953 nut 55,188 #1 Posted June 11 Tilmor tractor If you thought the Allis Chalmers Model G was the greatest thing since sliced bread and wish they were making them today I have good news for you. Tilmor, a small family owned Ohio based manufacturer is selling a new, improved, more powerful version of the “G”. They weren’t the first company to resurrect the concept of a rear engine open frame garden tractor. Page Dairy and Farm Equipment produced a small open-frame rear engine garden tractor in 1947 prior to the introduction of the “G,” in 1974 the John Blue Tractor emulated the famous “G” with limited success and a Nebraska firm named Tuff Bilt has been producing one since 1974. The Tuff Bilt began in Cumming, GA, as the Thomas-Bilt and company ownership has changed hands several times since then. The “Tilmor” tractor has a similar structural appeal as the G, but this modern tractor is definitely not the G, according to Lydell Steiner, project coordinator. “It’s kind of in that weird category,” said Steiner. “As we spent time listening to the owners of Gs, we really listened to what are some of the things we need to do, to make it ready for markets in the 21st century.” The Tilmor improves upon the G in almost every way, especially with the addition of quick-lock attachments that allow for the changing or adjusting of implements in a matter of minutes. The frame includes mid- and rear-mount toolbars, and it also includes multiple open hitches, similar to Reese hitches, that allow for additional implements or attachments to suit the operator’s needs. The tractor also includes modern lighting, and a rollover bar and safety belt. It’s powered by either a 23 horsepower gas or diesel engine, plenty of power for tilling, cultivating, planting or mowing. The tractor is being made by the Steiner family, owners of Venture Products, and they’ve been making their own tractors and attachments since the 1970s. Since 2000, they’ve built the Ventrac compact tractor and attachments, and with more than 300 employees, the company is still growing. The Steiners have been working on the Tilmor tractor for the past six years, trying to build a good tractor for an emerging market of small growers. “As we see the increase of the number of smaller specialty farms, whether it be organics or vegetables, we really want to support those individuals and that industry with a tool and equipment that will last,” Lydell said. The tractor can be used in northeast Ohio, where specialty crops are popular, but the Steiners also hope to be successful across the country and internationally. Lydell is currently working on a tractor in Nicaragua, and the family hopes to work in African countries and eastern Europe, as well. Putting the tractor to the test is important, not only so that it holds up and proves reliable, but also so that it can fitted to different kinds of farms, with different kinds of farming practices and also different types of soil. Attachments include specialized cultivators, planters, tillers and harvest equipment, and more implements are being made as the tractor evolves. Lydell said the Tilmor project “is a passion” and a vision that connects with who he is as a person, wanting to find solutions for small growers and also for growers around the world. “It’s not an easy undertaking,” he said. “But it’s one we believe in, and we’re glad we’re doing.” 3 3 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,534 #2 Posted June 11 That implement hoist is outstanding!!! As I sit here with a back that's hurting, I'm thinking that's the cat's meow... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
