Northern Antique Power Club 2017 Show
We would like to thank everyone at Steiner Tractor Parts for being a partner in our show. We had our most successful show ever this year. And again this year our pullers and tractor displayers were excited to see the 2017 Steiner Catalog.
I have enclosed a few pictures from our show. We displayed our Steiner banner at our antique tractor pull arena. We had a lot of comments from the pullers about how they loved Steiner’s service and shipping (personally I know that my husband loves to order enough to get the free hat when they are being offered).
Thank you again for your support of our show. The hats, t-shirts, funnels, little bottle opener guys and the candy were, as always, a big hit.
Sincerely,
Charly Baron
Secretary, Northern Nevada Antique Power Club
Oakley Show & “Gathering of the Orange”
We’re hitting the road and heading to the largest gas tractor show in Michigan. This year they also have the honor of hosting the National Allis Chalmers “Gathering of the Orange” show. With four days of jam-packed fun, this show is one you won’t want to miss.
Stop by our table and pick up a copy of our 2017 catalog, or come visit us at our store in Lennon, less than 25 miles away.
Mid-Michigan Old Gas Tractor’s 43rd Annual Show
“Gathering of the Orange”
August 17th – 20th, 2017
-Tractor Pulls -Small Engines -Threshing -Steam Engines
-Machine Shop -Arts & Crafts -Tinsmith -Cross Cut Saw
-Crop Demos -Broom Making -Quilting -Flea Market
-Kids Crafts -Petting Zoo -Drag Saw -Shingle Mill
-Rock Crushing -Wood Working -Baling -Grist Mill
-Dynamometers -Souvenir Shack -Gang Saw -Blacksmith
-Handle Mill -Veneer Mill -Saw Mill -Engine Barn
-Food Vendors -Daily Parade -Fireworks -Tractor Raffle
-Basket Making -Wool Spinning -Live Bands -Bingo
For more details, please view our event page or www.MMOGTA.org
Tractor Drive Test for Water Pump
Bret Weikert was heading out on the Tractor Relay Across Nebraska but before he left he needed a new water pump for his Farmall M. Bret spoke with our tech Dennis and he sold 
him on our newly designed IHS189. After completing the 9 day, 500 mile drive Bret emailed us with his story and pictures.
Just a recap I purchased one of your newly redesigned water pumps for a Farmall M. It has worked flawlessly with no leaks or issues. It was very easy to install even with the radiator still in place. Took my dad and I around 45 minutes. No complaints here and I may have even sold a few other guys on our tractor drive on purchasing them from you too.
The ride I went on was the Tractor Relay Across Nebraska. It was 9 days and somewhere between 400-500 miles long. Steiner was a sponsor for part of the ride and I thank you for that sponsorship. We also raise money for Operation Comfort Warriors along our trip and that is something the relay has been doing for 4 or 5 years now.
For more information you can check out the club’s Facebook page.
Improve your visibility on the road or in the field
Our tough, new LED lamps provide additional lighting without overloading your existing electrical system. ABC3696 and IHS3698 work on both 6-volt and 12-volt applications. ABC3696 fits FDS177, FDS192, FDS193 and FDS213 housings. IHS3698 fits our IHS463 lights. These sealed beam lamps are also designed to fit the OEM lights. View our website for a full list of applications.
- Draws less amps than the original light
- Scratch resistant lens
- Rated at 50,000 hours lifetime
- Lamps have a heavy die cast body with integral heat sink fins
- Provides a brighter, whiter light to enhance visibility and safety
Reunited with Grandfather’s Tractor
Hi! I thought I would tell you about my tractor. It’s a 1952 Cockshutt 20 serial #304. The tractor was purchased used by my Grandfather in the 1960’s. He used it to collect firewood on his hobby farm. When the tractor was replaced in 1985 for an ATV, the tractor was used to plow snow in the yard. That’s how it remained. I was a young boy in the 1990’s and can recall sitting on my Grandfathers lap driving the tractor up and down the driveway. In the late 90’s with health complications, my Grandfather gave the tractor to my uncle who later restored the tractor, and then sold it outside the family. It was gone, forgotten, and thought never to be seen again!
In January 2015 I set out to find the tractor. Determined, I set ads on the internet with no solid leads until February 2016. I received an email from a Cockshutt collector near Cornwall Ontario. The gentleman was able to tell me where he had previously purchased the tractor, and was able to supply it’s history right back to my Grandfather. He agreed to sell it to me! In May 2016 my father and I set out on the 9 hour trip on the way to bring the tractor back home. It now sits in my garage completely restored again! With help from Steiner parts of course!
