The Tri-Rivers FFA Ag & Industrial Power (AIP) students recently completed a major tractor restoration. “It was in pretty bad shape, but Mr. Rittler, the AIP instructor, and his students were willing to take on the job,” said Carrie Heimlich, Veterinary Science Instructor and FFA Advisor at the Career Center. She wanted the 1964 John Deere 4010 tractor restored to its splendor as an anniversary gift for her husband, Nick Heimlich.

The tractor was once owned by Nick’s grandfather, Emerson Klinefelter, said Heimlich. “Before it was handed down to him, it was used on their family farm in Cardington, Ohio. It is still being used for baling hay at that same location.”
The tractor has sustained a great deal of wear of tear and mediocre repairs throughout its years of service, said Heimlich. “It was in need of some expert care so it could continue its summers tasks,” she said laughing.

Rittler said, “It was a long and challenging project. My AIP students started working on it in September of 2015 and finished it this May. Ag & Industrial Power students involved in the restoration included: Jose Rubio, Tyler Dempsey, and juniors Jessica Hartman, and Zach Madison. The team power washed the tractor twice, replaced the bushings in the seat, repaired the hood and some of the sheet metal, corrected hydraulic and electrical problems, and disassembled many of the parts to assure they work correctly, explained Rittler.

The best part of the process, said Heimlich, was the surprise presentation. Staff and students, as well as family members gathered in the Vet Science barn to surprise Nick Heimlich. “He thought he was picking up sheep for me, she said. “Instead he opened the barn doors and there was his ‘new’ tractor, along with staff, students and family members. There were definitely some tears. Because of Mr. Rittler’s and his students’ hard work and dedication, my husband has a tractor that can now be used for many years to come.”

Ag & Industrial Power has been a program at Tri-Rivers Career Center ever since it was established in 1976. It has educated many students in areas such as power sports/ outdoor power and diesel fueled engines. Restoring the tractor, was just one of the many projects they completed this year. They also fabricated and repaired livestock equipment, repaired customer’s mowers and other lawn equipment, as well as working on student and school wide tasks.