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The early days of the real Tractor The man who saw the potential for marrying a machine with farm work was Henry Ford, who spent his child hood on his father’s farm. A group of unscrupulous entrepreneurs recognized the success Henry Ford had with the Model T automobile and to capitalize on the goodwill of the Ford name they set up ‘The Ford Tractor Company’, paying a company clerk for the use of his last name. However instead of a long-drawn-out legal battle, Henry Ford chose to use another brand name for his tractor manufactured by Henry Ford & Son: Fordson. Mr. Ford was the pioneer for mass production of automobiles. Less well known is that Ford Motor Company also claims that Ford was the first to mass produce tractors for the U.S. farm industry. The first experimental Ford tractor was built in 1907, and at the time, Henry Ford called it his “Automobile plow.” The first tractor came with an engine equipped with copper water jackets and its rear wheels were taken from a binder. Ford called his first, mass-produced tractor the Fordson. The tractor was first built for export in 1916 and 1917 and introduced to American farmers in 1918. On a historical note, The Fordson tractor had revolutionized all creative ideas of tractor design and efficiency. The mass-produced Fordson tractor created an affordable piece of valuable machinery to farmers, and made it possible for the average farmer to purchase a new and reliable tractor. The Fordson tractor went into mass production in 1917. The Fordson was the first tractor that succeeded in being cheaper to maintain than horses. The Fordson tractor was the first lightweight, mass-produced tractor on the market. The models sold for considerably less than competitive models. In 1917, the British government had requested assistance from Mr. Ford to build large quantities of tractors to help raise urgently needed food to counteract the effect of an enemy blockade during World War I. During the 1920s, 75 percent of all tractors built in the United States were Fordsons. The tractors could also be used for hauling lumber, coal, brick and other material and sometimes even switching loaded freight cars, the removal of snow from sidewalks and many other industrial uses as well. In all the various uses, the Fordson tractor was proving to be a very profitable investment for the growing Ford Motor Co. The Fordson did the work faster and more economically than other tractors. When it was called upon to replace horses, the Fordson tractor had demonstrated its market dominance. In 1928, Fordson tractor production was halted in the United States, only to be resurrected in 1939 as the Ford Model 9N. About that time, Henry Ford began to develop a working relationship with the late Harry Ferguson. The Ferguson-Sherman company, which made plow and tractor parts, marketed the Model 9N for sales distribution from 1939-1946. After the war, all production of the Ford Model 9N tractor was halted. In 1946, the relationship between Harry Ferguson and Ford Motor Company severed.

Did a little plowing today after I got home from work. Predicting a significant snow event starting tonight going thru Saturday afternoon. General snow followed up with lake effect snow. Single mom lives next door. Her son is 9. There's no father figure around. He was shoveling driveway. I went over & asked if he wanted to plow w/tractor? He lit up & said "SURE!" He could just reach the clutch. He isn't strong enough to lift the plow. He did really good. He immediately figured out clutch/brake. Set idle lower & just had him use reverse & 1st. I lowerd & raised plow for him. I told his mom if I can find a cheap tractor I'd work on it w/him & he could have it. In garage making sure equipment is ready & of course having a few beers too! 3992.mp4

I have been a volunteer firefighter for over 35 years, last night I took a class on lithium ion batteries and electric vehicles. It was eye opening to say the least. Without going into specifics, let’s just say that you don’t want to be around when one of these goes on fire. I’m sure I’ll be taking more of these classes as they come available, as it’s in my best interest to protect myself and fellow firefighters. Our instructor basically told us that even they are still learning how to deal with these things. Water basically does nothing on these types of fires, once thermal runaway begins you basically have to let it run its course. In Europe they now have boom trucks and dumpsters they fill with water. They pickup the car and submerge it in water, hours later they remove it and the fire can start right back up again. Fire proof blankets have been used to slow the fire but don’t stop it. They have buried them then dug them back up two weeks later only to have the fire start again. Crazy stuff for sure. In closing I’ll say that if you happen to be around when one of these batteries goes on fire, get away. The slightest bit of smoke from the chemicals burning can kill you. Be safe.

I'm quite partial to the ford farm tractors. My grandfather had an 8n and I used to have an 8n. Currently have a 601 workmaster.

Dear Lord, your servant Jay Paxton is in need of Your healing hand. He will undergo cancer treatment and we humbly ask You be with him and his family. Turn this weakness into strength, suffering into compassion, sorrow into joy, and pain into comfort for others. Let them be filled with patience and joy in Your presence as they wait for Your healing touch. Guide the hands of the medical staff that will help him and guard against any infection. Please restore Your servant to full health, Lord. We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ

Do you need me to come help pull it to the garage/shed? LOL

Decided to address my oil consumption and leaks, it ran super strong and i was killing a plug in about 90 minutes but it had governor shaft leaks and wetness around the crank seals. I pulled the breather off tonight and the previous owner...the oil drain back was covered in rtv, the reed plate was upside down..which pushed the reed shut against the outer plate. Poor gal couldn't breathe at all. It will be a couple weeks before it back together but...id venture this is the majority of my problem. I made a video showing how it pushes the reed tightly shut..meaning the case gasses have no outlet.