I plan to use the tractor for shows, parades, and pushing snow with the rear blade in the Winter time! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to tell my story on my Cockshutt!
Ross Dokis
Hammer, Ontario
Canada
Getting Ready for the County Fair
Cockshutt 570 diesel. Grandad bought it sometime ago. When I was 12 I remember discing with it, and it started blowing’ oil. Dad and I pulled the engine out, put the tractor in the fencerow and left her sit. The machine shop said it would cost too much to fix her. Bout 3 years ago, I walked by her, pulled it out with the backhoe, got on the computer, ordered an engine, and now I am in the middle of a full blown resto. I cannot wait to dump that clutch at the county fair.
Garth Kyler
Iarwill, Indiana
On the Road with Rachel: Michigan’s Largest Tractor Show
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.
I can’t think of a single tractor brand that I didn’t see. Here are a few pictures of the less common brands:
Silver King
Eagle and Huber (commonly recognized Case and JD tractors between)
Shepard
John Blue
Chamberlain (a first for me)
A few people were droolling over this perfectly restored Farmall 400:
I had to chuckle at the exhaust on this tractor
and the ingenuity of the cab on this tractor.
It’s always fun to see harvesters like this mounted New Idea corn picker
and this combine in great original condition.
Shows are a great opportunity to also see the really old tractors operating, like this Rumley:
Below are a few more tractor pictures to enjoy:
If you’re looking for a new show to attend, be sure to add this show to your list next August!
6 Volt to 12 Volt Conversion FAQs
From the Steiner Tech Support line: 6 Volt to 12 Volt Conversion FAQs
Here are some of the most frequent questions we get about 12 volt conversions here at Steiner Tractor Parts. If you’re thinking about making the switch, here are some good tips:
- Why convert from a 6 volt to a 12 volt system? There are a few advantages to a 12 volt system – tractors that operate on 12 volts start faster and have brighter headlights. A 12 volt battery lasts longer than a 6 volt, and you can jump-start a 12 volt tractor with an ordinary vehicle. Switching to an alternator eliminates the need for a generator and voltage regulator, giving you a more reliable charging system.
- Is it a difficult project? Making the conversion isn’t incredibly difficult, but it’s not a project for a beginner, either. I would rate it as a moderate difficulty. In addition to basic mechanical skills, you also need to know the basics of electrical wiring. If you have the tools and knowledge to change a light fixture in your home (including stripping wires and using stake-ons properly), you’re ready.
- What parts do I need? A standard conversion will require an alternator, alternator bracket, battery, coil, wiring harness, and amp gauge. Replace the existing generator and voltage regulator with the alternator, and swap out the old battery, coil, wiring harness, and amp gauge with the new.
- When doing a 12 volt conversion, do I need a 12 volt starter? In my opinion, no. While some starter shops will sell you a “specially wound 12 volt starter” in my opinion there’s no reason or a big enough difference to warrant this expense. Your original (or replacement) 6 volt starter will function well on a 12 volt system.
- Do I have to change the wiring? Yes. Your old wiring will be set up for a field, an armature, voltage regulator, etc. Using these existing wires could be a fire hazard. Replace your wiring harness with a new one specific to your tractor to have a cleaner look and safer operation.
- Do I need to change the coil? Yes. The 12 volt coil upgrade is very important. I’ve seen some people try to place a resistor in front of their 6 volt coil–not a good idea. The resistor won’t suffice.
- When I do the 12 volt conversion, do I keep the voltage regulator? No. The voltage regulator needs to be removed when putting an alternator on.
- Can I just install an 8 volt battery on my 6 volt system? Yes you can. No changes are required. Many people choose this option.
Do you have videos available? Yes I do! If you are converting a Farmall tractor, you’re in luck! Here’s a link to a video I made on a Farmall tractor. Even though the demonstration model is a Farmall, though, the basic techniques are similar across all makes and models. If you’re looking for help on a different tractor, give a shout in the comments! I’m always happy to hear video ideas.
Tractor Quiz Answers
Earlier this week I challenged you to a quiz: can you recognize these tractors (make and model) without their color or decal?
Here are the answers. Kudos to Ryan Foster for being the first person to get nearly all of them correct!
Tractor #1: Ford 5000.
