VINTAGE MULE
(cont) by Mark Neeley

In my teens my dad used his Gravely around our house to clear brush and cut down overgrowth in the woods around our house. I remember he had two tractors trading in an older 1950s or 60s short hood model for a later 60s style custom convertible. Neither one of those tractors stick out as much as Daddy-Bob’s, but I do remember that Dad’s tractors furthered my respect for the machines and reinforced what I already knew, Gravely Tractors were one of the toughest machines ever made. 

Today, I own and use several Gravelys throughout the year. Why would I use an older model machine when I could by a new one? Because vintage Gravely tractors are built like tanks and their all gear driven power trains can take just about any abuse you can throw at them. I can not recommend them enough for anyone who has a need for such a machine.

The original Gravely Model L style walk behind tractor can still be found in use across the United States. It is a prime example of what “Made in the U.S.A.” meant when those tractors were originally built from the 1930s-1970s.There is also a lesson to be learned as well on what longevity and customer loyalty meant in repeat customers. In an era of easy bankruptcy and government handouts, you have to wonder how so many companies in the past rose through the decades to build this country. Gravely did it by designing an honest work-horse walk behind garden tractor that would last a lifetime and beyond.

Nearly any vintage Gravely tractor found today can be restored to out perform anything new on the market today for what it was designed for. Ebay is a great source for the tractors as are several specialized dealers including www.gravelyparts.com  and www.gravelyrestoredtractors.com. To learn more about vintage Gravely Tractors visit the Gravely Tractor Club of America online at www.gravelytractorclub.org.

Mark Neeley