Stratton business adds line of big tractors

Ken Johnston

The Stratton based Tank’s Welding and Repair has brought big business with a big name to the area.
Dwight and Donna Tank decided last fall to add the Landini tractor name to their business.
Having sold 10 used tractors last year they decided to become a Landini dealer and took delivery of their first tractor November 19, 2002.
“We wanted to sell a good useable tractor at a reasonable price. That lead us to Landini,” said Dwight.
Having worked on farm equipment for many years, Dwight felt the Landini, with a Perkins engine was the way to go. “Landini has been around since 1884.”
The brand name is Italian and that is where the equipment is manufactured. They vary from 40 horsepower to 180 h.p. in size.
The couple felt with the sales of used tractors last year, that a line of brand new ones would be a good addition to their business which is located on Hwy. 11 in Stratton where the former Vandenbrand Equipment was.
Dwight’s father blazed the trail to the Rainy River District. Roland Tank came here in 1984 and through visits to the area Dwight and his family were exposed to it. In 1998 he set up a shop in Pinewood.
The move to Stratton took place last February and both Tanks say the location has been a real boost to their business.
Prior to coming to the area in 1995, Dwight had worked for a number of companies and then owned his own shop for 11 years in a small Saskatchewan town. However a fire destroyed the local hotel and two other businesses there. Dwight and another small retail store were the only businesses left in town. When the grain elevator was closed that was it. Business dried up and he was forced to shut down.
Now he is putting his welding and mechanical background to work doing repairs on everything from small cars to big farm and logging equipment. “The logging side of things was new to me when I came here, but not all that different than the farm repairs.”
Taking on some consignment sales of used tractors last year, he was happy to see that there was demand for them. Ten tractors later he and Donna were ready to take the next step.
The Landini, sitting on the lot now, is a 90 h.p. and retails for about $54,000 without the loader. Add another $12,000 for that accessory. At $66,000 Dwight says, “it is cheaper than competitor’s models.”
While he admits he probably got into the dealership at the wrong time of the year, there has been considerable interest in the Landini on the lot and crossing his fingers, “We might have her sold this week!”
While some people might not recognize the Landini name, they likely would Massey Ferguson, which at one time Landini built. “There is one (tractor) near Rainy that says Landini-Massey 8630 on it and that owner has nothing but praise for it.”
In addition to selling the tractors, Tanks offer full service on them and plan to stock parts for the Landini’s. On the low end they sell for about $20,000 and at the high end about $110,000. Dwight said that they are compatible with all makes of other equipment. “You can put anything on them.”
The 40 h.p. is small, but, “It can really haul stuff,” said Dwight excitedly.
As a rule the welding and repair business is seasonal. But since moving to the Stratton location Dwight said it has not slowed down. “It is never boring because you never know what you are going to do,” he said while working on the electrical system of a half-ton truck.
Tank’s are open Monday to Saturday 8- 5 p.m., although they often work later. Dwight recommends that people call for an appointment as they are very busy.
While the sale of Landini tractors can be a distraction from the other side of the business he says, “It is a nice change of pace.”