Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1545857
Paul and Gary Roidt have discovered that, when it comes to collecting Allis- Chalmers equipment and memorabilia, they're stronger together than they would be apart. Pairing up, the southern Wisconsin brothers have amassed an assortment of A-C items that features unique pieces such as mini bikes and golf carts. Paul, who lives on the family farm in Montello, Wis., and Gary, who resides on their mother's home farm near Cambridge, Wis., have always been partial to orange. Their dad worked on area farms that used A-C equipment and pulled with A-C tractors, and they have friends who preferred the brand. As teens, the Roidts scrapped small engines to raise money to buy their first tractor – a WC. They had wanted a WC for tractor-pulling and did that for several years. Later, they purchased a 7030 lacking an engine, then installed a military engine from Wade Implement auction, the local A-C dealer in Endeavor, Wis., and restored the tractor so they could go Super Stock. They sold that tractor in the early- 2000s, after Gary got married. "Wish still had it, but that's the way it goes," Paul said. "This is the tractor we hauled home that took 12 hours to make a five-hour trip … ." As a team, the Roidts sought out opportunities to add to their collection and bought as they could afford to. This included a variety of parts tractors, with plans to transform them into fully functioning tractors, and some implements. Tractors in the Roidt collection range in vintage from 1921 to 1979, and from the 20-35 to the 7045. As for volume, the Roidts say it depends on the day and who wants to know. Gary was first to focus on getting older tractors, including the 20-35 and 25-40, but Paul now shares that interest. Their 20-35 Longfender, sourced from Larry Swenson, is still under restoration. Paul, left, and Gary Roidt prefer to collect together. Gary, his daughter and Paul posed, below left, with the 1927 20-35 they brought back from northern Michigan; it was their first time crossing the Mackinac Bridge. Gary is shown below right with his first trophy -- a third place at the Oxford blacktop pull. Better together Roidt brothers team up to put together unique A-C collection By Old Allis News staff 22 OLD ALLIS NEWS