When Nello Dodge bought a new Allis-Chalmers Gleaner E combine in 1962, it was the first self-propelled combine in his neighborhood near Ellsworth, Wis. When his son, Wayne Dodge harvested oats with it last fall it was no match for today’s technology. But he was proud of the faithful old combine, which has harvested grain for 50 consecutive years.

He recently shared the combine’s story with readers in the Old Allis News magazine.

Dodge was 12 when his dad brought the combine home. He remembers it being used for weeks harvesting the Dodges’ 70 acres as well as many acres for other nearby farmers.

Though it isn’t used as much as in years past, he continues the tradition.
“It usually combines about 70 acres a year,” Dodge says, though he only had 40 acres to combine in 2011.

The engine has never been overhauled, but 20 years ago he changed seals in the crankshaft, and he’s been cannibalizing parts from two combines owned by a neighbor. He has fixed or replaced the clutch and various internal components, for example. “But that’s the original umbrella from when it was 4 years old,” he notes.

Except for one fall when it got stuck in a field where it spent the winter, the combine has been well cared for and stored inside.

Dodge says he isn’t sure why his dad was so fond of the combine. When other equipment broke down, he would often trade it in. But when it came to the combine, he always made the necessary repairs to keep it going.

Even though his father has passed away, Dodge plans to keep it running as long as possible.