The agricultural industry is a diverse and exciting part of our nation. The San Joaquin Valley is the richest agricultural land in the world. A large part of this prosperity in farming depends on quality agricultural machinery and services. Being in business since 1954, Garton Tractor, Inc. has established that a Customer:
- Is the most important person at our Company.
- Is a human being with feelings much like our own.
- Deserves our most courteous and attentive treatment.
- Does not interrupt our work; they are the purpose of it.
- Brings us their needs, it is our job to fulfill them.
- Is an integral part of our Company; not an outsider.
- Does not depend on us; we depend on them.
- IS OUR BUSINESS!
Our future depends on profitably satisfying the customer.
History 
Garton Tractor, Inc.'s roots began in 1953 when William W. Cornforth, purchased the Ford tractor dealerships in Modesto and Turlock from Green and Berry. Bill Cornforth's son-in-law, Vernon K. (Bud) Garton was assigned managerial duties in 1954.
Bill Garton joined the company in June 1979 after graduation from the University of the Pacific, Stockton. Tom Garton began in September of 1983, after graduation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
In 1957 the two dealerships were sold to Vernon K. (Bud) Garton, Leonard Garton and Roy Nance. The partnership between the two Gartons and Nance was dissolved in 1961. In the same year, Garton Tractor Company branched out to Los Banos under Leonard Garton's management.
Garton Tractor company met rapid growth with an expansion move to the current Golden State Boulevard location in 1969. In 1970, Leonard Garton retired; the Los Banos store was closed, and Garton Tractor Company incorporated with Ford Motor Company being major stockholder, thus creating Garton Ford Tractor, Inc. In 1975, Bud Garton repurchased Ford's stock in the dealership, returning the company to a family-owned entity.
A separate rental business was established in 1976, to separate the rental demand during harvest season. Appropriately named "Golden State Rentals, Inc.", this rental business has progressed to a year-round operation.
Bill Garton joined the company in June 1979 after graduation from the University of the Pacific, Stockton. Tom Garton began in September of 1983, after graduation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
In June of 1989, Garton Tractor, Inc. acquired the Ford/New Holland dealership in Newman from Lewis Ramos. In June of 1996, a new facility was purchased to expand the Newman facility. In 2008, Ben Garton, graduate from the University of Alabama, joined the company and manages the Newman store and Precision Farming.
In 1990, Ford Motor Company sold the agricultural division to Fiat. The new company for agricultural equipment worldwide is "New Holland". Being a core business for Fiat, "New Holland" is a worldwide leader in the production of agricultural equipment. The formation of "New Holland" contributes to our dealership success. The "Ford" name continued until the year 2000. The "Ford" logo was discontinued in January '94, while the "New Holland" logo took precedence. In 1999, New Holland merged with Case creating the corporate Case New Holland entity. New Holland and Case brands are marketed through separate divisions of the parent company.
Originally located on
West Charter Way, Garton Tractor moved in August 2008 to a new facility on French Camp Turnpike Road which gives our customers easy access to superior Parts and Service support - Stockton serves the Northern San Joaquin Valley.
To the southern part of our Valley, Garton Tractor - Tulare was established in 2000. Located on South "K" Street along Highway 99, the dealership features agricultural and industrial New Holland equipment. If you attend the World AG Expo in Tulare, please stop by... we're right across the highway.
In June 2004, the Santa Rosa branch was established serving the North Coast with New Holland agricultural and construction equipment. Garton Tractor, Santa Rosa is located on the west side of Hwy 101, just south of Todd Road.
Close to Turlock, the Modesto branch was established in September 2005. Located on McHenry Ave, the dealership features New Holland and Kubota agricultural and construction equipment.
Garton Tractor, Inc. and Golden State Rentals, Inc. have met steady growth by providing unique quality service to the agricultural community. This service coincides with excellent personnel, a vital asset to our continued growth and prosperity.