RG, Author at Antique Tractor Blog

Happy New Year!

01/03/2017 by RG Leave a Comment

In honor of new beginnings, here are 5 new year’s resolutions that you’ll be happy to keep:

1.Drive your tractor once a week.

Even show tractors like to get out every once and awhile! The whole point of having gorgeous tractor collections is to enjoy them, so take the tractor for a spin. Not only is it good for your tractors (some especially need to be worked hard in order to stay in good condition), it’s good for your spirits to get outside in the fresh air. Need something to do? Add a blade and do some good deeds plowing snow in your neighborhood.

2. Get better deals on parts.

Let’s face it: owning tractors can be expensive. That’s why Steiner is here to help! Save money on parts by ordering aftermarket – we’d love to help you with your next project.

3.Take your tractor somewhere fun.

A show, a parade, a drive through the countryside – you decide! Your tractor doesn’t have to be parade-perfect to get out and have some fun. If you aren’t ready to take your tractor to a show, how about some community service? A local youth group might enjoy a hayride, or you could pull a float in a parade.

4. Join a club.

If you aren’t a member of a local tractor club, you could be missing out on some great friendships (like my friends Louis and Linda pictured above)! Get to know others in your community by joining a local association. You might even make an expert mechanic friend that can help you with that tricky problem you’ve been having.

5. Share the joy with someone else.

Now more than ever, children and teens need adults in their lives who care about them and teach them useful skills. Plenty of young people are gifted at working with their hands but lack the tools and teachers they need to be successful. You can help by coming alongside a young tinkerer and showing them the ropes. There’s no way I would be the mechanic I am today if it wasn’t for my dad, grandpa, and family friends giving generously of their time to teach me. You can do the same for a young person you know!

How about you – what are your tractor-related New Year’s Resolutions? Share yours in the comments below.

Retirement Gift: JD 4020 Diesel

12/27/2016 by RG 1 Comment

When my friend Stacy Stimson retired from our local police force, his son knew just what to get to honor his father: a restored 4020 John Deere Diesel. The goal: to find and restore the original family tractor in complete secrecy. Here’s how he pulled it off.

Stacy and his son Brandon Stimson are both police officers in my small town. They’ve been friends of our family for a long time. Years ago, when Stacy’s father (a retired farmer) passed away, my dad helped them sell the family’s 4020 John Deere. At the time, no one in the family was interested in using it at the farm, so it made sense to sell the valuable tractor. A few years later, though, Stacy and Brandon began to wonder what had happened to the tractor their family had known for so long. Brandon just knew that finding this tractor again would be the perfect gift, so he called my dad for help.

Amazingly, my dad remembered exactly who had purchased the 4020 John Deere all those years ago. Brandon got in touch with the farmer and tried his best to persuade him to sell the tractor back to the Stimson family. Unfortunately for Brandon, though, the farmer had fallen in love with the faithful 4020 and wouldn’t part with it. Time for plan B.

Time was running short when Brandon found a 4020 Diesel with a syncro-shift transmission at an auction sale in Indiana. The tractor was in excellent mechanical condition, with a full overhaul completed just 300 hours ago. Cosmetically, though, the tractor was a different story. Brandon brought the tractor home with just one month to go before his dad’s retirement party.

In order to finish the project on time, Brandon enlisted the help of a friend who paints cars professionally. (I wish I had a friend like this!). The two of them tore the tractor down to the bare frame and meticulously restored every square inch. As the day of the retirement party drew near, Brandon and his friend worked even harder to get the tractor done in time. To make things even more difficult, Brandon couldn’t let his Dad know why he was spending so many evenings in the shop. His plan required complete secrecy – and it was worth it!

The day of the party, Brandon rushed to finish off the tractor. A few small details were missing – the headlights, for example, were on but weren’t wired yet. It looked fabulous, though, so Brandon set off on a one-man parade to the party, driving the 4020.

Brandon arrived just in time. The look on his father’s face when he realized the old 4020 was for him was priceless.

In the following days, Brandon took the tractor back to his home to finish off those final details – but before long, it was back at Stacy Stimson’s farm where it belonged. Stacy is already planning on putting lots of hours on the tractor in the field this next summer.

