Nearly 35 Years Restoring Antique Tractors

Fred Wilke is recognized nationally as "Mr. Tractor" because of his contributions to rebuilding and restoring Allis Chalmers, John Deere and other tractors. Born and raised in the northern Maryland area, Fred is very familiar with farm life from his family's 200-acre beef and chicken operation. Along with working the family farm, Fred began his career in machining/manufacturing as a tool and die maker at Black & Decker after graduating high school. He continued this trade for 23 years before starting his own company, Wilke Enginuity, a high-quality machining business specializing in laser cutting and CNC fabrication services.

Fred's fascination with tractor restoration started around 1970 when he bought a 1929 McCormick 1020. Fred soon discovered he needed parts that were no longer available. The only option was to manufacture his own. Shortly thereafter he began a small operation to manufacture battery boxes and other tractor parts by request. The results were so good that he soon began building boxes for other tractor owners and enthusiasts. Today, Wilke Tractor is one of the primary sources for high-quality Allis Chalmers replacement parts that include tractor boxes, grill screens and tractor platforms.

To support his growing collection, an area was necessary to house and protect these antique tractors from the elements. "After all," Fred thought, "if we cannot proudly display our accomplishments then what would be the point!"