Students restore 1952 tractor for class project

Two juniors in the power mechanics program have given new life to older farm equipment for their class project.

Cara Arnett and Evelyn Lansford restored a 1952 Farmall Super C tractor by giving it an overhaul over a nearly two-month period. Instructor Fred Jones said Arnett and Lansford completed a full in-frame overhaul to help the dormant vehicle run once again.

“They completely disassembled the engine, replaced the liners and pistons, put all new bearings in the engine, rebuilt the cylinder head and converted the tractor to 12 volts. It was almost a six-week project,” Jones said.

Arnett, a Buckeye Local High School student, said the vehicle has been part of her family farm near Rayland for years but needed an upgrade.

“This tractor was used for hay for years but has sat for a long time. It’s been in our barn for four years because it was worn out,” Arnett said. “I brought it in to the JVS March 17 and am very excited. I’m very proud and feel accomplished with this project. I was very nervous at first but wanted to be able to get it done.”

Lansford, who grew up on a farm but now lives in Toronto, where she attends high school, said she always has had a fascination with vehicles.

“We do demolition derbies, so I’ve always worked on cars. I grew up doing this stuff,” she said.

The students have completed other projects in the program lab, including a Honda Big Red side-by-side and repairs to a Ford 600 tractor. Both Arnett and Lansford have an interest in continuing in the trade, with the goal of working for Ohio CAT, one of the oldest and most respected Caterpillar construction equipment dealers in the nation.

They said the training they have received under Jones’ tutelage at the JVS is preparing them for their career path.

“He helps us and is always there,” Lansford said.

Jones said he was impressed with the work both students have turned out this year and how well they fit into the program.

“The power mechanics industry has evolved into a field where both men and women can contribute in positive, productive ways,” he said. “I’m very proud of them. They did a great job, from looking up parts to looking at the specs. It’s a great job all around.”