One of the farmers on the road where I grew up had a Ford 8N that he bought new in 1950. He had no children and would hire several of us boys to help him bring in hay and straw, He never let any of us drive the 8N, it was in showroom contrition when he passed away in 1975 because it was his baby.

Right. It's like a 50/50 shot of getting something good so you might be better off just putting the $90K down on red at the casino.

I got it in 2002 as a rusty rolling frame, the original dealer that sold it new in 62 had it, and some history on it...he sold it to a man that had a small garden, and he swapped the rear turfs off a 552 for the lug tires. Then the man passed and the son got the 702, i think a charger 12, a lawn ranger, and attempted to restore them but ended up selling them in pieces. The 702 was a frame, deck..then in a box was the fenders, tool box, steering setup, a couple dash panels (one with a filler and one with an ammeter, and a hood. I sandblasted it all, in 02, 2 good coats of primer, 2 coats of red, put a period correct K181S on it, and it worked...shockingly well. Then the s/g went out and time went on, it went into the back of my shop and sat 20 years. Couple weeks ago i pulled it out, ordered the starter parts and new ignition...ran great. So now its getting a strip down, new paint, decals, and fix a couple issues. The steering was sloppy where it passed through the tank so i made a stainless bushing. The hood was never attached so i picked up some billet Harley Davidson compartment screws that have a rubber seat that won't mar the paint. Up front ill put a 1/4-20 speed nut on the hood and use a winged thumb screw. The K181 had a couple bad cowling holes, one is stripped and one has a busted bolt. If i can fix both..perfect, if i can only get 1..that can work. So far the gas tank, steering, brake cover, s/g guard, belt guard, dash panel with new decal and found the filler panel until i can find an ammeter, fenders, just getting through it.

I have used the led bulbs in my old chrome light sets for five or six years now. I like them and feel they give good light!

I was referring to the manual lever, I was thinking a couple inches would increase the leverage. Of course the throw would increase slightly but I think it would still be manageable. Pic from the bottom of the cat head

I saw an article on the new Ram 1500 hybrid. Sounds like something I'm going to investigate sometime. The main motive source for the truck is a motor, maybe more than one. The V6 engine only runs a generator. It is not connected mechanically to the wheels. The battery pack is said to be good for something like 50 to 60 miles. Beyond that, the engine kicks in to charge the batteries and run the drive motor for a total range of something like 500 miles. I'll assume that there is a plug in charger on board somewhere. That amount of battery range would do for better than 80% of our daily vehicle usage. The longer range on gas looks like it would cover our distance travel as well. Need to find out about price, towing capacity, and maybe watch the first couple years of production vehicles before I'd pull the trigger on one, though.

Found the culprit, starter crapped out on the B80 all the sudden. Have no idea how long it was cracked …..guess someone didn’t read the warning sticker But beat on it instead 😆 Good news looks like one peace only.Should be able to epoxy back in and clean up !

With this positive attitude, you've won the first battle Jay. Keep fighting my friend. We're all with you.

They are only about $ 1,000 plus the cost of electricity goin up.

Similar to a story a friend told. He was under his 1st generation Jimmy drilling a hole to install a hitch. He was laying on a creeper, using a large capacity drill. The drill grabbed and torqued in his hands in such a way that he could not release the trigger. Said he got a spin cycle on the creeper until the cord wound up and unplugged.

Neighbor had a similar problem in his new shop, another neighbor is in the concert cutting business. He cut several small about 3/8th wide channels gradually sloping to the drain, my neighbor is happy with it. It only took the guy about an hour to cut about 8 channels. Kev, if you really won't to save money Lowes, HD, TSC and many others sell a nice 30" squeegee for about $15.00, that's what I use.

Agree, got to have a stiffer rod. Although, on the xi machines the steering rods are 1/2"x2 foot long and hold up well. (until the daughter barks a tree with the tire. and viola custom) Straighten it out and worked good.

I would like to try these tires in the snow if I ever get a chance.

Im hopeful, based on the fact it didnt blow the seals out, that its otherwise healthy. Im going to get new gaskets and the rubber seal for the shaft

A sure sign of excess case pressure in a Kohler K or M series or over filled with oil

Reinforced spindles all finished with a Earl Shive baked on finish.

You've now been added to my prayers. I ask for strength and wisdom for you, your family, and the health providers who’ll treat you and for the best possible outcome. As Ed said, we are all with you..

