General News
24 September, 2025
Dedicated John Deere museum right here in Dimboola
Tractor enthusiasts will soon be able to take a look at Ross Johns' John Deere tractor collection in Dimboola.
The Warracknabeal farmer has named it the John Deere Tractor Museum.
"I've always liked John Deere," Mr Johns said.
"It was the first tractor I've ever driven."
Six tractors currently reside in the museum at 39 Victoria Street, Dimboola, with three more ready to be transported from Warracknabeal and on the lookout for more.
"I got four shipped from the US in spring last year," Mr Johns said.
"I'm delighted to have them here.
"I'm collecting history right here in Australia."
Choosing Dimboola for his latest business endeavour was an easy task as Mr Johns said he likes the community.
"I love the natural beauty of Dimboola and the town is amazing," he said.
"There are excellent shops and the people here are really friendly."
The museum doesn't open regularly, but it has opened five times, most recently over the weekend, as part of the Tower Park Market's side quest puzzle activity for children.
"You definitely get an interesting range of people coming through," Mr Johns said.
The most prized tractor housed at the museum so far is John Deere's 'Waterloo Boy', the first John Deere tractor, made in March 1919, to replace horse-drawn appliances.
Mr Johns said there are only 20 in the world that are operational.
The fully restored and operational piece of history is equipped with a 25-horsepower belt drive, three forward gears and one reverse gear, a one-horsepower drawbar, and features chain steering.