I’m so thankful to live in a community with Stacy and Brandon as our police officers. Way to go, Brandon, for honoring your dad with such a special gift!

How to Build a Champion Pulling Tractor

12/19/2016 by RG 3 Comments

Did you know that with enough time, parts, and creativity any tractor can become a champion pulling tractor? My competitive side might make me regret sharing this information, but here are my favorite upgrades to stock tractors.

Let’s take the 560 Farmall for example. On its own, the 560 is a good but not particularly beefy tractor. A few changes, though, can make it a real powerhouse.

First, lighten up the tractor. Replace the heavy-duty cast iron wheels with tin wheels. Get rid of the wide front end and replace it with a narrow front. Remove the 2 point hitch and use just the draw bar.

With all the weight you save by making these switches, you can have fun with the engine. I’d start with a 301 combine engine (non-sleeved). Put in some 806 pop-up pistons with domes. They’ll fit without the sleeves and be very powerful.

Carburation is a game-changer. If the club you’re pulling with doesn’t require a stock manifold, then switch to a combine manifold. If this is against your club’s rules, use the 806 manifold and carburetor on the 301 combine engine.

Putting in hotter plugs is a common mistake, however, the spark plug needs to be the plug that was originally engineered for the tractor (the combine engine used the same spark plugs as the tractor engine originally).

Be sure to run the biggest tire that the club allows. If allowed by your club’s rules, cut tires are a big advantage over standard tires.

A few more details: Put a straight pipe on. Keep the radiator from the 560. Add weight brackets on the back of this model.

This tractor would pull in the 5500-6500 farm pulling class. As pulling tractors go, this one would be very affordable to build and run. It would be a fun project, too! If you’re still looking for a winter project this year, try this one and send us pictures.

Ford 8N Hydraulic Troubleshooting

12/13/2016 by RG 14 Comments

Are you having trouble with your Ford 8N hydraulics? Here are some suggestions to get you started fixing your tractor. While these tips are specifically for the Ford 8N, many other models of antique tractors will show similar symptoms when their hydraulics need attention.

If the hydraulics drift down, that usually means the relief valve is squeaking by. This is easy to check – just remove the side door and watch the oil move. If the oil is leaking out of the piston top, the seal or o-ring could be damaged. While the 8N piston originally came with steel rings, many have been upgraded with a Jubilee style o-ring.

If the hydraulics don’t go up at all, it’s likely that the ball socket is the problem (worn out or jumped out of place).

If the hydraulics either go all the way up or all the way down (with no control in the middle), the problem is likely with your pivot pins. They simply wear out and need to be replaced.

If it seems like your hydraulics just aren’t doing anything, be sure to check that the PTO lever is engaged and then try.

In any case, don’t forget about fresh oil! It makes a big difference. I recommend hydra-trans oil.

A short tutorial of hydraulic repair on a Ford 8N is available here.

Of course, once you diagnose the problem you still need to fix it! Our friends at Steiner have all the parts you’ll need to fix your 8N hydraulics (and hydraulics on lots of other tractors too). Just give them a ring to get started. Call 1-888-567-0015

Tips for Wiring Your Tractor

12/06/2016 by RG 4 Comments

I just finished up a massive re-wiring project on this New Holland tractor. Mice had burrowed their way under the hood and gnawed at the wires. What a mess! Along the way to fixing this tractor up, I learned a lot about wiring problems from my Dad (in addition to being a great mechanic, he’s also a licensed electrician. Winning combo!). Here are some of our best tips for tractor electrical work:

1. When you’re installing a new harness, no need to start from scratch: firmly tape the new wires to the old wires, and pull through the loom. Voila! No need to thread individual wires through tight spots.

2. Some harnesses come with additional wire that you might not use. That’s okay – but be sure to seal off unused wires properly. Cut the wire flush, then put same tape or a wire nut over the end.

3. In the same way that you wouldn’t change the oil in your car without also replacing the filter, you should change your battery cables when you replace the harness. Battery cables need to be clean and in good condition.

4. If the wires are stiff, try putting a little bit of dish soap on the wires to help them slide through easier.

There you have it! These are my best tips for tractor electrical work. How about you – do you know any (safe!) shortcuts or tricks to make these difficult jobs go a little easier? If so, share in the comments below.

