RG, Author at Antique Tractor Blog

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!

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