Hi, I'm Meli, the "Putt Putt Girl, and I have some more information for you!!
    The "Gathering of the Green" 2002 will offer a wide variety of extremely interesting and informative workshops which will appeal to John Deere antique two-cylinder tractor enthusiasts ranging from the beginner to the expert. Expert workshop leaders from across the country will assemble in Moline, Illinois on March 6, 7,8, & 9 to share their experience and knowledge with "Gathering" conference attendees. Don't forget, "It's not EASY being green".
    Although plans are still evolving, many workshop topics have already been confirmed for inclusion in the conference program. Workshop sessions will take place throughout the day on Thursday, March 7, Friday, March 8 and until noon on Saturday, March 9. Specific information regarding the workshop times and locations will be available when you pick up your registration packet at the conference. Workshop sessions will be longer (1- 1/2 hrs in length), with new topics and some repeats from the 2000 conference. You can see the tentative schedule HERE. Because of space constraints at the hotel, we’ll also be using areas of the Moline Airport across the street for some of the workshop sessions as well as the Moline Tractor and Plow Company (Collectors Center) in downtown Moline. Also this year, we’ve added time and space for some small drop-in/round table discussion groups.

    The following workshop topics and leaders are currently scheduled for the 2002 "Gathering":

Basic Tractor Restoration & Painting - Dan Peterman - Join Dan as he shares his expertise and years of experience in restoring JD two-cylinder tractors. His discussion on painting will be especially interesting and informative.

Basics of Coil Systems - John Nordhoff - Take in this discussion of basic theory of operation, troubleshooting and minor repair on battery/coil ignitions. The information will offer beginners and the more experienced owner a better understand how ignitions work as they repair and restore their old tractors.

Carbs and Magnetos - Robert Beaver & Cork Groth - Join these experts of the JD carb world as they discuss carburetor and magneto operation, maintenance and repair.

Clutch Rebuilding - Mike Williams - Principles of clutch operation, linkage, motion, wear problems, rebuilding, repair and trouble shooting will be covered.

Cylinder Head & Valve Repair - Bill Dies - Learn about cylinder head, valve, and related parts repair and rebuilding.

Decals - Travis Jorde - Travis will discuss decal history, types and correct placement and demonstrate proper application of decals on your tractor.

Diesels Systems - Albert Ulrich - Learn what to look for and what to expect when you buy a diesel tractor. Albert will answer your questions and take some of the mystery out of this misunderstood engine.

Electrical Systems Troubleshooting & Repair - Ron Schroder - Basic electrical repair, maintenance, and trouble shooting will be covered.

FFA Tractor Restoration - Travis & Trevor Gottschalk & Craig Dobbins - A special workshop presented by these award-winning teens will include discussion of tractor restoration and their participation in FFA tractor restoration competition.

First Time Buyers - Mark Johnson - Hear thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the first-time buyer of an antique two-cylinder tractor.

Gasket Sealants and Threadlockers - Dale Hechler - Join this Loctite representative who works directly with Deere product engineers to assist them in selecting the correct sealant, threadlocker, and adhesive for use on Deere equipment. Dale will discuss types, selection, and proper use of gasket sealants and threadlockers on your two-cylinder tractor. As we know, we are always fighting leaks on our old tractors so you will want to attend this workshop.

GP Tractors - Paul Ostrander - These famous old tractors interest many collectors and restorers. Paul Ostrander is the "guru" of GPs, so you'll want to plan to attend this workshop .

Implement Restoration & Collecting - Marvin Huber and Don McKinley - Learn about this growing aspect of the hobby from two of the best who are known for their accurate, quality restoration.

Internet - Unlocking the Mystery - Gene Tencza - The Internet can be an invaluable resource for collectors and restorers, but it often mystifies us. Learn . . . about what it is and isn't, all about a web site, how to get the most out of your browser, and how to search and locate tractor sites. Gene is the gentleman who built the "Gathering" web site. Don't miss this workshop.

JD Parts History, Policy, & Location - Greg Stephen - Be sure to hear Greg address the meaning of parts numbers, history of parts, parts network, and where we are today with John Deere parts.

JR Hobbs - Mr. Thinker at his best - Ask Mr. Thinker about anything on your mind as he addresses the latest issues in the hobby.

Lanz Tractors - European Tractor Restoration & Collecting - Arjan Lenthe - Join Arjan, a mechanic and restorer of John Deere tractors from Holland who is in the U.S. working with well-known restorer, Dan Peterman.

Lawn & Garden Tractors - Brandon Pfeiffer - This workshop will provide you with an overview of JD lawn and garden tractors. You'll learn about the rare and unusual and what to look for in the future.

Plowing - Jack Law - Two-cylinder tractors are designed for plowing, so this workshop which will focus on competitive antique plowing will be interesting and informative.

Power Steering Repair and Maintenance - Richard Lund - Problems with power steering are on-going, so learn about repair and maintenance of two-cylinder tractor power steering systems.

Restoration for Beginners and Pony Motors - Don Ward - We have asked this widely known and respected expert to address two topics in his workshop. Don will discuss ways to acquire a tractor and things to check when making your first purchase. In addition, he will talk about a wide range of subject matter related to first time restoration - use of parts manuals, degrees of restoration, tools, and essential tips to complete your project. Following this, Don will discuss all aspects of the maintenance and repair of pony motors for diesel John Deere tractors. Feel free to attend one or both of his topics. You'll enjoy the experience.

Restoring Old Tractors Including LPs - Gary Uken - Don't miss this workshop focusing on the complete restoration of "old poppers" including LP tractors by this widely-known restorer.

Spark Plugs - Duane Larson - A new "hot" topic at the 2002 conference. Learn about the history, construction, types, sizes, and problems related to spark plugs.

Toys - Bill Proft - This workshop will cover all aspects of collecting John Deere farm toys including history, toy categories, methods of construction, packaging and trends in the hobby. Bill is an encyclopedia of knowledge, so don't miss this one.

Tractor Electrical Power - John Nordhoff - Workshop will cover batteries, starters, and generators including basic theory of operation, troubleshooting, and minor repair to guide a beginner or even a more experienced collector who is unfamiliar with the tractor's electrical system.

Type "E" Engines - Rie Fulk -This new workshop on John Deere specialty engines should be interesting and one true JD enthusiasts will want to attend.

Women Drive Deere Too! - Lois Hobbs - Join Lois, a published author, who has been around John Deere "nuts" for many, many years. She will share her thought's on the restoration hobby from a woman's perspective. This is "must" session for the gals.

Unstyled B Tractors - Bruce Johnson - Bruce is a "walking encyclopedia" who will discuss the many variations of unstyled Model B tractors including accessories.

   Don't forget that there will be a number of drop-in sessions led by many of the above-named experts. You will be able to drop by, sit and chat, and ask specific questions that are of importance to you. What a great way to have your questions answered!

Evening general sessions will include Roger Welsch, well-known author, humorist, and television personality, who opens the conference on Wednesday evening, March 6. On Thursday evening, March 7, Brenda Kruse, author of JOHN DEERE COLLECTIBLES, will speak on JD memorabilia, and Friday evening, March 8, Randy Leffingwell, nationally known photojournalist with Motorsports Books, will show slides on odd, unusual and rare tractors that he has encountered over the years. You won't want to miss hearing any of these outstanding personalities.

See the present WORKSHOP SCHEDULE, HERE