White Brings Back The Spirit Of Oliver

White brings back the Spirit of Oliver TRACTORS New Tractors 12-6-16 Visitors at several major farm shows this fall got a chance to see the prototype of a "new" old-style tractor that commemorates the proud heritage of White Farm Equipment tractors. White's origin dates back to what many consider to be the first successful production tractor, the Hart-Parr. Other famous tractors in White's history include the 01-iver, Minneapolis-Moline, and Cockshutt. According to Tom Cowher, product manager for tractors, the company originally intended to manufacture a limited number of "Spirit of Oliver" tractors but, due to the drought, those plans are now on hold. "We still haven't ruled out the possibility of building the tractor," he told FARM SHOW. The "Spirit of Oliver" tractor is a modified White 185. It sports traditional Oliver trademarks, such as the green and white Oliver colors, while incorporating contemporary styling and features. In contrast to the White 185, the "Spirit of Oliver" has a more streamlined front grille, recessed lights, a squared up and widened front end with stackable weights, a 12-in. longer wheel-base that improves the ride and provides additional room for side-mounted tanks, changes in the transmission and shifting, and a restyled cab interior that includes a wood dash and console. The tractor is powered by a 185 hp Cummins engine. The company asked showgoers to fill out a survey on the commemorative edition tractor, rating its overall appearance and styling. "Thanks to the Spirit of Oliver, we had our best attendance ever," says Cowher. At the shows, the company sold a limited production 1/16 scale toy model of the tractor for $25 and a 1/64 scale model for $3. The toy models are available in limited quantity at some White dealerships. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, White-New Idea Farm Equipment Co., 12 West Sycamore St., Coldwater, Ohio 45828 (ph 419 678-5311).

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