40 years ago my neighbor had a small Brillion tractor that he bought new from the local IH dealer in Oneida, IL. Has anyone here heard of or know anything about this brand. I think it may have been carried by many IH dealers at that time. It resembles the round hoods and had rear wheel fenders and a metal seat was gray and white color scheme. The deck as i remember resembles the decks on the older WH tractors too.
evanloock- 09-30-2008
I seem to recall they were made/associated by/with Ariens. Not really sure, but I know Ariens was located in Brillion, WI.
vinylguy52- 10-01-2008
Thanks thats a start. I once saw a manual on ebay with a small line art drawing if the tractor but would love to find a picture of one. was always jealous watching Wayne mow while I pushed the heavy cast iron eclipse around our seemingly huge yard. LOL
linen beige- 10-01-2008
T.D., Just Google "Brillion tractor". A handfull of pics pop up.
jschahl- 10-01-2008
There was a big article on Brillion in the last issue of Lawn and Garden Collector Magazine. I'm sure back issues are still available. Brillion tractors are EXTREMELY rare.
linen beige- 10-01-2008
QUOTE (jschahl @ October 01, 2008 09:18 am)
Brillion tractors are EXTREMELY rare.
Does that mean there weren't a billion Brillions?
jschahl- 10-01-2008
ha ha.....
I think (I read it a few weeks ago) that the article said there are only two restored ones known to exist, and a few other parts tractors. I'll check tonight.
pond195520032003- 10-01-2008
as soon as i get back home i will add a photo of the one i had they are around, just hard to find
jschahl- 10-01-2008
Here's a couple of pics I scanned out of the article from LAGC. Brillion made tractors from 59-63... they apparently took over the Garden All company. Back issues available at LAGC Magazine, Attn: Kate, 877 Framewood, Newburgh, IN, 47630 (812) 490-3607. Brillion was a feature article in the Sept/Oct 2008 issue. And for those who don't subscribe... you should think about it... BPjunk has a regular column in it, and it's full of other good info too!
vinylguy52- 10-01-2008
Yep! thats the tractor. I seem to remember it being gray instead of bronze but then CRAFT anymore!
I am going to contact Wayne and show him this image. the last year we owned the sign shop in Galesburg he was in the shop on business and saw a wheel horse decal. As we began visiting about them I asked him if the tractor his dad had when we were kids was a Brillion and he about fell over. He could not imagine that anyone would remember the name of the tractor and that it was purchased from the IH dealer in town. He will get a kick out of the picture.
Thanks again
linen beige- 10-02-2008
T.D., Here's one I found through a Google search. It looks like it may be the same model as the bronze one, but I don't think it's the same tractor.