953 nut 55,166 #1 Posted February 15 Gunsmith Garden Tractor Sometimes three wheels are better than two. Adding an operator’s platform, a seat and a third wheel for steering converted a walk-behind tractor into a riding garden tractor. These small tractors were built between 1948 and around 1955. They were based on the 2 wheeled BMB Ploughmate machine powered by a JAP 5hp single-cylinder air cooled engine. Power to the 2-speed gearbox with reverse was transmitted via a flat belt. An idler pulley tensioned the belt and when the foot pedal was pressed down releasing the tension, this acted as the clutch. A tight turning circle was helped with separate brakes for each rear wheel. The machine has a hand-operated lift mechanism for rear or mid-mounted implements. Gunsmith The British made BMB Plowmate tractor has been described as pedestrian tractor because it is operated by a person walking behind and controlling the operation of the machine. The tractor comprises primarily a two-wheeled machine with an engine mounted between the wheels which were directly coupled through a gearbox to the wheels. There were many variations of the tractor relating mainly to equipment attached to the rear of the machine. Most of the tractors had steel wheels. This tractor has rubber tires and at the rear and cultivation equipment is attached to the tractor drawbar. The BMB plowmate was the largest of 3 different size pedestrian tractors built by British Motor Boats who started importing American built machines during 1930’s. The plowmate is powered by a six horsepower JAP model 5 engine or a Briggs & Stratton ZZ engine. Perhaps @ranger, @meadowfield or @Mickwhitt can tell us more about this tractor. Plowmate 5 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,040 #2 Posted February 15 1 hour ago, 953 nut said: The BMB plowmate was the largest of 3 different size pedestrian tractors built by British Motor Boats who started importing American built machines during 1930’s. The plowmate is powered by a six horsepower JAP model 5 engine or a Briggs & Stratton ZZ engine. Perhaps @ranger, @meadowfield or @Mickwhitt can tell us more about this tractor. Plowmate That American company was Simplicity. The Hoemate, Cultimate and Plowmate were the 3 models in Europe. Eventually the HoeTrac, CultiTrac and PlowTrac were the American models. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beap52 809 #3 Posted February 16 That was interesting watching the plowing video. I know it was a demonstration but I wouldn't want to be the one trying to bust up the the clods that the muddy field will turn into. I remember when dad went to no till. Mom didn't like it, They had his and her tractors and mom had as many hours tilling as dad. She called not till "trash farming". She liked to see corn stocks plowed under. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,166 #4 Posted February 16 12 hours ago, Beap52 said: I remember when dad went to no till. No-till is the only way to go. Better for the soil, less fuel used, less time, get seeds in the ground earlier due to organic layer decomposing above the soil. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,206 #5 Posted February 16 (edited) 2 hours ago, 953 nut said: No-till is the only way to go. Better for the soil, less fuel used, less time, get seeds in the ground earlier due to organic layer decomposing above the soil. And less soil displacement due to wind and water erosion. Edited February 16 by Handy Don 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
