What I have is a 1947 Gibson model D with rare front mount sickle. It had been sitting in the elements for 15+ years after the transmission had been destroyed. My neighbor was selling the property where the tractor sat and said if I could haul it away I could have it.
It had a few flat tires and the drive train was completely locked due to the transmission. I was able to roll it on the tractor by manually moving the gears around. The first thing I attempted was to get the engine running, and pretty much all that needed was a thorough carb cleaning, including drilling out the low speed passage which was completely blocked with rust. Next I began sourcing a replacement transmission. Similar models were used in Studebakers and Jeepsters. I located a transmission through a tractor forum and got to work rebuilding that. I had to get the input shaft welded and machined in three steps to accomodate the stock support bearing and keyed hub for chain drive. During the first drive, the brake bands broke and I had to get new ones made. Once I decided to do this, I kept going and thoroughly cleaned all parts and repainted. I fully dissasembled the engine and found that it had fresh cross hatches and a new oversized piston, so it must have been rebuilt just before the transmission failure.
I finished off the restoration with replacement decals and a reproduction Wisconsin name plate. I fabricated a new belt drive engagement and lift system for the sickle and use it to mow my 6 acres. I think it is probably one of the coolest 6hp lawn mowers around. It has tiller steering, a front and rear blade, and harrow. If it doesn’t start on the first pull, then you’re doing it wrong.
Benjamin A. Harlow
Moscow, Idaho
R.B. Barnby says
Very nice restoration.. I always likes the Gibson tractors..
Lisa J. says
Exceptional restore on your Gibson. I just bought one and have a lot of work ahead of me. First off is redoing the brakes and they are inside the rear end housing. is there anywhere I can get the information to do this? I’m a professional mechanic by trade and will tear in to this rear end but I would love to have some information first as all the brakes, drums, bands and linkage have been removed. I did get these parts when I got the tractor and I intend to reinstall them but some help is always appreciated.
Again nice tractor.
Richard Storch says
Hi Ben
NIce restoration. I have, I believe, a 1949 Model D Gibson. It has a Stromberg Carlson carburetor (tag no L45B2 426020A). It was stored for a number of years. I got it running for a short while last year. It sat, and now I cannot keep the engine running. I suspect problems with carburetor since I do get spark. You mentioned ‘drilling out the low speed passage’ on yours which was blocked. If you have the Stromberg carb, where is this ‘passage’. I suspect mine is blocked. I will also be removing, flushing, prepping, & painting gas tank for future rust prevention. I can send jpg pictures if needed.
Keith says
Is there a link to where I can find people selling the 50’s Gibson tractors ?
Richard says
Anyone out there have a parts/repair schematic for the 1949 Gibson three speed transmission?
Thanks
Jack Johnson says
I have a model D that runs well. Recently I received some mower sickle parts, but it is not complete. It would be nice to have a photo of a complete mower. It appears to be a belly driven mower.
Please let me know if someone has a mower of this type. I would love to know what I need to complete the mower.