A Century of History Reborn: Isaac’s Journey Restoring a Rare John Deere Nickel D
For Isaac Martens, a Service Technician at our Stanley store, restoring a tractor isn’t just about turning wrenches—it’s about preserving history, honoring connections, and embracing challenges. His latest project, rebuilding a rare 1926 John Deere Nickel D, is a perfect example of that.
The Beginning of a Journey
The story starts with a parts tractor sitting in the pasture of a friend’s great-grandparents’ farm. This particular tractor wasn’t running, and most would have considered it little more than scrap. But to Isaac, it represented an opportunity. “I’ve always wanted to rebuild a John Deere D,” Isaac explained. “This one being a Nickel D, one of only about 1,000 ever made, made it even more special.” The connection to the past didn’t stop there. The 1926 tractor was originally used as a parts tractor for his dad’s restoration of a 1929 Nickel D. That 1929 tractor originally belonged to Howard’s dad and had been a cornerstone of the family’s farming legacy. Isaac’s father had rebuilt their tractor, turning it into a tribute to both their family and farming history. Inspired by his dad’s efforts, Isaac decided to take on the challenge of rebuilding the 1926 parts tractor, bringing a forgotten piece of machinery back to life.
Tackling the Rebuild
Rebuilding a tractor like the Nickel D starts with tearing it down to nothing—and that’s the easy part. For Isaac, the real challenge lay in sourcing the right parts. “Finding parts was definitely the hardest part,” he said. “We had 15 parts tractors by the end, traveling everywhere from Minneapolis to Kansas, and even Canada.”
Every piece of this tractor was unique to its model year. From the carburetor to the front wheels, each component was designed exclusively for the 1926 Nickel D. Unlike restoring an old car where parts can often be interchanged, Isaac had to track down components tailored specifically for this model, many of which were nearly impossible to find.
The Most Rewarding Moment
After four years of meticulous work, the payoff finally came. “Starting it up for the first time was the best part,” Isaac recalled, “especially with Howard and Janice—the couple who originally owned the 1929 tractor—there to witness it. Howard is 93, and he didn’t think he’d ever see a Nickel D running again. That made it all worth it.”
The Details That Matter Most
Isaac takes pride in every part of the rebuild, but the flywheel stands out as something truly special. “They didn’t make many of them, and most are broken or lost,” he explained. “I’d guess there are fewer than 20 Nickel D flywheels left today. It’s worth more than the tractor itself!”
Lessons Learned
From patience to persistence, this project taught Isaac plenty. “Nothing is as hard as it seems,” he shared. “With enough time and determination, anything can be fixed.” Isaac’s genuine passion for John Deere equipment shines through every step of this rebuild. For him, the process was more than a mechanical task—it was a way to reconnect with history and ensure a rare piece of equipment found its rightful place in the world again.
Advice for Aspiring Restorers
When asked what he’d say to someone considering a similar project, Isaac’s advice was simple: “Don’t be in a hurry.” After four years of searching, rebuilding, and fine-tuning, the results speak for themselves—a one-of-a-kind restoration that pays tribute to the legacy of John Deere and the generations of farmers who relied on these machines.
