FIREFIGHTERS battled flames and exploding gas bottles for more than hour before extinguishing a shed fire on Friday.
The Dingee blaze destroyed collectable automotive parts and a prized 1962 John Deere 20D tractor.
Owner Michael Fitchett said he had been sleeping when fire started in the nearby shed about 8am.
Mr Fitchett said he woke to see fire coming from the shed that he had erected in 2002.
He said the tractor was a family heirloom, complete with original motor and purchased by his father from a market gardener in Bendigo.
“I had just used it (in recent days) while cleaning up around the property,” he said.
Mr Fitchett, a registered recycler, said he had lived at the Dingee property for 32 years.
“I’ve lost the tractor, collectables, car parts - GT Falcon parts in their original boxes and still with receipts,” he said.
“And there were car motors and a car ... this has been my hobby.
“Will probably never get over the loss ... I’m 72 now,” Mr Fitchett said.
Dingee Tandarra, Mitiamo, Serpentine, Raywood and Eaglehawk units attended the blaze. 
They prevented flames spreading to Mr Fitchett’s home.
Senior Constable Peter Halpin, of Serpentine police, said there were no suspicious circumstances. A CFA fire investigator from Echuca also assessed the fire scene. 
Dingee brigade members returned 12 hours later when embers flared from the morning blaze.