Pedaling Around Pennsylvania

by Michael Henry

The Farmall 806: Why so long??

In the fall of 2002, pedal collectors were expecting the re-release of the Farmall 806.  The re-release of the 806 made some collector’s very happy while others were highly upset.  Some collectors were glad to see the 806 released so that they could add one to their collection for under $200.  Other collectors, however, were upset because they argued that the 806 had already been released and may threaten the future of the original casting 806.

However, it is now the spring of 2003 and the Farmall 806 collector’s edition pedal tractor has been late on its release.  There has been a lot of speculation of why the 806 has taken so long to release.  One collector who attended the Lafayette show said the original 806’s were only bringing around $200-$250.  He believed the new 806 has been delayed due to the failing economy, which he felt is the primary reason why pedal prices are down.  Why pay $150 for the new 806 when for about $75 more you can have an original?  Other collectors believe that the Farmall 806’s release wait is due to pedal producers waiting to see if the economy picks up or not.  Companies may be fearful that a re-release of a pedal tractor during this time in our economy may fail.

Many pedal collector’s are highly upset that Ertl and Scale Models are re-releasing pedal tractors that have already been made in the 1960’s and 70’s.  A re-release does benefit the child who needs a pedal tractor to ride around or the collector who just wants a certain type of pedal tractor and is not worried if it has already been released.  Collector’s need to analyze several factors about the production of a re-release.  Collectors must realize that companies must obtain permission to make a new casting from CaseIH.  Maybe Ertl or Scale Models are not permitted to make a Farmall 1206 or International 1256?