Tractor #2: Cockshutt 20.
Tractor #3: Ford 871 (give yourself a pat on the back if you got the select-o-speed or the gold color correct too!)
Tractor #4: Massey Harris 44 (with bonus points if you were able to tell / guess that it’s a special!)
Tractor #5: Moline 4 Star.
Tractor #6: John Deere 730 Diesel
Tractor #7: Farmall MV.
Tractor #8: Case VAC. 
Tractor #9: Oliver Super 99 GM.
Tractor # 10: Massey Ferguson 180
Tractor Quiz
Can you recognize these tractors (make and model) without their color or decal?
Give your answers in the comments below – and come back on Thursday for the results!
Tractor #1:
Tractor #2:
Tractor #3:
Tractor #4:
Tractor #5:
Tractor #6:
Tractor #7:
Tractor #8:
Tractor #9:
Tractor #10:
Do You Really Need a Manual?
It’s a common question: “Do I really need to own a manual for my tractor?” After all, manuals aren’t free (most cost around $20), and with all the information available online these days it seems a little old-school to buy one. Besides, who wants to read the directions! It seems like a lot more fun to dive in and figure things out along the way.
You’ve probably heard these arguments against manuals before – you might even say these things yourself! If so, I hope to convince you otherwise. You really do need a manual (or three) to go along with your tractor.
First, let me explain the three different types of manuals – then I’ll (hopefully!) convince you to buy one.
A shop manual (also known as a service manual) is made for mechanics. Each dealer’s service department would have a copy of the shop manual, which gave the mechanics the details they need to make repairs. If you are doing a major repair or restoration project, get one of these! It’s where you’ll find all the specifications you need to prevent a costly mistake and keep your tractor running perfectly. If you can only buy one manual, get this one.
An owner’s manual (also known as an operator’s manual) was given to each original buyer with their tractor. This is the basic manual, not unlike the manual you probably keep in the glovebox of your car. It’s where you’ll find information about how to make basic adjustments and regular maintenance on your tractor.
A parts manual is really fun to look at! It shows how all the parts in your tractor fit together, and gives the original part numbers for every piece in your tractor. Not only will using a parts manual make you a pro at ordering replacement parts for your tractor, it’s a real help if you disassemble something and can’t quite remember how to put it back together.
So, do you really need to buy one? Well, here are three reasons why:
- It’s hard to get this information somewhere else. I’m a huge fan of the internet, but not everything you read online is accurate and trustworthy – and some information just isn’t out there.
- It’s faster to own a manual. Consider the amount of time it can take to search for and find the answers you need (either online or by calling the Steiner tech department). Save yourself the time and frustration by putting the answers right at your fingertips.
- Mistakes can be costly. An incorrect guess on specs can be devastating to your tractor. Common mistake: over- or under-torquing a rod and having it pop through the side of your block.
My dad is an expert mechanic, and he has a whole wall of manuals. If our barn catches fire, that wall is what we’re running in to save (metaphorically speaking! Don’t run into a burning building, especially not one filled with gas and oil!) It’s the most important part of our shop.
If you are doing a repair on your tractor, lots of help is available for free on the internet (like my video tutorials). You can get even more help from the in-depth repair videos that my Dad makes. But nothing can replace the good old-fashioned manual.
6 Reasons to Pick a Favorite Tractor
Do you have a favorite antique tractor brand? If not, you should! Here are six reasons why brand loyalty matters:
- Repairs are easier. Once you’ve worked on one model of your preferred brand, you’ll probably have an easier time working on other models from the same maker. Every company has their own way of doing things, and learning this system makes things a lot easier.
- Learn from a local dealer. Even though many of our favorite brands are no longer producing new tractors, their old dealerships might still be around. If the major dealer in your hometown sold your preferred brand of tractors, you’re in luck! Make friends with the dealership owner or service manager for helpful tips and even (if you are extra lucky!) a source for rare literature. Soak up this knowledge while you can!
- Scope out the salvage yards. If your favorite brand is popular in your area, you might be able to find old gems in fence-rows and salvage yards near your home. My dad has saved more than one rare tractor from the scrapyard this way. If you become known as the go-to collector of a certain brand in your area, you might start getting tips from salvage yards around town too!
- Travel to fewer shows. This one might sound like a negative, but hear me out – I really like single-brand tractor shows. It seems like every major brand has one or two huge, national shows that draw the crowds. This is where the top-tier collectors bring out their very best. Compared to smaller, regional, all-color shows – well, the single-brand shows usually take the cake! If you want to see something really unique, picking a favorite and traveling to the biggest single-brand show is probably your best strategy.
