Story 0008
Ham Lake, MN
Interview 9/17/2026
Story by Troy Anderson
A 1939 John Deere B, a homemade set of fenders, and nearly 20 years of giving kids a chance to drive.
Getting Kids Behind the Wheel
Troy Anderson has a 1939 John Deere Model B, a tractor he had always wanted because his grandfather had one. But Troy's Model B has also found another purpose.
About 20 years ago, Troy saw a kids' tractor-driving activity at a show and liked the idea. It was a way to let kids do more than just look at the tractors. They could actually get behind the wheel and drive one. Troy started his own kids' tractor-driving course in 2006.
For the project, the John Deere B turned out to be a good fit. Troy calls it the "Goldilocks" tractor. It's not too big and not too small, making it a manageable size for kids to steer.
Safety was an important part of making the idea work. Troy designed and built a set of special fenders and a platform from scratch. The entire setup bolts onto the tractor similar to an implement, so the tractor itself hasn't been modified from its original factory configuration.
During the course, the child sits in the tractor seat and steers while Troy stands on the platform beside them. Troy takes care of operating the tractor while the child concentrates on turning the steering wheel. The course is set up on flat ground using snow fence and barrels. Troy says about 100 by 70 feet is the minimum amount of space needed to make a good course.
At the end of the course, each child receives a certificate stating that they have successfully completed the tractor-driving course. Troy has been doing this since 2006, and his dad helps him, making it something they have done together for many years.
The program has grown considerably. About 1,000 kids went through the tractor-driving course this year. Troy has also seen his idea spread. Other people have watched how the course works and have been inspired to create similar opportunities for kids at their own shows.
After nearly 20 years, Troy still enjoys doing it for a pretty simple reason. He likes making the kids smile and laugh.
"It's a good time," Troy says.
His grandfather's John Deere B was what first made Troy want a B of his own. Today, his 1939 Model B is being used to give thousands of kids their own experience behind the wheel of an old tractor.