I had to make room for a couple new horses, so I moved this one on down the road today. I bought her at auction in 2017 with a 48" SD and used her for mowing for 6 years. Her new job will be pushing cars in and out of an auto repair business.....nice cushy retirement duty.

Got to get my C-145 out with the plow and haul horse poop!! Then took it out after with the lights on for a little ride. I had the plow on my 310-8 but that is out of commission for now and I don’t really use my blower often so I thought I would treat myself with a hydro and hydraulic lift for a plow tractor! IMG_1771.MOV IMG_1770.MOV

Prayers for a successful treatment and recovery.

Wow! What a journey, Thank You for sharing. Good Luck

@hcminis I only need to move it about 12 feet into the barn, so yes please!

Finished making the 6" spindle reinforcing for the 312-8

I think you hit the nail on the head with "Simple demo model". Wheel Horse had several pieces of literature that would show one thing but the end design and manufactured product would be different.

I do understand that, but the pedal range of motion allows full forward and reverse. Also, unless you have your hydro friction cranked way down, it returns to neutral anyway. At least mine do. The hydro pushes back against any input. I'll be the first to admit that I'm purely speculating here. Neither of my foot pedals are completed, so my experience with them is negligible. I just never understood the need for return to center on something that your foot rests on anyway. Plus all Wheel Horses have the "panic pedal" on the left that usually retains it's functionality. Guess I'll understand more when I start playing with mine.

F FIERCE CYCLE Motorcycle Engine Rubber Fuel Gas Oil Tank Cover Seal O Ring Gaskets Protector Universal Circular https://a.co/d/43WnRyL The exact dimensions of the cap and tank flange, and its good and thick by the looks of it. Ive been using stacked cork or rubberized paper and it always leaked...cap never cinched down snug...this should get it back proper

@JoeM that quadrant base is lubrication dry , also the squeeze lever slide pin point , changed the plow swing lever over to a 1/2" fine threaded rod with HEIM JOINTS on each end/ , that lever swings like a rifle bolt , lucas grease . pete

Absolutely agreed Pete. I have a nice old set of Lisle brand I've probably owned for 30 years or more.

@ebinmaine https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-W175-Spring-Pliers/dp/B00BR1BV8Q/ref=asc_df_B00BR1BV8Q/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312061942313&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10267027089775835261&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvde, brake spring plyers , are also good for , chain / slide assist , HARBOUR FREIGHT , also has them . personally , like a 3" extension spring , to help settle in a tire chain , allowing you to drive around , while the spring is always pulling to the close point , use a wide screwdriver , to help chain to end point , like a third hand , only me , Pete

@953 nut think the FORDSON display at the ZEGREY FARM BARN , is very good , also like the oiled patina look on a number era tractors , , of converting open space , anything , made those early units the perfect fit , imagine , no rules . regulations to convert your land , that also presented the , vital need for an OSHA type of help , still many decades out . we are looking , at the remnants of that . enjoy them , Pete

Lee sorry to hear about your friend. Prayers are going out. And well said Mike.

Check your transmission mounting flange for cracks. These can allow tractor. To flex which can cause safety switch issues

Do not use automotive starter fluid in your small engines. It works, but produces very high cylinder pressures capable of breaking something. I use carb cleaner as a starting fluid in my small engines.

10.50 would be pretty wide, and mate to the (if correct on your tractor) 8.5 inch wide wheels that came on later 520 machines. You could go with 24x12-12, but they fit pretty tight under the fender.

I'm making progress switched out the tie rods to heims joints and towed in the front end 3/16". I was a 1/4" out with the stock fixed tie rods.

These temps we been having none of them crank without being on a tender. Surprisingly enough the only one that started is the 502 tecky on a fairly new bat and no tender.

One of the TV networks did a EV test drive feature after christmas. One of their news people rented a Tesla and drove from Chicago to New York City. The trip took seven hours longer than with a gasoline powered car because of the frequent need to recharge batteries. When he stopped for the evening the motel had no charging stations, battery level was 60% so that shouldn't pose a problem, in the morning the battery level was only 30% because it had been a cold evening. The charging period that morning was two hours because the battery was so low. With the exception of the A-60 I don't see any EVs in my future. However, if you are considering getting int an EV you might be able to score a good price from Hertz. https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/hertz-sell-about-20000-evs-us-fleet-2024-01-11/

Possible safety switch affected by the load on the plow frame?

Check for a clogged vent in your gas cap.

Completely unrelated, but I used a dual spool from a D series on my Bronco. I had to make a bracket for it, but it goes in the same place as the factory single spool. It has always worked great with the standard hydraulics.

Got the new tires and new seat on the 312-8.

We just got in a new John Deere welder/generator unit at work and it has a GX690 Honda on it. I haven’t looked at it too close though I keep my distance because it would be hard for me to not start unbolting her to come home with me lol