Gilbert's first new tractor after moving to Creston was this John Deere, which started a tradition that lasted throughout his farming career.

It was believed in that era that rubber tires would pack the ground too much while cultivating, so the steel wheels with lugs were used. Later, this belief was dispelled and large rubber tires filled with liquid for added weight and traction were used.

Gilbert had the front of this tractor rear up and tip over backwards not too long after this photo was taken. He jumped clear and escaped serious injury. The tractor was little damaged except for needing the muffler sticking upward at the front of the tractor replaced.