TRACTOR TRIVIA and other interesting stuff 2/20/2024

[953 nut 52,066]

The Doodlebug, not quite a tractor but better than horses

 

Of the four million plus Fords produced between 1928 and 1931 about a half-million were trucks and busses of some sort. The AA was a heavy-duty truck for its time, the Ford AA truck was one of the most desirable trucks due to its relatively low price and dependability. As newer, faster, more comfortable trucks were produced the popularity of the AA trucks waned. That became the birth of the Doodlebug. The Ford AA could be purchased at a very reasonable price and converted into a functional tractor for farmer who wanted to go horseless but couldn’t afford a tractor. Some doodlebugs were built from cars but the rear axle strength was lacking and final drive gear ratios of the heavy truck were much more suitable.

My grandfather’s doodlebug was a 1931 AA that had been shortened, fitted with two three speed transmissions, had dual rear wheels with chains, and a concrete slab was poured over the rear end for added traction. It was modified by a local welding/machine shop since my grandfather didn’t have the equipment or skills to do the job himself.

The doodlebug could tow previously horse-drawn equipment with ease, the only drawback was the need for an operator to ride on the equipment to raise and lower a plow or others. It was faster than a team of horses and didn’t eat the grain and hay being produced. The heavy-duty rear axle and high final drive ratio of the dual transmissions reduced the load on the engine and clutch.

Most doodlebugs, including my grandfathers, had the front and rear springs removed, the front has a center pivot and the rear axle is bolted directly to the frame. The wheelbase was shortened for greater maneuverability and fenders removed for better visibility. The Ford AA had mechanical brakes which are adequate for general use but leave a lot to be desired when towing a loaded hay wagon.

Though we had several tractors available by the time I came along the doodlebug was still a valuable tool on the farm. We towed wagons, moved equipment, spread manure and had fun with it.

It also powered flat belt driven equipment. After position the doodlebug in the right spot the right rear wheel would be removed and replaced with a flat belt pulley and the left rear tire would be blocked and brake locked down. With all the gearing speeds available it could handle any task.

I doubt that any two Doodlebugs were alike, all were built by people with a variety of wants and needs to be met. One Doodlebug I saw at a tractor show had a pulley mounted on the drive shaft between the two transmissions. It drove a hydraulic pump which powered a hydraulic motor on a winch used to raise and lower a grader blade. Some have seating for one, some for two. Many Doodlebugs had a wooden truck-bed or tool box behind the operator. That is the fun part of these home-built units, no rules!

Other early options to replace the horse will appear in the next few days.

[ri702bill 7,398]

There are still a few that pop up for sale here in RI and SE Mass. Mostly in farming areas.

The predecessor to the "Rat Rod"!! 

[JoeM 7,710]

Maybe Toro got in the game late? Seen this on Marketplace.

[ebinmaine 63,380]

4 hours ago, JoeM said:

Toro

 

Every once in awhile I see one of those up here around Yarmouth I think. I've seen them both dark green and red.

 

 

5 hours ago, 953 nut said:

Doodlebug

 

Good thread Richard. I like these old doodle bugs. Trip on them up here on a fairly regular basis. Owls Head Transportation Museum includes them in their display I believe. 

 

There's one sitting on the edge of the woods up on the other side of the mountain from me here. Trina and I have considered many times about going over to see what they're doing with it but we don't exactly need another project...

[Ed Kennell 35,972]

 

Always a couple at our local shows.

[rjg854 10,769]

Always a few at Steam Pageant in Canadaiqua, NY.