Minneapolis Moline

 A few years ago I got an idea for my weekly article from a 1965 Successful Farming magazine.  Well there were a couple of other items in that magazine that sparked some interest.  There was a picture of a Minneapolis Moline tractor that caught my eye.  It was a model G 708 with front wheel assist.  I sure wish Minneapolis Moline could have continued to be in the tractor business.  They were very often ahead of their time or at least not afraid to try a new concept.  In the earlier days they were one of the first companies to get into fueling their tractors with LP which was a cheaper alternative at the time.   LP tractors were very efficient and clean fuel burners.  Soon other companies followed suit.   Now in the case of the G 708 I saw in the picture, it was the front wheel assist that caught my eye.  Minneapolis Moline was quick to equip some of their tractors in the 1960’s with front wheel assist.  The G 708 in the picture I saw featured 3-point hitch and was available for diesel, LPG fuels, 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive.
I have been in the tractor pull at Itasca Park for the last 5 years with my R John Deere.  One of the tractors there, the one that won my division a few years ago was a G705 Minneapolis Moline.  The big standard tread tractor was introduced in 1962 and replaced the  GVI tractor.  The G 706 was basically the same machine except it was equipped with MFWD(4 wheel drive).  Of course one of the draws of Minneapolis Moline tractors to me was the fact that they were manufactured in Hopkins, MN.
Those of you who know me know that I am a huge John Deere fan but Minneapolis Moline tractors are also a favorite of mine!
Years ago I bought a combine near Thief River Falls.  The man also had a G708 MM tractor.  Well, I said let me know if you ever sell it as I would be very interested!  I never did hear back and assume it has long since been sold, but man I would have really liked to drive that one home.   The big husky G series of Minneapolis Moline tractors have always fascinated me.  All the way back to the G VI in 1959 to the run through the 1960’s Minneapolis Moline had a run of some awfully nice tractors with some great features for the farmers on the northern plains.  Hats off to Minneapolis Moline, I still hope maybe one of those big G series tractors will find its way onto my farm!
How about a little tractor trivia!

 1.The model G 708 was only manufacture for one year. What year was it?

 2.The G 706 was replaced by the __________________.
3. Did Minneapolis Moline ever make a G 707?
 4. The G 706 and G 708 both had a _____ speed transmission.
 5. The G 708 was replaced by one of my favorite modern MM tractors.  What model
     was that?  

Answers:  1.  1965   2.   G 708   3.  Yes, it replaced the G 705   4.  5 speed   5.   G 1000