Empire? Neatest tractor I've seen in a while!

[DennisThornton 4,769]

1947 Empire (Jeep) Tractor

The Empire tractor consisted of military power components from World War II-era jeeps. It had a 4-cylinder, 40 hp Willys-Overland engine, a Model T-84 Spicer 3-speed transmission, Spicer transfer case with high and low speeds, Willys rear end, steering column and gearbox. It also had PTO, individual clutch-type rear brakes with a stop provided for parking and a rear belt pulley. The fuel tank and an Empire-style seat were mounted on a large operator's platform (made from Navy ship decking). Its simple, basic gauges (ammeter, oil pressure and temperature), ignition switch and starter button also came from the jeep. The Empire tractor was originally made for exportation in the Lend-Lease Program after World War II. 

If I had to mention a couple of things that made the Empire Tractor really unique, one would be the straight bar hitch that pulled from under the center of the tractor (patented) thus making an overturn nearly impossible. The other selling point was, of course, the Willys engine and drive train made famous in the Jeep during World War II. The Empire was a well equipped tractor, very reliable and versatile with its wide range of speeds. Today this tractor draws a lot of attention at shows and is very sought after by collectors commanding higher than average prices. 
$5k

Edited November 10, 2017 by DennisThornton

[Achto 27,562]

Very cool tractor!! I have never seen one of these.

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,297]

That is one great looking tractor. First time I have ever heard of one. 

[slim67 2,735]

It ought to be reliable with the Willys components. 

[DennisThornton 4,769]

1 hour ago, elcamino/wheelhorse said:

That is one great looking tractor. First time I have ever heard of one. 

Makes me feel better. New to me! 

40 minutes ago, slim67 said:

It ought to be reliable with the Willys components. 

With all that why haven't we heard of it? Confuses me.  

[slim67 2,735]

9 hours ago, DennisThornton said:

Makes me feel better. New to me! 

With all that why haven't we heard of it? Confuses me.  

Good question. Wasnt there a lot of companies trying to offer a tractor about equal to the Cub? Maybe it wasnt the right size for suburban people that made garden tractors so desirable?

[953 nut 55,155]

5 hours ago, slim67 said:

Good question. Wasnt there a lot of companies trying to offer a tractor about equal to the Cub? Maybe it wasnt the right size for suburban people that made garden tractors so desirable?

As Dennis said in the first post, they were going over seas.

The Empire tractor was originally made for exportation in the Lend-Lease Program after World War II. 

[slim67 2,735]

7 hours ago, 953 nut said:

As Dennis said in the first post, they were going over seas.

The Empire tractor was originally made for exportation in the Lend-Lease Program after World War II. 

I overlooked that part. It's still a neat tractor though.

[LengerichKA88 1,883]

That is a cool looking tractor. Wonder if it being intended for use overseas, the name was a bit of sarcsasm on someone’s part 

[LengerichKA88 1,883]

Neat little clip I found with one running. 

 

 

[The Tuul Crib 7,336]

On 12/27/2018 at 7:13 PM, KyleLengerich said:

Neat little clip I found with one running. 

 

 

This is the kind of stuff I'd like to see. The diversity of machinery made from surplus parts '

[AMC RULES 37,130]

Commanding higher than average prices...

5K,  that's  Ride-Away Senior territory.

[Stormin 9,981]

On ‎12‎/‎28‎/‎2018 at 1:09 AM, KyleLengerich said:

 Wonder if it being intended for use overseas, the name was a bit of sarcsasm on someone’s part 

 

 More than likely. We've had to put up with quite a bit of that from certain quarters.

 

If any came into Britain I can't say. I haven't heard or seen of them myself. I'd like to find one though.

 

 

[Pullstart 62,829]

On 12/27/2018 at 8:13 PM, KyleLengerich said:

Neat little clip I found with one running. 

 

 

 

 

See that white paint job on the Farmall at the end?  Me Likey!  I could see that landing on a  some day!  

 

[LengerichKA88 1,883]

9 minutes ago, pullstart said:

 

 

See that white paint job on the Farmall at the end?  Me Likey!  I could see that landing on a  some day!  

 

I thought about that myself actually haha!

It would have to be a trailer queen though.... mow the grass with it it’ll look like you spilled bleach on a JD 😂😂

 

off topic but, is that the desktop view of the site? I’ve not seen that view before, but I’m only ever on my phone 

[Pullstart 62,829]

29 minutes ago, KyleLengerich said:

I thought about that myself actually haha!

It would have to be a trailer queen though.... mow the grass with it it’ll look like you spilled bleach on a JD 😂😂

 

off topic but, is that the desktop view of the site? I’ve not seen that view before, but I’m only ever on my phone 

Good point, I guess it would make a mean snow machine though...

 

It’s on an iPad.  I use the PC too and it looks the same.  If I turn my screen vertical the whole view changes (I assume like a phone?)

[Pullstart 62,829]

And totally off topic, here s the reply screen too