Pedal Tractors are not a big part of my collection. As a matter of Fact I only have 1. But the one I do have has sentimental value because it was a chiristmas present and I pedaled that thing down country roads, in a parade, and even in a mini-tractor pull at the mall. Its not that I don’t like pedal tractors, but their sheer size prevents me from having a collection at all.
This fall Scale Models is producing a Pedal that has me really excited, enough to break my ban on buying all Scale Models products. The John Deere 9870 is the first mass produced pedal combine that I’m aware of. It features all metal construction, and a level of finish that is not usually seen from Scale Models. The combine will have a moving auger, a 6-row corn head, and rear steering.
I don’t think I’m the only one excited about the combine considering the traffic that I saw as the representative discussed the model with prospective customers at the National Farm toy show. The only thing to complain about on the tractor is its relative awkward seating arrangement. Although I’m about 20 years past my last pedal ride, I can imagine my son some day struggling to keep his balance on this tractor. Nevertheless I will probably buy this pedal and double the size of my collection.
Release date: The Scale Models representative told me that they were still producing the corn head, and she anticipated a thanksgiving-ish delivery date. Online dealers are predicting a Christmas delivery. I’m guessing the online dealers are probably more accurate.
Stock #: ZSM1042
Price: $209.99 from
http://www.bossenimp.com/$219.99 from
http://www.outbacktoystore.com/$224.99 Pre sale item on
http://www.ebay.com/
Here is another variation in the 9000 Series of John Deere combines. The first model in this series was the 9750 and Ertl produced many variations from that model. It was a big deal back in 2000 because it was one of the first combines that had completely clear cab glass. There were some earlier gleaner combines that had "smokey" windows, but this was the first John Deere combine that didn't have the cast black plastic windows. The next generation was the 9x60 series. This combine restyled the intake manifold on the side of the combine and restyled the cab top. Also the second model of the 9x60 that was released had the folding unloading auger which is a neat detail for this scale. This model has the exact same casting as the 9x60 series, the only real difference I can see is the graphics. The big difference is that the 9870 comes with the big draper head. (Note: Check the package when you buy this model because some of the early releases of this model had the regular grain head, the later ones had the big draper head). The draper head is very nice, and is in fact the nicest John Deere head ever mass produced in 1/64. It was first released only as part of a 4 combine set from Ertl a few years ago. So if you didn't get the draper head then this is a great chance to pick one up for $15.
