TRACTOR TRIVIA and other interesting stuff 4/8/2024

[953 nut 52,250]

Yesterday we saw several Model T Ford tractor conversion kits, here are a few more.

Farm Tractor Co., Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and Knickerbocker Motors, Inc., New York, merged to create the Knickerbocker Forma-Tractor, which went into receivership in 1920. Knickerbocker Forma-Tractor kit initially sold for $250 ($ 3,000 today), That price included a water pump, (Model T’s thermosiphon cooling system had no water pump), a larger cooling fan and an oversize radiator.

I’m not too sure how well this remote steering would work out!

PullFord was another very popular conversion system which was made by Ford Motor Company and also offered a front mounted flat-belt pulley system.

Shaw Manufacturing who went on to manufacture garden tractors like the Shaw Do-All was another kit maker

 

Merchandising giants Sears, Robuck & Company and Montgomery Ward also sold kits to convert Henry Ford’s Model T into a tractor

Magazine articles also offered suggestions about converting the Model T to a tractor.

Most of the kits on the market would move the drive wheels forward of the car’s axle for a shorter wheelbase and greater maneuverability. I don’t know who manufactured this one but it places the drive wheels behind the axle.

Edited April 8 by 953 nut

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,117]

@953 nut Short story about Model T's on the farm.  My paternal grandfather lived on a 100 acre farm which one of his older sons farmed. Granddaddy always drove a wagon never had been behind the steering wheel of anything.  A couple of the younger sons purchased a model T after the great depression and decided that the old man needed to learn drive as he and grandma were getting to the point that climbing up in the wagon was difficult.  Put the old man behind the wheel and explained everything . Started the T and off they went.  Granddaddy ruined about 15 acres of corn. I am pretty sure "here hold my beer" was involved.  The older son came by a few days later mad as a wet hen demanding payment for the destroyed field . He was still made about the ruined crop when he died at age 90.