As most of you know, we spend most of our time researching and
writing about vintage engines and tractors. Many of you have
probably seen this 1920s photograph of a Stover experimental model.
(It is in our Power in the Past, Volume 3.) For reasons unknown,
this model never made it past the experimental stage.
At the time, Stover was a major player in the gas engine
business, probably ranking among the top five. It appears that
Fairbanks-Morse was the largest, followed by International
Harvester Company. There were other major companies including the
Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company, Nelson Bros., and Fuller &
Johnson, to name a few. However, Stover was among the top five, and
in a better position to develop a tractor than many of its
competitors.
Why did some tractors sell, and why didn’t others (like this
Stover model) ever get off the ground? A book could be written on
this question, and indeed, the many suppositions written over the
years would make a very large book. In the case of this Stover
tractor, it never got past the experimental stage, and this
provides some clues. It is likely that the company decided against
further experiments and further expenditures of money to pursue the
venture. Given the competitive nature of the business, this was
probably a wise decision. Perhaps the Stover people got wind of the
Farm all experiments over at the International Harvester Test Farm.
This in it-self was probably a sobering thought, since IH had
seemingly limitless funds for research and development work.
Double-Cylinder Surface Planing Machine: Cylinder Belted at Both
Ends Forged Steel Cylinders Self-Acting Pressure BarsBed Raises and
Lowers in Extra Wide Gibs Improved Tightener for Feed BeltFriction
Rolls in Each End of Bed Planes Up to 26 Inches Wide and 6 Inches
Thick Feed Taken from the Countershaft or the Cylinder.
For their part, IH was willing and able to designate major
funding toward its experimental tractors, and numbered some of the
world’s best designers among its staff. IH and some of the
other major builders also had a well developed distribution and
dealer network. Sufficient funds were available for major
advertising campaigns. These, and many other factors, made it
possible for the majors to completely swamp the competition in
their wake. The bottom line is that it wasn’t always the best
tractor models that came from the major builders . . . sometimes
the small companies had models that offered innovative new
features. Yet, they were unable to get their message out to the
farmers, and thus, were unable to sell their tractors in the
quantities needed for efficient production.
Have you ever wondered how large engine cylinders were
accurately bored? See the photo of a Niles horizontal boring
machine. These were built in many sizes, to accommodate virtually
any boring job. This illustration is from a huge catalog from
Niles-Bement-Pond that we acquired some years ago.
Also from our catalog collection, here’s an illustration of
a double-cylinder surface planer. This big machine was built by Fay
& Egan, and designed for use in planing mills and in factories.
Early farm equipment made heavy use of wood, and undoubtedly, there
were a great many similar machines used by the farm equipment
industry.
Our queries this month begin with:
29/5/1 Information Needed Q. J have three
engines for which I would like to know the age. They are an Ottawa
2HP, s/n C16908; Cushman 4HP, s/n 38443; and Monitor 1 HP, s/n
37798. I would also like to find the paint numbers for a 1 HP
Fairbanks-Morse Z with the solid flywheels, s/n 564931. Any
information will be appreciated. David Greeley, RR 1, Box
12, Hershey, NE 69143.
A. No serial number information is available on
the engines of the first paragraph. We’ve never found a
comparable color match for the Z with the dishpan flywheels, except
to say that it is a dark red, with black trim. Perhaps some of our
readers can send us a color photo that shows the proper color
scheme for future reference.
29/5/2 Thanks! To all the fine folks who helped
me I.D. my mystery motor of 29/2/25 in the February issue. I never
dreamed there were so many of those little engines about, for this
is the only one of its kind I have seen. I have other, newer
Jacobsens which date from the 1950s. I got so many replies I may
not get to answer a ‘thank you’ to all of them right away.
So, I’ll thank them all through GEM.
T. J. Shipman, RR 2, Box 371-13, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
29/5/3 Unidentified Engine Q. I have a 1 HP
engine, s/n 296696, with 1 FW on the tag. It appears to have light
blue paint under a layer of black paint. What make is this engine,
the proper color, etc.? Dennis Dingman, Route 3, Box 32
C, Hayden Lake, ID 83835.
