#United States #John Deere #Purple Wave #FFA #Alva, OK

Reviving History: The Restoration of a 1968 John Deere 4020 Tractor

In a meaningful initiative that transcends mere agriculture, Purple Wave Auction has taken a commendable step to aid the Alva FFA chapter in Oklahoma. The organization is set to auction a fully restored 1968 John Deere 4020 tractor on April 15, with all proceeds directed to bolstering the chapter's ongoing agricultural education efforts. This partnership underscores the significance of hands-on learning in cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders.

The idea for the restoration project blossomed when a new agricultural teacher joined the Alva FFA chapter. Students had previously engaged in a smaller restoration project involving a Model B tractor, donated by a local farmer. Encouraged by their experience, the students yearned for a more challenging endeavor, ultimately leading them to acquire the 4020 from another local farmer.

Jaxon Headlee and Clay Schafer, two enthusiastic FFA members, played pivotal roles in the tractor’s transformation. Jaxon, who thrived during the project, was involved in every facet, from mechanical restoration to overseeing its bodywork. Clay worked closely alongside him, contributing significantly to the teardown and preparation processes.

Upon their initial assessment, the duo faced the daunting reality of a completely inoperable tractor, stagnant since the early 2000s due to a cracked cylinder liner and deteriorating paint. Jaxon reflected on the state of the machine: "It was about as unstable as it could be."

But with determination and hard work, including approximately 2,500 man-hours invested by the students, they successfully returned the tractor to functionality. The overall cost for the restoration was estimated at $15,000, justified by the extensive repairs needed, including sourcing a new engine.

One of the most significant challenges during the restoration process was locating replacement parts. The original cab was in disrepair, necessitating complete removal. "Finding parts from John Deere or other sources was a significant obstacle, but we managed it as a team," stated Jaxon.

For Clay, the project was also a learning journey, enabling him to acquire new skills in mechanical repair and communication. "It means a lot to me because I learned a lot of new skills on this project, whether it be the bodywork or just learning about the engine, how it operates," he shared proudly. “Going home and explaining what I learned to my dad made me even more excited about the process.”

Come April 15, bidding for the beautifully restored 1968 John Deere 4020 will officially close. Support from the community is vital, and interested bidders can participate by visiting purplewave.com. This auction not only gives a second life to a classic tractor but also reinforces the value of agricultural education for young enthusiasts.

Purple Wave Auction's commitment to the National FFA highlights the organization’s role in nurturing future agricultural leaders. By investing in local chapters, they are not merely selling a piece of machinery; they are investing in the future of agriculture itself.

Join the movement, place your bids, and make a difference in agricultural education at Alva FFA today!