Lamar Cotton said Wednesday people should disregard the rumors about the “closure” of Cotton Tractor.

“We’ve been here since March of 1949, and we’re not going anywhere,” Cotton said.

There have been big changes at the tractor and farm implement business, located on Ala. Hwy. 55 South, which could account the closure rumors, Cotton said.

“Used to be that everyone called us ‘Cotton Ford Tractor,’” he said. “In 1993, Ford sold to New Holland, but we could use the ‘Ford’ name until 2000. We’re still in business, but due to the economy, we had to drop the New Holland line, downsize and pursue a line that was more economical for our customers.”

Cotton said after much research, the company is now a LS tractor distributor.

“But we still supply parts for Ford and New Holland equipment and service it, too,” he said.

Cotton said LS is the parent company of LG – the “you know, Life is Good people, like you see on TV.”

“You wouldn’t think that a company that makes televisions and appliances would make tractors, but they do, and have been since 1973,” he said. “They’re a good piece of equipment with cheaper prices and better financing, two things our customers will appreciate.”

And despite only having the word “tractor” in the name, Cotton Tractor features more than tractors.

“Basically, if you need a piece of equipment to mow grass, cut hay, make a garden or plant a crop, we’ve got it,” he said. “Everything from lawn mowers and bush hogs to discs and rotary cutters, it’s here.”

Cotton Tractor is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon.

“We’re here and here to stay,” Cotton said. “We’re not closing.”