Originally posted 07/28/2002
What is a JRT?
Humorist / tractor guy Roger Welsch refers to “tractor retrieval trips,” or “TRTs,” in his book “Love, Sex, and Tractors.” The “TRT” traditionally evolves, several people piled into a truck, all-night driving, lying about one’s tractor related exploits, and beer drinking. For some reason when Barry’s friend Rick was told of our impending adventure to pickup the Jeep, he suggested we were embarking on a “Jeep Retrieval Trip,” or “JRT.”
Fast forward twenty-three years and we are still doing JRTs, only this time it is a Jeep Parts Retrieval Trip (JPRT).
Background – The Farm-Aid Lift
We first learned of the Farm-Aid Hydraulic Lift from our late friend John Ittel in 2016. John also introduced us to the Farm-Aid Movie, which demonstrates both the lift and its special attachments. Our research led us to Transport Motor Company (TMC). This Willy-Overland Westcoast distributor sold both the Farm-Aid and the HYTECO hydraulic lift (re-branded as TMC), plus various non-3-point standard implements.
We had given up on ever locating any Farm-Aid implements. At the 2025 Jeep Rally, we were told by a gentleman from Washington (?) state that he had a Farm-Aid scraper. He was looking for a Farm-A lift and had attended the show to study John’s. He wasn’t interested in selling the scraper. At least we knew that some implements still exist.
Then came the June 27, 2025, email.
Brett S. wrote, “I have these farm implements that I found that I believe fit an old jeep? I don’t really know for sure. From what I can find for pictures, they would be for a Jeep; it’s the only thing I can find that takes the hookup. I was wondering if you could provide more information about them and possibly their value. I want to sell them.”
The following pictures were attached:
The first question was “Where are you located?” Then came the unexpected answer: Not California, not Oregon, not Washington, but Chardon, Ohio! A mere 6 hours from Farm Jeep headquarters. Thoughts of a JPRT formed immediately!
The next question was, “How did you know they were for a Jeep?” The answer was a faint tag on the disc –
So many questions.
We asked so many questions: How did you acquire these? (Given to me by a neighbor for clearing a fence row.) How did Farm-Aid implements end up in northeastern Ohio? (No idea.) Did the property owner know any history? (New owner, old owner deceased.) Could they load them on a trailer for us? (Sure.)
The one question not asked is “Where do these need to go?” The answer was from the beginning to the John Ittel Farm Jeep collection housed on the Ittel Family Farm. The farm is also the site of the annual Willys Jeep Rally Farm Demonstration. John’s family agreed.
The JPRT.
While it took a few days to make the trip, the trip itself went amazingly smoothly. Part of the reason was that we asked our friend Scott Sperling to join Barry. Scott is part of the Willys Jeep Rally team that helps maintain the Jeep collection. Scott is also part of the Farm Demonstration team. Most importantly, Scott is a veteran of many JRTs and JPRTs, so he is experienced at loading odd pieces of equipment (like non-working trenchers!). So Scott agreed to be our “load-master” and relief driver if needed. This was going to be a one-day adventure.
Barry picked up Scott in Richmond, and they headed east to Chardon. Barry has been on many road trips to the Cleveland area and declared this to be the easiest one: light traffic and no major construction around Columbus. They arrived right on schedule, and the seller was there with his backhoe, ready to load.
Loaded and ready to head to their new home.
Scott did a great job of loading the trailer, and the trip home started on time. It was smooth driving until it wasn’t. We encounter some quick rain showers, followed by warnings of water on the interstate and area flash flood warnings. But we saw neither. Our timing was less than perfect when we encountered rush hour traffic in Columbus. The navigation system said there was a 28-minute delay, suggesting a few off-ramp alternatives. Those alternatives had long lines of cars backed up on the interstate. We chose to stay the course. The delay turned into more of a 45-minute slow crawl. When we reached the point where traffic flowed again, we could see the problem – an accident on the northbound lanes.
We contacted the Ittels to let them know of the late arrival. The remainder of the driving was smooth sailing, but we did miss our planned arrival time by over an hour. However, Joe Ittel was waiting with his loader, and we quickly unloaded the rusty gold.
Barry dropped Scott in Richmond and headed for home. He got to enjoy a beautiful summer sunset and a full July moon. As JRTs and JPRTs go, this was a great one. Both Scott and Barry felt that they had saved a small piece of Jeep history. It doesn’t get better than that.
End note
We are very thankful that Brett, the seller, took the time to contact us, and we told him so. We are also looking forward to seeing these farm implements as they begin a new life, reunited with the Farm-Aid lift. A special thanks to the Itell family for making this save possible.