TRACTOR TRIVIA and other interesting stuff 1/27/2024

[953 nut 55,297]

Tiger Tractor by INEXCO

 

Tiger called itself ‘America’s Finest Small Tractor’ had a life span of only seventeen years.

It all began with the INEXCO Motor Cultivator and 2-Wheel Garden Tractor. Tiger Tractor Corp was located in Keyser, WV. and was an offshoot of the Inexco company. Tiger Tractor ceased operation in 1965. During their history between 1947 and 1965 Tiger is believed to have made about 14 different models ranging from 5hp to 9hp. The earlier models were operated using a hand clutch, while later ones had a three-speed transmission and a differential. The average Tiger was sold with five attachments, including snow plow, garden plows, discs, sickle bar, belly mower, and other attachments.

Early models had no brakes, only an optional parking brake, and the rear axle didn’t have a differential. There was a ratcheting hub on one end of the axle which functioned as somewhat of a differential but would tend to lock-up making steering nearly imposable. Also, only the right wheel would drive in reverse much like the Wheel Horse RJ-35.

The Tiger model 552 and 883 featured an automatic transmission manufactured by Snow Nabstedt. The 552 was powered by a five HP engine with 12” rear tires and the 883 featured a 9 HP engine and 16” rear tires. They had no braking system and relied on the operator placing the transmission in neutral.

For several years, the Tiger was produced in many models, some of which were functional, but crude by today’s standards. This was mainly to keep the cost down since better technology was available. As the competition began to grow, the need for better tractors was obvious. The president of the Tiger Company, Mr. John Somerville, asked Mr. J. B. Kuhn to develop a prototype of an improved tractor, later to be the model C100. This was a top-of-the-line tractor. However, it appears its production and increased cost helped bring an end to this model. The original prototype, now owned by Mr. Kuhn’s son, Robert.

Edited January 27 by 953 nut
fat finger

[WHX?? 48,828]

So we were sitting around our display at the Portage Show once this tractor labeled as a Tiger came down the lane. Green & white in color. As the guy was tooling away it was noted that the transmission was a three piece as used on RJs & Burbs. Shoulda followed the owner and quizzed him. 

[Ed Kennell 38,209]

3 hours ago, 953 nut said:

in Keyser, WV.

 Potomac State College, a local ROTC campus of West Virginia University where I studied mechanical engineering in the '60s.     I lived in SW Pa. and commuted the 25 mile  thru Md to Keyser.     Wish I had been interested in garden tractors then, but I had other interests.  ROTH Military Honorary Society, rifle team, parade marches, a '55 Ford, and girls.

Sorry for hacking your post Richard,  but thanks for rekindling some 60yo memories.