- In-depth knowledge about your preferred company. Let’s face it: our brains can only hold so much! Instead of knowing a few things about many brands, some people prefer to learn EVERYTHING they can about just one brand. These are the folks I call when I have a serious question about a certain tractor.
- Everyone knows what to buy you as a gift. When your favorite colors are known to your family and friends, your birthday gets a whole lot easier!
How about you – are you brand loyal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
How the Nebraska Tractor Tests Got Started
Wilmot Croitzer bought a lemon. He’d been duped by a fast-talking salesman, and now found himself the owner of a broken-down Ford tractor. Croitzer thought he was purchasing a reliable tractor produced by Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. Instead, he’d purchased a tractor made by the fraudulent “Ford Tractor Co.” of Minneapolis, who hired a young man with the last name of Ford to sign off on their tractor designs.
When Croitzer’s tractor broke, he unraveled the truth. Not only did the tractor fail to live up to the manufacturer’s performance claims, he was unable to obtain parts or service anywhere. The company seemed to have vanished into thin air, taking Croitzer’s money with him.
Lucky for us, the Ford Tractor Co. ticked off the wrong farmer. Croitzer was no country bumpkin – in addition to farming, he was also a legislator in the Nebraska House of Representatives. After purchasing two “excuses for tractors,” he got to work on drafting a law that would “induce all tractor companies to tell the truth,” and the Nebraska Tractor Tests were born.
A colleague in the Nebraska State Senate, Charles Warner, had a similar story. Together, these two men championed legislation that would require all tractors sold in the state of Nebraska to undergo testing and receive approval from a panel of three engineers at the University of Nebraska. Tractor companies who wished to operate in the state would also be required to have a service station and an adequate supply of replacement parts located somewhere in the state as well. The law passed in 1919.
By 1920, the University of Nebraska was ready to begin tests. The first tractor tested was John Deere’s Waterloo Boy tractor, quickly followed by 68 more tractors tested that year.
The Nebraska Tests quickly developed an excellent reputation. They caught on around the world. Today, the University of Nebraska is at the forefront of the global Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, which coordinates tractor testing in 29 countries.
Three Ways to Save Money on a Used Tractor
If you’re in the market for a used tractor, check out these tips to get a good deal.
- Buy from a seller who doesn’t like your favorite brand. I’m partial to Ford tractors, and I often buy them at great prices from a seller who loves John Deere (and nothing else). When he takes in a Ford on trade, he doesn’t pay much money for it and is eager to see it gone. This is great news for me! He gives me a great deal every time, and I don’t bother trying to convince him that Ford tractors have their strong points.
- Get a package deal. If you can’t come to an agreement on the price, try asking about an add-on. Sellers might be able to throw in something else (like a blade or plow) that would make the package a good deal. At a dealer, you might be able to negotiate package deal for a used tractor plus needed tune-up or overhaul work. If you are using this as a negotiating tactic, be sure that whatever you accept is something that actually adds value to the machine. Don’t fall for gimmicks.
- Buy in the off-season. The worst time to buy a tractor is when you are desperate for one. Instead of waiting for your old tractor to give out in the middle of spring planting, do your shopping now. Dealers are slow this time of year and might be ready to give you a good deal. You can take your time to shop around, too. Just be sure that the cold doesn’t keep you from conducting a thorough inspection.
How about you – what are your best tips for getting a good price on a used tractor? Share in the comments below.
Half off our 2016 Tractor Calendar
Keep yourself organized with our 2nd edition 12 month calendar.
• You will have plenty of room to add appointments for you and tune-up reminders for your tractor.
• Save with exclusive monthly coupons printed inside the calendar.
• Features full-size quality pictures for each tractor submitted by folks just like you!
• 50% off! Regular price – Now only $2.50 each while supplies last
Seized Tractor Engine? Here’s How You Can Get it Free
It’s not uncommon for a tractor that has been sitting a while to become stuck. If your tractor’s engine is stuck from sitting, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to free the engine without resorting to an extensive overhaul (a tractor that becomes seized while running or is seized from running out of oil is a different story).
While there are a few different methods for freeing a stuck (or seized) engine, here’s our favorite.
First, pour a high-quality penetrating oil down the cylinders (through the spark plug holes). Use up the entire can, dividing it between each cylinder. Let it sit overnight.
