Sarver also notes that the Speedex Tractor Co. and followed a similar path, leading to the development of Wheel Horse tractor line. Ironically, Pond’s brother Elmer also left the Shaw Mfg. Shortly thereafter Pond changed the name of his business to the Speedex Tractor Co. after 1948, Pond designed his own transmission and rear end out of necessity. When Ford decided to no longer supply parts to the Pond Tractor Co. Many of Pond’s early tractors used Briggs & Stratton engines with Ford transmissions and rear ends. Co., Pond used several major components from other companies. Pond designed the Model B, which was the first four-wheel garden tractor commercially built in the United States. Co., Pond was responsible for material shipments in the Ohio and Pennsylvania region. Co., a company that built walk behind tractors and outdoor equipment from reclaimed motorcycles and surplus automobile parts. Pond had previously been affiliated with the Shaw Mfg. The Sarvers’ collection is one of a lesser known brand that has long since gone out of business, but through their restoration of these tractors the Speedex name continues to be shared with a younger generation at several local shows.Įd Sarver explained that the history of the Speedex tractor began in 1935 when Harold Pond founded the Pond Tractor Co. Collecting and restoring Speedex garden tractors is a passion shared by Ed and Deb Sarver of Manns Choice.