Top Trailer Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

11/29/2016 by RG Leave a Comment

Let’s face it: antique tractors are not road-worthy. As much as I wish the Moline UDLX (tractor/truck hybrid) had taken off, the sort of old tractors we love just aren’t portable on their own. If you own a tractor, you’re going to need a truck and trailer before too long.

While my dad and I no longer repair tractors for others, we did so long enough to see all sorts of tractor and trailer problems. The good news is that these problems are avoidable! Here are the top tractor + trailer mistakes I’ve seen, and tips on how to solve these problems.

1. Overweight. Antique tractors are heavier than you’d expect! Add some fluid in the tires, a few suitcase weights, and an implement and you can quickly get in trouble. Each truck, hitch, and trailer has a maximum weight rating. Ignoring these weight ratings is illegal, horribly unsafe, and will damage your truck and trailer. You can avoid this problem by accurately estimating the weight of the tractor you intend to haul (TractorData.com lists the weight of most tractors, but don’t forget about fluid in the tires!) and leaving a margin of safety. If the load is too heavy for you, either break it into smaller loads (if possible) or hire/rent/borrow a bigger rig.

2. Trailer light problems. Wiring a trailer can be tricky! In many trailer models, wires are exposed to the elements, too – so things are prone to shorts and breaks. Check your trailer lights (brakes, blinker, and hazard flashers) before every trip. It’s wise to carry extra fuses. Bonus points for carrying extra brake lights, wire cutters, and electrical tape to solve any problem that might come up.

3. Failure to secure the load. Be sure that you use an adequate amount of straps or chains. Pay attention to how you position the weight of your load over the axle, too – even a foot or two can make a big difference! After your first 30 minutes of driving, it’s smart to get out and check the load to make sure that nothing has come loose along the way.

4. Frost laws. Seasonal road restrictions are nothing to mess around with. Getting caught with a heavy load on a restricted road could cost you big time. It’s not enough to rely on posted signs, either. Your best bet is to call the road commission or police department (on the non-emergency line!) to ask about the status of roads in your community before loading up.

These are the biggest trailer mistakes that come to my mind – how about you? What mistakes have you witnessed, and how can they be avoided? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

5 Things Your Shop Needs

11/21/2016 by RG 8 Comments

In addition to regular shop tools, tractor mechanics need a few large pieces of equipment. I benefit from a huge, well-equipped shop (thanks, Dad!), but you don’t need to have all the bells and whistles to begin working on tractors. Here are what I consider to be the 5 can’t-live-without essentials to a well equipped shop.

Cherry picker. This is especially important if you’re working alone – but even with friends to help, a cherry picker will make a big difference in your ability to safely move heavy tractor components around the shop.
Floor jack. Good floor jacks are really important – we have 3! This isn’t something to economize on, either. Get the highest quality you can find, with a weight limit that far exceeds the sort of work you’re planning to do.
Welder. Every shop should have one! While welders used to be huge and expensive, these days small, affordable buzz boxes are easy to come by.
Torch. A basic torch makes so many shop jobs possible. My dad and I even have 2 tanks of oxygen (one in use, one full and ready for when we run out). If you’re just getting started and have to choose between a torch and a welder, get a torch and learn how to gas weld. While gas welding isn’t as strong as a real weld, you can do fairly well.
Manuals for your tractor. I’ve written about the importance of a good shop manual before, but it’s worth repeating: every mechanic needs to have a manual!

How about you – what would you add to this list?

Custom Built 1/16 Scale Pulling Tractors

11/15/2016 by RG 1 Comment

Take a close look at these tractors – they’re the most detailed scale model tractors I’ve ever seen!

I met the creator, Dale Woodliff, at the Dyersville toy tractor show last weekend. These pristine, 1/16th pulling tractor models are individually handmade in Kendall, Wisconsin.

Dale is a retired farmer and heavy equipment operator. He’s been making models for over 30 years. The first model he made was a copy of his own personal pulling tractor, the EXCITER. This model is now on display at the National Farm Toy Show Museum in Dyersville, Iowa. The full-sized tractor is in the Retired Tractor Museum in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Dale’s workshop includes mini-lathes, mini-mills, a scroll saw, several vices, a band saw, and other normal shop tools. The tractors are built from aluminum, brass, and stainless steel.

