The Loaner Was Free, His Massey Was Failing — Gordon Bet 1,100 Bales on the Second One

#MasseyFerguson #FarmStory #OldTractors The loaner tractor was free, but Gordon Pierce bet 1,100 bales on his failing Massey Ferguson 1105 instead. With rain only 30 hours away, refusing a newer working tractor seemed like the worst decision a Wisconsin farmer could make. Set in 1990, this story follows 53-year-old Gordon and his 27-year-old son, Patrick, during a dangerous second cutting. Their entire hay operation had been built around the familiar controls, attachments and behavior of the old Massey 1105. When a hydraulic problem stopped the tractor, the overwhelmed Massey dealer offered Gordon a newer loaner at no charge. Gordon refused, believing that changing tractors and adapting the hay equipment under pressure could waste more time than a targeted repair. The 1105 returned with only 21 hours remaining—but when its hydraulics began slowing again, the free loaner was still sitting 30 miles away. Would you trust the familiar Massey for one more day, or take the free tractor you had never operated? Share your decision in the comments. Subscribe for more American farm stories about old machinery, family decisions, approaching storms and the farmers who risk everything on the equipment they know best. #WisconsinFarming #Massey1105 #HaySeason #FamilyFarm #RuralAmerica