A. The FW suffix would lead us to believe that
this engine was built by Hercules, probably in the early 1920s. The
paint color may have been ordered by another vendor, since various
engines were manufactured by Hercules and sold by a jobber.
29/5/4 International Harvester I-9 Q. See the
photos of a 1943 IHC I-9 with s/n ICB 3698 Y14. It is a military
modification that I was told came from McGuire Air Force Base in
New Jersey, It accommodates a three-man ground crew . . . one
driver and a man on each fender seat. A belt-driven air compressor
is mounted on the right side. I would like any information on its
use, color scheme, where modified (during or after IHC production)
etc. What does Y14 in the serial number signify? Garrison
‘Doc’ Brown, PO Box 109, Aquegogue, NY 11931.
A. Can anyone be of help on this question?
29/5/5 Buckeye Engine Q. First of all, what is
the year built of a Witte 2 HP engine, s/n B8646? Also see the
photo of our 10 HP Buckeye, built by Buckeye Traction Ditcher Co.
When we found the engine it had been sitting outside for over 50
years and was sunk in the ground up to the cylinder. Has anyone
seen a Buckeye with a closed jacket design or has any idea of the
original cooling system?
Can anyone provide some help with a 20 HP Olin engine, s/n 3645
made by the Titusville Iron Company? It was used to pump seven oil
wells at about 1,300 feet. It has hot tube and Wico OC ignition. I
would like to know the proper starting procedure. Any help will be
appreciated. Paul and Phillip Sheldnick, 20175 Taylor St.,
Weston, OH 43569.
A. Your Witte engine was built in 1923. Can
anyone be of help on the Buckeye and the Olin engines?
29/5/6 Unidentified Transmission Q. See the
photo of a transmission with no casting marks whatsoever. I was
wondering if this is a marine or a vehicle transmission. Jim
Windle, 4001 Fox Run Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139.
A. Can someone share their expertise on this
question?
29/5/7 Witte Information Q. What is the year
built of a Witte engine, s/n 59614? Phil Hayse, 411 East
Washington, Lyons, KS 67554.
A. 1922.
29/5/8 Magma Tractor Q. I have a Magma tractor.
The engine, a 9 HP Briggs & Stratton, was made in 1963; the
tractor s/n is 94294. It has a 4 speed transmission with one
reverse and has a starter-generator on the engine. I tried to match
colors as close as possible. Could someone tell me more about the
tractor? Any information will be appreciated.
A. Please be of help if you can.
29/5/9 Humphrey Gas Pump Q. In Marks’
Mechanical Engineers Handbook is illustrated the Humphrey gas pump.
[It] ‘is a combined internal combustion engine and pump in
which the metal piston has been replaced by a column of water. The
inertia of the water takes the place of the flywheel and maintains
the necessary cyclic periodicity. Both two-cycle and four-cycle
operation are used.’
I have not been able to come up with much information on this
except for some patents. They are: 1,037,009 (1912); 1,053,395
(1913); 1,254,693 (1918); and 1,311,166 (1919). Is there anyone out
there with information on this design? Richard Stout,
3105 Larch Ave., Washington, IA 52353.
29/5/10 Witte Information Q. What is the year
built of a Witte engine, s/n B25848? Scott P. Wilson, 1401
Wikiup Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1348.
A. 1925.
29/5/11 Paint Colors Q. What is the age and
color of the following?
IHC 1 – 2, s/n LAA50286 Novo Model S, 3 HP, s/n 52736 F-M Type
Z,1 HP, s/n 641323 Hercules 1 -2, s/n NK 3005 Trent Carey,
13702 W. Sunnyvale Dr., Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026.
A. The years are, in order: 1938; no
information; 1925; and 1930. Comparable colors are, in order: NAPA
90R-3731; DuPont 4190AH Green; PPG 43846 Green; PPG 43822 Green.