How long does it take to make one of these models? Dale told me that most models take 90-105 hours of labor, but some are even more complex.

This tractor took him 200 hours to complete.

This tractor took more than 600 hours to make! Wow!

While Dale primarily makes models for his own enjoyment, he also accepts commissions. He’s made several tractors for customers. The showpiece, however, is his spectacular 250 model personal collection.

Thanks for sharing with us, Dale!

Six Shop Safety Items You Really Need

11/07/2016 by RG Leave a Comment

Working in the shop can be dangerous, but there’s lots you can do to help keep yourself safe. Here are the top 6 most-used safety items from my barn:

First Aid Kit. Band-aids are the most frequently used item (refill your stock regularly!), but you should also have gauze pads and bandages that could help with severe bleeding. If you buy a ready-made kit, be sure to unwrap it and familiarize yourself with its contents BEFORE emergency strikes.
Fire Extinguisher. We use this way more frequently than I’d like to admit. This isn’t a purchase to skimp out on – get a large one with an ABC rating (the ABC rating means that it can put out all sorts of flammable materials). If your shop is large or your accidents frequent, get more than one. When you use an extinguisher, be sure to get it recharged!
Welding Gloves. Thick, appropriately sized welding gloves will protect your hands and forearms when you are doing hot work. Because my hands are smaller than most welders’, it took some trouble to find gloves that are the right size. It’s worth it to get ones that fit you well because it makes a big difference in your dexterity. This advice applies if your hands are bigger than usual, too – tight gloves restrict your movement and won’t insulate as well as ones that are the right size.
Welding Helmet. When I was a kid, my grandpa got a bad case of welder’s flash and had to wear bandages over his eyes for quite a while. Ever since then my dad has taught me to be extremely careful around welding. A good welding helmet is really non-negotiable. Pay the extra money to get a wide field of vision – you want to be able to see what you’re doing!
Respirator. If you’re painting, you need one of these! While any respirator is better than no respirator, it’s worth the time and money to buy a high-quality respirator that matches the job you are doing.
Safety Glasses. The same grandpa who hurt his eyes with welder’s flash also got steel slivers in his eyes. Yikes! The thought of this makes my toes curl. Wearing safety glasses when grinding, using a lathe, or doing similar jobs can help keep you safe from this sort of accident. Buy a few pairs so that you can always find them when needed.

There you have it: the 6 safety items I use most frequently. How about you – is there something you’d add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Fire Truck…or…Tractor! Farmall Super A

10/31/2016 by RG Leave a Comment

You’ve seen a fire truck – but have you ever seen a fire tractor?

This Super A Farmall tractor is loaded down with a full set of firefighting equipment. It’s a really genius setup! Check out these pictures.

The offset design of the Super A allows for a rubber hose one one side, coiled up and ready for service.

Notice the small (but loud!) siren mounted on the front of the tractor near the headlight. This front bumper is really sturdy, too!

The sheet metal details are really interesting. In addition to the full fenders and rear platform, there is a front bumper and even little fins just above the headlights to shield the engine. Notice the additional spotlight mounted above the steering wheel, too.

The cabinet mounted on the other side holds a canvas hose and additional firefighting equipment.

The tractor is also set up to run a powerful pump – just hook it up to water and you’re in business! There’s even an attached firefighter’s ax.

You can tell that this tractor was put together with care and thoughtfulness. This tractor was an aftermarket customization, not an IH original – so details on its manufacture and use are sketchy. I didn’t get to meet the owner at the show (so I don’t know for sure), but others have told me that this tractor was designed for use in a factory that belonged to the General Motors aircraft division. I can certainly imagine the unique advantages of a small, portable firefighting outfit like this on a cramped factory floor!

More Power from a Ford Jubilee

10/25/2016 by RG 33 Comments

Did you know that it’s possible to swap engines among many Ford tractors?

One of the best swaps is to put a larger engine in a Jubilee Ford. If you’re looking for a great little pulling tractor or just a fun powerhouse, this can be just the ticket!

