While visiting the Tr-State Gas Engine and Tractor show in Portland, IN earlier this year, I saw something I had never seen in person before – a Shop Mule tractor.
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – if that’s true, then IH ought to have been very flattered by the W. F. Herbard company’s production of the shop mule tractor. While it isn’t exactly imitation, Herbard certainly took Farmall’s tractors and ran with them.
The Shop Mules are compact, powerful versions of IH’s popular tractors. W. F. Herbard, located in Chicago, built them using IH power units and other parts.
Don’t be fooled by the Shop Mule’s cute looks – these tractors pack a punch! Unlike a homemade half-scale version of a letter series tractor, these machines have the full power of their corresponding tractor. They were popular in situations where compact power was needed – inside shops (as the name would suggest!), in airports, and similar places.
Shop Mules take a bit of ingenuity to restore. While many of the parts are interchangeable with letter-series tractors, it takes some work to figure out how everything fits together.
Hubbard made at least four models of the Shop Mule tractor – the A3 Victory, A14, A14 Victory, and A21. Models with the “Victory” designator were wartime production and didn’t use tractor sheet metal.
While I can’t find any mention of the Shop Mule tractor in the IH archives I have access to, I imagine that the Shop Mule’s popularity eventually lead to the production of the Cub Lo-Boy tractor – the closest tractor in the official IH lineup.
How about you – have you ever worked on a Shop Mule tractor? How do they compare to the full-sized versions? Share your thoughts below.
Doug says
I have worked on them and own 3 of them + some manuals on them. One like this and an 14 and an A21.
Gary says
I HAVE A J233 shop mule it is complete I have had it 20 years it hasn’t been started in 10 years what is it worth
Kyle says
Do you have any pictures of it ? How much you want for it ?
Mike says
I have a Buda TG-26 shop mule I’m restoring. It uses the same International tranny and rear end but uses a Buda 4b-153 engine. I’m in serious need of some axle seals if anyone knows where to get them.
Ed Warns says
I’m looking for axle seals also. I have an Allis Chalmers TG24.
Suzette Thomas says
I am sorry we do not carry any parts for that tractor.
Tom Newton says
I have a 1951 Hebard shop mule type A21 it is a international conversion. Never seen one before and am having hard time getting parts its like hit or miss. very rare here in nova scotia canada
Marianne says
We have an A21 Shop Mule with plow. At auction in Middletown, NY Oct. 2nd 2021. If interested let me know.
Terry Pence says
I have a shop mule and am wondering how I can find out what year it is.
Suzette Thomas says
Terry I am not sure about how to find that out but you might want to try http://www.MyTractorForum.com to see if anyone there can help you. Good luck 🙂
MARK M says
I have a 1950 W.F. HEBARD A14V SHOP MULE , Am in need of copies of service tech and parts manuals. Also looking for some leads on where to find some parts. Need front rims/tires and hub assemblies, rear rims and tires, Bearings and rear axle seals. Thanks, Mark
Doug says
Mark send me an email at drbrookville at aol dot com I have some info on Hebard mules.
Doug says
Please go to Facebook and search for a group called “W. F. Hebard Company” they can help you find parts and manuals.
Mike says
I’m working on a 1941 A-14 Shop Mule. The tractor is complete, but will need a few parts replaced. The tires appear to be original, the rears are in very good condition. I want to get it running before I work on the rest of the tractor.
Phillip Reynolds says
I am looking for parts on an A-14 victory shop mule. Rear brake shoes and drums and front hubs. Where can I find parts for this unit? Please email me at phillipr@lalift.com. Thank you.
Bill schroeder says
I own a AV14 shop mule I need manuals and hoping to restore it.Anybody with information.Thanks Bill
AT says
Hi Bill, I apologize but it looks like that is not something we stock, but perhaps someone else in the comments could help with that?
Doug says
There is a website and facebook group for Hebard shop mules, see the reply above to Mark M.
Gary Vukich says
I am in the process of downsizing(81yrs old), will be selling small tractor collection
2- MH PONYS,1 ACG,1 early Sears garden ,
ONE VERY NICE HEBARD MODEL233 ser.#6389 eng#495430 IH 233-6,
Painted OSHA blue recently,dual seating ,converted to 12 volt-t98 4 speed,needs rear tires matched on cast spoke wheels.lots of shop equipment and old cars and parts
Gary Vukich 209-495-9070 cell Modesto California