TRACTOR TRIVIA and other interesting stuff 4/12/2024

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Page Garden Tractor

Page Dairy and Farm Equipment manufactured items needed by the dairy industry and in 1926 launched a line of garden tractors. Like most offerings in that time, they were two wheeled walk-behind units.

A 1946 magazine ad for Page’s “Streamlined Garden Tractor” boasts “20 years of experience”. The advertisement went on to extol the virtues of the tractor’s many features, it had a headlight and an equipment light for night work. It had a direct drive, worm-gear transmission that employed cut gears and ball bearings. “No cheap belts or chains.”  This model was offered with a choice of 1.5, 2, 3 and 4 horse power engines.  Also, a wide array of tools could be added.

 

 

I have read that Page's first rear engine; riding tractor, built in 1945, was based on their Two-Wheeled tractor drive train with an added reverse gear as the rear end. Front steering and a seat for the operator were added though the individual hand operated clutches for each drive wheel were retained. Cultivators or other implements were mounted under the tractor where the operator could observe them.

 That first model was considered the "standard" model and was powered by the Wisconsin ABN 4 horse power engine. In 1949 Page introduced the "Master", which was an upgraded standard model. The front casting was redesigned to be heavier, it had individual wheel brakes and the biggest improvement was a hand operated clutch and differential. It was powered by a slightly larger Wisconsin AKN 6 horse power engine. This tractor caught the attention of another garden tractor manufacturer, more on that tomorrow.

In 1951 Page came out with a one wheeled “Bantam” walk-behind garden tractor as mentioned in this ad.

A Bantam flyer said, “Check these Features, Fingertip clutch control, Quick hitch, Enclosed all-gear transmission, Direct mounted engine, Power take-off shaft, Handle controlled stand, Pneumatic tire, Traction balanced, Briggs & Stratton 2 hp Model 6FB

As is the case with so many obscure tractor brands there is no reliable information about production numbers and much of what can be found on garden tractor sites is speculation and conflicts with other postings so I am not comfortable using it.