Jubilee Ford tractors came from the factory with a 134 cubic inch engine. At the end of these tractors short but very popular production run, they were reborn as the hundred series (600, 700, 800, 900). The smaller models in the hundred series has the same 134 cubic inch engine, but the larger models came with a beefier 172 cubic inch engine.

These engines are similar enough that you can swap them around. It’s an easy bolt-for-bolt change to put a larger 172 cubic inch engine in a Jubilee Ford tractor.

This project isn’t for a beginner mechanic, but it’s basically straightforward. I’d rate the project as intermediate. The Jubilee’s size is a very manageable, and it’s designed to be repaired with regular shop tools.

Making the switch can be an inexpensive project, too – if you know where to look! The 172 cubic inch engine was used in plenty of Ford tractors over the years. My best tip: harvest an engine from a tractor with a junked select-o-speed transmission.

If you’re looking for a project to settle into over the cold months ahead, this is a great one. Give it a try and then let us know how it goes!

John Deere Lanz Tractors

10/18/2016 by RG 6 Comments

Here’s a cool find: a German-made John Deere tractor!

John Deere exported American-made tractors all over the world. After World War 2, the company was ready to make a big jump forward in their overseas sales. They quickly learned that imported tractors were too expensive to compete in overseas markets. If John Deere was going to become popular overseas, the best way to grow would be to manufacture the tractors overseas too.

In 1955, John Deere sent a representative to negotiate the purchase of a controlling interest in the German Heinrich Lanz AG tractor and harvester company. The Lanz tractor company was well-known in Germany. Their Bulldog tractor was incredibly popular, with more than 220,000 produced over a 40-year span. Even today, Germans will sometimes use the word “bulldog” to refer to any tractor.

By 1955, however, the Bulldog model was 25 years old. The market was ready for an upgrade, and war-torn Europe was ripe for American investment.

It took 5 years for John Deere’s new German factory to get up to speed. Huge changes were made to the product line, culminating in the 1960 release of the John Deere-Lanz 500 and the similar John Deere-Lanz 300. These tractors were the first John Deere designs made in Europe. The tractors are similar to the John Deere 3010, but they are not an exact copy. They were designed specifically for the European market, taking into account parts availability, common European designs, and the needs of European farmers.

These tractors were very successful in Europe. John Deere soon set up manufacturing facilities in France to supply the German operation. Before long, John Deere was replicating this strategy worldwide. One year after the John Deere-Lanz 500 was introduced, John Deere had operations running in 6 countries (including the US).

It’s rare to find JD-Lanz tractors here in the United States. Parts are difficult to find, making them a real challenge to restore. The one shown in these photographs was at a local Mecum auction in June 2016. What a neat treasure!

Road Trip Destination: Farmall Acres Museum

10/11/2016 by RG 2 Comments

Here’s a great road trip destination: the Farmall Acres Museum in West Michigan. As we turn the corner to peak fall color here in Michigan, take a color tour over to Ionia County and check this place out!

I visited the museum not too long ago. It’s owned by my friend Harold Metternic, who I met through the Michigan IH club. What makes Harold’s museum particularly interesting is the focus on implements and farm tools. Here are some pictures from the collection:

This memorabilia is really cool!

I have a fondness for IH refrigerators and freezers (we have one of each at my home, still in everyday working condition!). This lineup is especially impressive.

Check out these Cub Cadet tractors and power equipment!

Of course, no Farmall museum would be complete without a row of antique tractors. These are all expertly restored (just like everything else in the museum – I don’t recall seeing a single item that wasn’t in perfect working order).

There’s a great collection of parts books and literature. My sister (an amateur IH historian) was especially impressed by these.

You’ll see lots of specialized tools and wrenches, too.

Do you know what this tool is used for?

Check out this IH Dehumidifier! It’s the first I’ve seen. The museum also has an IH window-unit air conditioner.

While this museum is very focused on IH, one table is set aside for John Deere enthusiasts too.

Hours are by appointment only. Harold and his wife Ruth are excellent hosts – give them a ring at 616-868-6639. They’d love to see you!

If you can’t make it to the museum yourself, a video is the next best thing. A local TV news crew visited Harold to report on the museum last year – check out their story here.

