Brought home a new project

[Achto 26,501]

So I wanted a Wheel Horse for a while, then I got one. One is good right? Well one soon turned into four. I'm fine, only gonna collect made be fore 1968, I have control of this. Then I found this tractor and had to have it. This tractor thing is not an addiction, is it?

What I brought home is a McLean Husky made in Indianapolis some time around the 50's or 60's. Not sure on the year, there is not a lot of info on these machines. I did read that McLean was acquired by Wheel Horse, but I don't know if this info is accurate or not.

This thing is in really bad shape and has been altered by a previous owner. I'm really hoping that I can find enough info to get this thing back in shape. I'm thinking this project will quite an challenge.

 

Below is the transmission. From what I've read it should be belt drive to the transmission, the trans consists of a selector for different chain drives 2 speeds or a reverse gear set to a chain drive. Then belt drive on each side back to a sprocket then finally chain drive to each rear wheel. This really doesn't leave a differential for the drive wheels, to accomplish that they ran rods from the steering to the tension pulleys for the post transmission belts to loosen the belt on the inside of the turn. Complicated but sounds like it would work, hopefully I can make it work.   

I'll start a new thread on the restoration once I get started on it. If any one has any info or pics of one of these, I would be extremely grateful!

Edited April 29, 2016 by achto

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,125]

a very unique looking machine...Looking forward to seeing your restoration.   

[Derek M 27]

 I keep thinking I've seen a old magazine add with that name and a photo on Ebay maybe. You may at least see what it was that way. Good Luck

[Derek M 27]

This should help best i could find. 

[rustyoldjunk 127]

http://www.tractorfriends.org/lawngardentractors/mccleangardentractors/mccleangardentractors.html

[KC9KAS 4,741]

6 hours ago, rustyoldjunk said:

http://www.tractorfriends.org/lawngardentractors/mccleangardentractors/mccleangardentractors.html

Very interesting reading....Thanks!

[Achto 26,501]

11 hours ago, Derek M said:

This should help best i could find

Thanks Derek I had not found this sight.

 

11 hours ago, rustyoldjunk said:

 

4 hours ago, KC9KAS said:

Very interesting reading....Thanks!

Thanks guys, this site has the most pics of one of these that I have found. Hopefully my eyeball micrometer is calibrated close enough to get the pulleys and sprockets all the right size from the pictures. A P.O. removed the post transmission belt drives and put in a live axle in the rear. I want to put it back to its original design. I for see a lot of fab and machine time being put into this one. My largest concerns are finding new gears for the reverse shaft and getting the shift rail to operate properly.

Edited April 29, 2016 by achto

[Derek M 27]

Sounds like alot of fun can't wait to see the results in the future.  

[953 nut 51,511]

I knew I had seen a tractor like that on here a few months ago, did a search and found the post; it was yours!   

 

[Achto 26,501]

49 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

I knew I had seen a tractor like that on here a few months ago, did a search and found the post; it was yours!

Yep, that was when I was trying to put a name on it. Made an agreement shortly there after and finally took the time to pick it up this week.

[traktrjorj 3]

So, this is just a McLean member rider site or McLean walk behinds too ? 

[WHX?? 46,690]

If I understand your question right  @traktrjorj we will discuss anything from Mclean riders or behinds too if posted in the other brands section. You bet. Lots of behind fans of all brands here. This site is primarily for Wheel Horse addicts but we enjoy almost everything vintage.

BTW  and thanks for digging up this older thread. Dan @Achto will surely be kind enough to dig up his resto thread on the above  gem  if you are a Mclean fan.

[Achto 26,501]

Sure can Jim, @traktrjorj here is the link to the resto on this tractor.

 

Edited November 28, 2018 by Achto

[The Tuul Crib 7,332]

Will be watching this one .That is an interesting piece!,  

[WHX?? 46,690]

Hate to dissapoint you Crib but there's nothing to watch as that's an old thread... Dan's restored McLean has been to more tractor shows now then Dolly Pardon been to the Grand Old Opry...even has a best in show runner up!  the resto thread is all ther tho and a good read.

[953 nut 51,511]

On 11/27/2018 at 8:12 PM, traktrjorj said:

So, this is just a McLean member rider site or McLean walk behinds too ? 

Would love to see some pictures of your new project and you are very welcome to make a post on the McLean under "Other Brands".

https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/forum/6-other-brands/

[The Tuul Crib 7,332]

14 hours ago, WHX21 said:

Hate to dissapoint you Crib but there's nothing to watch as that's an old thread... Dan's restored McLean has been to more tractor shows now then Dolly Pardon been to the Grand Old Opry...even has a best in show runner up!  the resto thread is all ther tho and a good read.

That's what I get for not paying attention!

Duh!!