too!

[@dukeman7595]

How did walmart ever out do Sears and Roebuck?

[@dennisjohnson5754]

China cheap junk

[@victorjeffers1993]

Those were the days when you could order something from a catalog and get good quality product for your money ! Sears & and Roebuck was one of those catalogs ! Shame things have went overseas and made with poor quality !

[@tractorhyatt7044]

So very cool to see that collection of Sears Economy tractors!

[@mariodinovo4018]

I have 6 sears antique cement block making machines from 1906 on up to 1920s

[@getprobed838]

back when America was successful...things were built here and sold here....

[@melchristian3638]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@martyhanson1179]

Sears catalog sold everything they were amazon back in the day

[@nauticalsandwich9003]

My brother bought a 1908 reprint catalog of Sears and roebuck for 50 cents from a garage sale. It may not be worth much but it has alot of information in it

[@roberthooper6406]

Anyone know how I'd find out the value of a restored 1939 economy like the one in video. Have a friend wanting to sell one,but he's not sure what there worth now or a good asking price.

[@johnblackburn2237]

I use to have a Sears outboard engine. Think it was a 5.5hp

[@carlhelmick8104]

Wow, now that was and is awesome cool. Wow just wow. Can't beat the good old days can you . 😳😀👍

[@mikenichols9234]

yup sears and wards sold just about everything at one time out of a catalog and you could always tell what time of year it was when mom handed you the catalog and a pencil saying circle the clothes you like or the toys you like . those catalogs were thick made great steps in the kitchen when to short to reach top cabinets hahahaha i miss those things

[@dennisjohnson5754]

Still have a wards garden track. Make by simplicity.

[@MrCountrycuz]

I loved their old sears suburban tractors from the 1960s.

[@williamchristopher1560]

Dad, I THINK, Bought a German Shepard dog through Sears

[@Larry-jv6he]

very interesting,i love the old tractors.fool with them myself.

[@mikecubes1642]

you could buy your entire farm from Sears back then

[@horsepower0539]

We need to keep buying from Sears and Kmart like we used to forget Walmart it's ruined too many of our little country stores

[@tahraqapie4783]

beautiful collection of beautiful tractors

[@randymagnum143]

"Can we get an Allis WC?" Mom: "we have a WC at home" The WC at home..........

[@terrytescula7068]

We have this tractor .y dad drove as a teenager. Looking for values.

[@loadi2865]

WOW i did not know that...thanks sir enjoyed the vid.

[@aquillafleetwood8180]

In 1963, I bought a $36 guitar!

[@williamchristopher1560]

With rubber tires that plow is more likely made in the late 40s 50s

[@curtisdowling3773]

Great job of restoring your old Sears tractors .

[@risky1]

I have a 1939 Farmall B - Offset Frame. Still runs great. And if anybody wants to buy it.....it's for sale

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

Price/location?

[@johntabler349]

simple design, looks lke a solid machine

[@kyleshores432]

so, what's the top speed?

[@thenumerousfew1205]

Turtle

[@kramnull8962]

Many of man went an entire life back then and never seen $100.

[@hooXpoo]

Wood live to see the post man's face when he delivered this.

[@johnthomson8359]

Nice tractors have you been to se iowa old threshers reuion

[@MrMACHINE]

Great video🎥👍Wonderful to see these old machines being well loved.

[@thestrangechannelofjeff7426]

Selling a tractor without an engine is bad ass

[@kennethcline7879]

Very interesting video thanks for sharing and preserving some of our history and the 1950s I bought and sold John Deere tractors do Mennonites an old Mexico most of them were flat face hand start also a lot of two roe planters and cultivators This was in West Texas I am 90 years old I would hate to try that now would love to see your tractive thanks again for preserving them and sharing

[@travishopelogan2192]

The fact that it's Ford powered I want one

[@bosatsu76]

Sears... The Amazon of its day... What will replace Amazon now..

[@HioSSilver1999]

Sears was the first Amazon

[@officiallokeshsuthar8272]

I like your Chanel

[@Benelli-ex7oq]

Those were the days 😭

[@allenbuck5589]

We used a Sears catalog in our two hole out house

[@SuperKyle309]

Peru IL isn't far from me at all.

[@LordWillyGee]

These are very priceless! Sent the Sear Company went out! The price had tripled. Very beautiful tractor.

[@markward6076]

The sears co. always have fascinated me. It seems like they were always trying to help our country better itself.

[@kylekubeck647]

when is this guy gonna sell some of these

[@paulhare662]

I remember seeing one at a show in Maryland. If I recall correctly, it had dual inline transmissions and in the proper gears it was the slowest moving machine that I have ever seen. I think it was both gearboxes in reverse that did it.