Road Trip Destination: Case IH Factory Tour

10/03/2016 by RG Leave a Comment

Here’s a new road trip destination: a tour of the Case IH factory!

I visited the Case IH factory in Racine, Wisconsin when I was nearby at the Red Power Round-Up. What an adventure!

The Magnum Series Case IH tractors are manufactured at the Racine facility. Here’s a picture of me with our friendly and super-informative tour guide, Peter.

I visited the plant along with my friends Wild Bill (Bill Anderson), Victor, and my dad. We were able to take pictures outside of the plant, but once we passed through the visitor’s center and onto the factory floor pictures were no longer allowed.

Inside the plant, we got a firsthand look at the assembly line. It was really fun to see all the parts come together to form a brand new Case IH or New Holland tractor!

This tour is a great experience for both IH enthusiasts and the general public. You don’t have to be a big tractor person like I am to appreciate the tour, so bring all of your friends!

The best part about the tour: it’s absolutely FREE! Wow! Tours must be scheduled in advance, and visitors must be at least 14 years old.

My tour was at the Racine, Wisconsin facility. Tours are also available at the Grand Island, Nebraska manufacturing facility (where they make Case combines) and at the Fargo, North Dakota plant (Case IH Steiger tractors). To get all the details, visit the tours page on the Case IH website.

Experimental Ford Tractor: Link between Fordson and Ford 9N

09/26/2016 by RG 3 Comments

Did you know that Henry Ford experimented with a row-crop tractor before making the 9N Ford? Check out this 1937 experimental Ford tractor!

The tractor has a V8 truck engine, along with several other parts from Ford’s automotive lines (steering components, radiator, lights, and others). Henry Ford showed this prototype tractor to the press on January 7, 1938. Ford was “as pleased as a small boy with a fire engine” during the demonstration. He asserted, “I don’t care if we can’t make a cent of profit. The main thing is to get something started.”

This tractor was developed as a potential replacement for the Fordson tractor. After it wasn’t placed into production, it was tied up in a lawsuit between Ford and Ferguson and was eventually used to pull a manure spreader on the Ford farm.

Much of the work on the tractor’s design was done by Howard Simpson, a Ferguson engineer from England. He was in the United States to help with the production of the joint Ford/Ferguson Fordson tractor. From 1934-1935, he worked closely with Ford in Dearborn, Michigan on the development of the experimental tractor. After the falling out between Ford and Ferguson, Simpson returned home to England.

Henry Ford had planned to sell this tractor for $250. Henry really liked the Ford V8 engine since he had also tried it in airplanes and boats. However, it would not have been economical for farming since it would have cost way too much in gas (although that wasn’t a huge concern for farmers in this era). Also it would have had more power than needed.

The tractor was displayed at Greenfield Village from 1954-1958, then parked out in the orchard. Trees grew up around the tractor, and the wheels sank 6” into the ground. It sat there until 1981, when it was sold at auction. Dick Cummins bought it at the 1981 auction for $950 (his original bid was $75!). He restored the tractor over the following years and now displays it at shows.
It’s fun to think of what could have happened if this tractor was produced instead of the iconic 9N tractor – but hard to imagine a world without the 9N (and 2N, and 8N). How about you? Do you think this V8 row crop would have been successful?

Ferguson TO-20 or Ford 9N?

09/19/2016 by RG 20 Comments

The Ferguson TO-20 and 9N Ford tractor are commonly confused with each other. If you’re making repairs, it’s important to know what you have! In addition to mechanical differences, one of these tractors has a big claim to fame – read to the end to find out what it is.

The easiest and most reliable way to tell which model of tractor you have is to look at the serial plate. The TO-20 and 9N are similar enough that a quick glance (or even a look at the hood) won’t be definitive. If you’re ordering parts, it’s worth your time to double-check.

There are plenty of similarities between these two tractors. They have the same paint scheme (grey all over), same tires, and the same rim, to name a few commonalities.

Big differences: the motor and the carburetor.

The TO-20 uses a Continental Z-120 motor. Ford produced their own engine for the 9N. The carburetors are different, too: The TO-20 uses a Zenith, and the 9N has a Marvel carburetor.

