Sunderman showcases personal collection at Minneapolis-Moline Collectors Winter Convention in Clarinda
Paul Sunderman of Clarinda is still reminded of the great times he spent on the farm every time he sees the sparkle of a Minneapolis-Moline tractor.
PAUL SUNDERMAN of Clarinda has been collecting Minneapolis-Moline tractors for over 20 years. His collection of 60 tractors will be featured during the Minneapolis-Moline Collectors, Inc. Winter Convention in Clarinda on March 18-20. (OWH News Service Photo by Kevin Brown)
By Kent Dinnebier, The Clarina Herald-Journal
Paul Sunderman of Clarinda is still reminded of the great times he spent on the farm every time he sees the sparkle of a Minneapolis-Moline tractor.
"I always used Minneapolis-Moline tractors when I farmed, as did my father," Sunderman said. "The first new tractor I purchased for my farm was a 1957 UBU."
That practical appreciation for Minneapolis-Moline tractors eventually led Sunderman to begin collecting tractors made by the company.
Sunderman, 73, purchased his first two antique Minneapolis-Moline tractors nearly 22 years ago and today his collection features nearly 60 tractors.
"I never imagined my collection would grow the way it has," Sunderman said.
About two years later Sunderman joined the Minneapolis-Moline Collectors, Inc. (MMCI). The club consists of approximately 350 members from across the United States that are dedicated to preserving the products and history of the Minneapolis-Moline Company, its predecessors and related companies.
The MMCI will be holding its 2010 Winter Convention in Clarinda from March 18-20 and Sunderman's collection of tractors will be on display during the event.
The two tractors Sunderman initially purchased to start his collection were a 1945 Z8, which is the tractor his father had when he first started farming, and a 1967 U-302.
"I really like the U-302s and the Jet Stars. Those were mainly the ones I farmed with, and that's why I like them. They're nice tractors," Sunderman said.
The oldest tractor in Sunderman's collection is a 1939 RTU with a cab, while his rarest tractor is a 1967 G-900 with front wheel assist.
"They only made 25 of them and they were all diesel," Sunderman said.
Also included in Sunderman's collection is a 1966 M-670 that has a mere 600 hours of use.
Sunderman said it is very exciting to find a rare tractor or a model he has spent a long time searching for, but the truly rewarding aspect of the hobby is restoring the antique tractors to working order.
"It's fun to fix up the tractors," Sunderman said. "I have restored probably 80 percent of my tractors and I do everything myself except for the painting."
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