TRACTOR TRIVIA and other interesting stuff 6/30/2024

[953 nut 55,189]

Farm built tractors

Ingenuity and a few basic tools allowed farmers to convert a Ford Model T into a tractor. Tractor prices were coming down toward the end of the great depression but not all farmers could afford one.

Printed in 1939, this set of plans called for parts off a Ford Model T. At the time, the project would cost less than $60!

The design is of a cultivator-style tractor, high rear wheels that could be weighted to provide even more traction. The description says that under average soil conditions, it could handle a two-bottom 12" plow, a 7' disk harrow, or two-row cultivators.

The plans state that although a low hitch is provided on the rear-axle housing, the high hitch, also shown, is safe for most loads, as it was found that, with the tractor anchored, in several tests to determine its turn-over tendency, the forward wheels lifted 15 in. but no more.

To insure a more efficient cooling and lubricating system than that provided on a Ford model-T motor, which is used in this tractor, a water pump and an oil pump may be added, but these details are left entirely to the discretion of the builder.

Amazing for the farm builder, using the plans and parts as described, one would need very limited welding. Most of the work would involve wrenches and hacksaws and the like.

This vintage farm tractor is a great example of the ingenuity of rural builders, working cheaply with limited materials.

[Handy Don 12,213]

5 hours ago, 953 nut said:

This vintage farm tractor is a great example of the ingenuity of rural builders, working cheaply with limited materials.

Also a testament to the design and manufacture of the sturdy and re-combinable Model T components! Hey, a lot like WH!

[Beap52 809]

On 6/30/2024 at 10:33 AM, Handy Don said:

Also a testament to the design and manufacture of the sturdy and re-combinable Model T components! Hey, a lot like WH!

These days, we're not likely to utilize many parts from vehicles coming off production lines.  Dad was a pretty good shade tree mechanic--until computers were incorporated into cars and trucks. 

[Handy Don 12,213]

12 minutes ago, Beap52 said:

These days, we're not likely to utilize many parts from vehicles coming off production lines.  Dad was a pretty good shade tree mechanic--until computers were incorporated into cars and trucks. 

Actually, many of the newer components (switches and sensors) are pretty straightforward mechanically and electrically.

It's the mounting, connections, and software integration that are a whole new set of standards mixed with proprietary programming.

[953 nut 55,189]

27 minutes ago, Beap52 said:

These days, we're not likely to utilize many parts from vehicles coming off production lines.  Dad was a pretty good shade tree mechanic--until computers were incorporated into cars and trucks. 

That and Unibody construction makes for flimsy end product if you decided to strip one down to the basic frame.

Newer transverse mounted front wheel drive engine/transaxle units could be rear mounted to make something akin to the Allis Chalmers "G". Triggering the coil pack is done through the ECM computer but with a bit of innovation this could become a mechanical process driven from the crankshaft. The EFI replaced by a good old fashioned carburetor and one of @Pullstart's extra bus seats and an old motorcycle front fork and you've got a one of a kind home built trike tractor.