Some people call the Ford 9N tractors a “Ford-Ferguson” tractor. While I know what they’re talking about, this technically isn’t the name of any model of tractor. It can be confusing! The 9N Fords were advertised as having a Ferguson Hydraulic System and even had an emblem on the hood that said “Ferguson System.” The word “system” often falls off before the word “Ferguson,” though, making it even more confusing!

Now comes the claim to fame. The TO-20 was well received here in the United States, but it was fantastically popular in England, the rest of Europe, and even Austraila and New Zeeland, where the tractor is nicknamed the Little Grey Fergie. It’s even the subject of a popular children’s show! In England, the tractor is known as the TE-20. It’s a very similar tractor and comes with a wide variety of engine options (diesel, gasoline – even lamp oil!).

While I’m partial to Ford tractors, the TE-20 (England-produced version of the TO-20, essentially the same tractor) has the claim to fame that takes the cake: it was used by Sir Edmund Hillary on his expedition to the South Pole! A fleet of 7 of these tractors was used to transport people and supplies on the 1955-1958 expedition. While some of the tractors got special tracks or extra tires, the other components of the tractors were stock. These tractors performed admirably, even in the bitter cold and on sheets of ice. They hold the record as the first vehicles driven to the South Pole.

Allis Chalmers D-21 with Front-Wheel-Assist

09/12/2016 by RG 1 Comment

Here’s something you’ve (probably) never seen before: An Allis Chalmers D-21 with Front-Wheel Assist!

This tractor was custom-made by Ted and Hans VanValkenburg. Ted and his son Hans are from upstate New York. They’ve been Allis-Chalmers enthusiasts for a long time, and they’re always up to a new challenge! Here’s the story of this unique tractor.

They found this D-21 sitting outside an airport hangar. It was a single-owner machine, but it had been neglected and was in non-working condition. Ted and Hans decided to restore it into good working order. After rebuilding the engine, they were up for another challenge: Front-Wheel Assist.

Ted and Hans aren’t the first people who have thought it would be cool to have FWA on a D-21. The Allis Chalmers company produced 10 hydraulic FWA tractors themselves back in 1967. Rumor has it that 9 out of 10 were turned back into the company, and no one knows what happened to the remaining one. It’s an intriguing mystery!

This tractor isn’t the legendary 10th factory original FWA – but the addition looks so good you’d never know the difference! Instead of making the conversion with aftermarket parts, Ted and Hans went all out. They built the FWA exclusively with authentic AC parts. I’d bet it could even fool an Allis-Chalmers Engineer!

The first step in adding the FWA system was finding a tractor to serve as a “donor.” Ted and Hans uncovered a good (but not perfect) fit in a hydraulic FWA system on a Model R66 Gleaner AC combine. Once they got the parts, they needed to figure out how to fit them onto the D-21 tractor.

Getting the hydraulic flow right turned out to be the hardest part of the job. (Maybe this is where Allis-Chalmers had trouble back in the 60s?) Ted and Hans kept at it. They collaborated with 3 other men and spent a total of 200+ hours figuring out how to get the flow valve right to properly circulate the oil. After a lot of hard work, they got it right – wow!

Ted and Hans completed this project back in 2015. Since then, it’s continued to operate perfectly. They haven’t taken it to many shows yet, but who knows – maybe it will appear at a show near you next summer! Thanks for sharing, Ted and Hans, and great job!

Sheppard Tractors: Before Their Time

09/06/2016 by RG 6 Comments

The Sheppard Diesel was a tractor born before its time. While the company didn’t survive very long, these very collectible tractors were the precursor of modern diesel farm equipment.

The RH Sheppard Company was a prominent manufacturer of diesel engines in the 1930s and 1940s. Their factor ran full-throttle during World War II, producing thousands of small, reliable diesel engines to use on lifeboats.

After the war was over, their contracts with the US Navy dried up – and RH Sheppard was looking for some other use for their high-quality diesel engines. Their solution: a line of tractors.

They weren’t alone in this idea. The major worldwide shortage of farm equipment after World War II gave birth to dozens of small, upstart tractor companies. Most of the tractors designed by these companies were hastily thrown together. They were odd designs, lacked quality construction, and their companies went out of business quickly once the major tractor manufacturers caught up.

Sheppard Diesel was different. These tractors stand out (even today) for their thoughtful design and high quality.

