The farmer explained how the original design differed from the family's later electrical modifications.
He also reminded the boy that starting an old tractor was not a casual experiment.
The transmission needed to be checked.
The machine had to be stable.
People needed to stand clear.
And any demonstration should be supervised by a qualified adult.
The boy listened closely.
He wrote notes.
Asked questions.
Then returned home feeling more prepared.
Not certain.
But prepared.
The distinction would matter enormously on auction day.
The machinery dealer learned about the boy's plans almost three weeks before the sale.
A customer mentioned it while browsing used tractors at the dealership.
The dealer laughed.
"That kid?"
The customer nodded.
"He wants his grandpa's old John Deere back."
The dealer shook his head.
"Poor little fool."
The customer frowned.
"I wouldn't call him that."
The dealer shrugged.
"He's going to waste money on a dead tractor."
The customer looked toward the yard.
"Seems like it means something to him."
The dealer gave a dismissive laugh.
"Sentimental value doesn't turn an engine."
The customer said nothing.
Then left.
Afterward, the dealer walked into his office.
He opened the estate auction's consignment paperwork.
Lot 142 appeared near the bottom of the machinery list.
Condition: nonoperational.
Estimated salvage value: low.
Engine: reported catastrophic failure.
The dealer smiled.
The paperwork reflected his own diagnosis.
He had supplied it.
The auction company relied on him because he operated an established equipment business.
The family lacked the funds to obtain a separate inspection.
And the estate administrator was trying to resolve multiple obligations.
Everything seemed favorable.
The dealer also had a separate arrangement involving unsold equipment.
He would assist with removal and disposal of designated salvage lots after the auction.
Certain items could be acquired under the agreed salvage terms if no public buyer appeared.
The exact purchase amounts varied by category.
Lot 142 was listed among the machines expected to remain unsold.
The dealer intended to take it.
Repair the relatively simple ignition problem.
Clean the tractor.
Replace a few inexpensive components.
Then advertise it as a running vintage John Deere.
He believed he could sell it for several thousand dollars.
Possibly more to the right collector or small-property owner.
The tractor was complete.
Its sheet metal was mostly intact.