By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

What started as a passion project for Trey Schronk has turned into a lifestyle of restoring old tractors.

The Grandview High School senior began restoring tractors a few years ago when his mother suggested entering a tractor restoration contest. From there, Schronk’s passion for restoring a part of history began.

Schronk has restored three tractors, starting with a 1945 Farmall B from his uncle. Then, he began working on a 1955 John Deere 70 propane and recently restored a 1959 John Deere 730 diesel.

“I continue to do these projects because it’s fun. It’s a learning experience you don’t get every day,” Schronk said. “Some of it’s a passion project and other bits of it are just really fun for me.”

The 1959 John Deere 730 diesel is an electric start. This was the second year John Deere made the 730 and was the third-generation row crop diesel made by Deere. It held the fuel record for 27 years as the most fuel-efficient tractor.

The tractor is similar to one Schronk’s father learned to drive on.

“My dad learned how to drive on a 730, and we actually found that tractor and plan on restoring it,” he said.

The restoration process is no small feat.

After Schronk discovered the 730 still runs, he further inspected the machine and began tackling what needed to be replaced.

“I knew the first reduction gear had a crack in it and needed replaced. All the electric had to be gone through, but the power steering was in excellent condition. So, I didn’t have to worry too much about that,” Schronk said. “From there, it was just tearing everything down, get it cleaned up, get it taken apart, replace the things that are broken, new bearings, go through the engine.”

Schronk started restoration on the 730 in July 2023 and put 1,300 hours into the project.

“It’s one of those things where you have to have time to put into the project,” he said. “You have to have the money to buy the parts and the skills and knowledge to go through the restoration and be able to put everything back together.”

Schronk couldn’t have done this restoration alone. A majority of his knowledge is self-taught, but Schronk received help from his family, friends and mentors to complete the project.

His restoration on the 730 was awarded grand champion at both the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The judges evaluate the restoration of the tractor, the paint and if the tractor is leaking oil, among other criteria.

The contestant is also judged on how well they drive the tractor, how they interact with people and their knowledge of the tractor.

“It’s like showmanship for livestock but with tractors,” Schronk said.

He enjoyed this restoration more than his previous projects.

“I liked that this tractor is a diesel. It’s not just a difference in the tuning or the compression of the engine, it’s a completely different fuel type,” Schronk said. “Everyone likes seeing a little bit of smoke while it’s starting up or pulling something. And the best part of the process of the restoration has to be getting to hear it run again.”

Schronk has kept all three tractors he has restored and plans to restore more in the future, starting with the same tractor his dad learned to drive on.

And with each tractor, he’s rebuilding agricultural history one part at a time.

Watch a video of Schronk talking about his tractor restoration projects.