The RH Sheppard Company waited until 1949 to come out with their first line of tractors, releasing 3 distinct models at the 1949 Pennsylvania State Fair.

The SD-1 was a bare-bones, single-cylinder tractor. It was tiny, with no sheet metal and a high price tag ($1,095). Less than 15 tractors of this model were produced.

The SD-2 was a 2-cylinder tractor. It looked more like a tractor, sheet metal and all. The SD-2 was also priced significantly higher than its competitors, and sales suffered as a result.

The most popular tractor was the SD-3 (3 cylinders). The 32hp (belt) tractor was priced at a competitive $2,995. Roughly 1,500 tractors of this model were produced. (An orchard version is pictured).

s-l225

Sheppard also produces a 4-cylinder model (SD-4) and an experimental prototype 6-cylinder model. The company also manufactured kits that could convert a Farmall M to a diesel fueled-engine in just one day (at least, that’s what they claimed!).

The company stopped producing tractors in 1956. An economic recession had slowed sales, and Farmall and Ford had just begun offering floor plans to dealers – these factors were just too much for the company to overcome.

While the Sheppard Diesel tractor didn’t catch on, it’s remembered today as a tractor that was before its time. The Sheppard Diesel tractors were well designed, with straightforward systems that farmers could fix themselves. Today’s collectors rave about the relative ease of machining custom parts for their tractors.

The Sheppard Diesel tractors were some of the first to offer power steering as a standard. The advancements that the RH Sheppard Company made in power steering technology continued even after the tractor line dried up. Today, RH Sheppard is a leading manufacturer of power steering systems and components (particularly for large trucks and farm equipment).

Why and How to Clean Your Shop

08/29/2016 by RG 1 Comment

When’s the last time you cleaned your shop?

If the answer is “a long time ago” or “I can’t remember when,” then this is a great time of year to get things tidied up!

Cleaning your shop regularly is important because:

It’s safer. Oil-soaked rags, used floor-dry, and out-of-service fire extinguishers are a recipe for disaster! Keeping things tidy helps reduce your risk.
It makes repairs easier. No more wasted time searching for things you’ve misplaced or pushing past piles of scrap metal. You’ll be far more efficient in a tidy shop.
It makes working in the shop more pleasant. While no working shop will ever be spotless, a basic level of cleanliness makes any working environment more pleasant.

Have I convinced you yet? I hope so, because this is a great time of year to clean out and organize your shop! Here are a few items for the to-do list. The bigger your shop, the more work there might be to do – but tackling even just one or two items off of this list might make a big difference!

Take a “before” picture.
Check your light bulbs and replace as needed.
Open every door and window and give the shop a good airing-out.
Knock down cobwebs.
Remove and safely dispose of any dirty rags and used floor-dry.
Clear off your workbench and scrape up any caked-on grease and grime.
Organize your tools. Get rid of any tools that are broken or unsafe.
Clean your safety glasses. Smudged lenses are really annoying!
Take inventory of your oil, gas, paint, etc. Safely dispose of anything that’s past its prime.
Clear out scrap metal.
If you have a sink, clean it out and refill your soap and paper towels.
Sweep the floor.
Take out the trash, and wipe down your trash cans.
Make sure your fire extinguisher is accessible and in good working order.
Take an “after” picture – if I’ve inspired you to do a good cleanup job, share your “before” and “after” pictures with us! It would be great to see what you’ve done!

We thoroughly cleaned our shop a couple months ago. We took all of the large tools outside and power washed them, and even power washed the floor once everything was removed.

Here’s the before and after of our shop sink.

On the Road with Rachel: Michigan’s Largest Tractor Show

08/22/2016 by RG 2 Comments

Over the weekend I visited the Mid-Michigan Old Gas Tractor Association’s show in Oakley, Michigan. This show is the largest tractor show in Michigan.

All colors of tractors are welcome. Hundreds of tractors were on display. Here are a few highlights:

Everyone can appreciate a nice row of John Deere tractors–Dubuque built tractors as well as new generation tractors.

I think I saw more pulling tractors at this show than any other tractor show I’ve been to! I wish I could have seen more of them pull but due to my schedule I could only see a handful actually pull.