The next day, remove the starter to expose the teeth on the flywheel. Place a large bar in the flywheel and gently rock back and forth to loosen. If this doesn’t work – or if you are uncomfortable with placing a pry bar in the flywheel – try putting the tractor in a high gear and rocking the rear tires back and forth.
Once the flywheel is loosened, do a quick tune-up on the carburetor. Re-insert the starter and spark plugs, put in fresh gas, and start the tractor up! 
There’s a risk with this method. Pry too hard, and you could break the teeth off the flywheel. However, I think it’s worth the risk. The way I look at it, if you tractor is stuck you are already in trouble. Your chances are pretty good of successfully freeing the motor with this method.
If this method doesn’t work, we decide to overhaul the tractor before we break/bend a rod or do more damage trying to free it.
Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers Show Video
Our very own mother-daughter team, Suzette and Rebecca Thomas traveled thousands of miles in 2015 visiting various tractor shows in the Midwest.
Brush off the winter cold with a summer tractor show at SteinerTractor.TV where Suzette shares her footage from the 28th Annual Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers Show.
Enjoy everything the show had to offer – basket making, blacksmiths, parades, music, equipment demonstrations and more! Start watching today >>
Tractor Snowplowing Tips
Using your tractor to move snow this season? Check out these tips.
Power Up: Most small lawn tractors aren’t a good choice for plowing or blowing snow. Their transmissions aren’t strong enough to handle the strain of a wet, sticky snow. Unless you have a high-quality lawn tractor, you’ll want to upgrade to something more substantial. My favorite tractors for plowing snow are the Farmall Cub and the Farmall A.
Get a good blade. Many old tractors here in the midwest have front blades – either factory originals or homemade ones that replace a loader bucket. I far prefer plowing with a front blade, but a rear blade can get the job done, too. Either way, pay attention to the angle of your blade. It’s often useful to angle to one side or the other while clearing large areas, and then straighten the blade to clean up and push snow into banks.
Accessorize. Winter is a great time of year to accessorize your tractor – those tire chains and weights come in handy!
Push it clear. Be prepared for your snow pile to stay around for a while. Push banks further away than necessary in order to allow for more pile-up as the season progresses.
Height Matters. Set your blade to the right height off the ground. This is especially important if the ground isn’t frozen – too deep, and you can dig up half the gravel on your driveway. Some blades come with guards (shoes) on the corners that keep you from digging in too deeply. 
Take it Slow. Especially in heavy, wet snow, you’ll need to take your time plowing. Don’t push your tractor too quickly. If the snow is deep, it’s probably better to take multiple passes (lowering your blade each time) rather than trying to get all the snow cleared in one push.
Protect your Transmission. Plowing can be hard on your tractor – particularly the transmission. You can help prevent damage by coming to complete stop before shifting from forward to reverse. Accelerate slowly, and don’t ride the clutch. Change your transmission fluid periodically.
Be visible. Plow snow in daylight hours. If you must use your tractor to plow after dark, use your headlights and be aware of your surroundings. Never plow after dark without working headlights.
Bundle Up. Take care to dress for the weather. Layers are your friend – particularly if you’ll be stepping off your tractor to shovel. A seat cushion can make a big difference. If you don’t have one, bring along an old towel to cover the bare metal seat.
Be Generous. Snowplowing can be a great way to show kindness to your neighbors. Pay particular attention to the elderly and single women in your neighborhood – they might benefit from some extra help.
Picture Perfect Cockshutts
I took these picture’s early one morning last November. I woke to an unexpected snow fall and thought it would make a nice picture for a Christmas card. I built this shed last summer, so it was the first opportunity with the shed and tractor’s. I had quite a time to get the tractors out of the barn and in front of the shed without disturbing the snow! The Cockshutt 30 on the left was my Father’s tractor. It was the first restoration of a tractor I had done. I started in 2001 and finished it in 2002. Although the tractor was in excellent shape, it still needed several items to get it back in working condition. Steiner was a great help providing electrical parts , gaskets and a carb kit. The Cockshutt 20 on the right was owned by a friend of my family. It too was in great shape but again needed several items. Steiner, through Allan Haugh, Canada’s first Steiner dealer, provided many parts. Lights, seals, carb kit and key switch were needed. Both tractor’s run nice and are used frequently around our farm.
John Fleming
Ebenezer, Prince Edward Island, Canada