Designs in Heavy Metal: Tractor Rods & Rims

Back in 2005, a gentleman farmer friend who needed parts for his tractor, invited me to accompany him to what he termed the Tractor Graveyard. I grabbed my camera and off we went.

The salvage yard organization is one of like parts and brands, crankshafts, axles, wheels and transmissions. Within this structure I found too the chance of random throws. Designs in shape and color emerged to my photographer’s eye. Not unlike close-up patterns of nature, I saw the hidden artistry of Man’s Machinery. On that day I discovered the beauty of metal and mud, paint and purpose fused from sweat and muscle.

These are not only salvaged tractor parts to be reused. They hold the stories of lives lived in the fields; the harvesting of hopes and dreams along with the foods that feed us. I witnessed these remnants and created my own story. 

All photos taken on location at Farmland Tractor Supply, Tangent OR

Close-up view of worn and rusty metal crankshaft with gear teeth and splines, showing signs of rust and corrosion.
A pile of rusty metal machine parts with various shapes and holes.
A pile of rusty, corroded metal shackles or hardware parts with pink and reddish hues.
Close-up of a rusty, disassembled car engine's cylinder head, with visible valves and springs, some parts painted green and others corroded.
A pile of rusty and weathered metal machine parts, including camshafts.
A pile of rusty, corroded metal engine parts, including gears, pistons, and valve parts, on a wooden surface.
Stack of old, rusty metal engine blocks with peeling green and orange paint.
Rusty metal engine parts and crankshafts stacked together outdoors.
Close-up of rusted and painted engine cylinder heads, showing circular openings and metal surfaces.
A person taking a photo of themselves through the reflection in the window of a green vehicle with a black silhouette of a leaping deer logo on the front.
Close-up of an old, rusty tractor with peeling paint and damaged parts, set outdoors on grass.
A close-up view of a circle of black rubber tires stacked inside each other, creating a spiral pattern.
Stack of rusted metal wheel rims in various colors, some with peeling paint and overgrown grass.
Close-up of a metal engine cylinder head with a connecting rod resting on it.
Close-up of rusty mechanical engine parts with a focus on a large, perforated metal piece and surrounding components.