This information, and much more, is in Wendel’s Notebook,
available from GEM.
29/5/12 Rambler Nameplate Q. I would like to
correspond with anyone having information on a brass
‘Rambler’ name plate that I have. I will send a copy of it.
Is it from a tractor or gas engine? Gordon E. Bostrom, 33403
Polk St NE, Cambridge, MN 55008.
A. We would suggest this to be from an
automobile.
29/5/13 David Bradley Problem Q. I have a David
Bradley garden tractor that I would like to restore. The problem is
that there is no more ‘adjustment’ to the clutch, and it
slips whenever the going gets tough. Is there any thing readily
available to make clutch facings from or repair parts still around!
Paul Wanes, 37381 Hansville Rd NE,Hansville,WA98340.
A. We would guess that there might be some NOS
(new old stock) facings someplace, or perhaps someone makes new
facings. Can anyone be of help?
29/5/14 Bantam Tractor Q. I need information on
a Bantam tractor made in 1952 by Standard Mfg. & Sales Co.,
Lebanon, Indiana. I would like to know the color, plus the options
and equipment available. The model is A108560, and it uses an 8 HP
Briggs & Stratton engine. Mike MacOwan, Route 3, Box
71,Monticello, IN 47960.
A. If you can be of help, please do
so.
29/5/15 Information Needed Q. Can you date the
following? McCormick-Deering M, s/n W49636; Deere 358356; F-M
496836. Also, does anyone know the whereabouts of a Himmelsberger
wagon made in West Reading, Pa.? They were made by a relative, and
if anyone knows about the existence of such a wagon, I would like
to hear from them. David P. Rhine, 1124 Park Dr., Palmyra, PA
17078.
A. The dates, in order, are 1922, 1944, and
1921.
29/5/16 An LB Question Q. I have a 3-5HP IHC LB
engine, s/n 66193. Would like to know the date built, the color,
and was wondering why it has an air filter on it? John M.
Edgerton, 603 Loon Lake Road, Bigfork, MT 59911.
A. Your engine was built in 1947, and we assume
it to be the standard IHC Red. Yours was probably on a hay press,
or possibly a potato digger. The air filter was an extra-cost
option. We don’t have any IHC pricing readily available for the
period in question.
29/5/17 Domestic Sideshaft Q. See the photo of
a Domestic 1 HP side shaft model that used the tin hopper. Is this
called a ‘stovepipe’ engine? Every piece on the engine was
rusted tight. About two weeks and a lot of ‘Kroil’ got it
apart. I think it is one of the best built engines I have worked
on. All the babbitt bearings were in very good condition. I would
like to know what years the tin hopper Domestics were built. I
cannot find any serial number. I looked through all my back issues
of GEM and found only one photo of the engine like mine (July 1988,
page 68). The tin around the hopper was rusted away, and I would
like to hear from anyone who has any information on the engine, and
maybe a picture showing a good view of the water hopper, etc.
R. W. Doss, 5950 Wilson Dr., Huntington, WV
25705.
A. Anyone who is expert on these engines,
please contact Mr. Doss.
29/5/18 Signal Corps Power Unit Q. See the
photos of a Signal Corps power unit powered by a Wisconsin ABS
engine, made in 1944. Although the engine runs fine, I have yet to
get anything from the 1,000 volt generator. It appears that
some-one tried to convert it to 110-220, and before I
‘fool’ with it, I’m hoping that some-one might have
knowledge of, or a diagram for, this unit. The generator was made
by Atlas Aircraft Products, New York, New York. It is a
dual-voltage DC generator, Type ML-8037-1; low voltage 14.6 volts
and 25 amps; high voltage 1,000 volts and .35 amps. Any information
will be appreciated. Guy ‘Gus’ Simms, 25 N. Front St.,
Mountaintop, PA 18707.
29/5/19 Moline Universal Problems Q. I’m
taking the liberty to write you as a John Deere dealer in France,
and as a collector of old tractors and steam traction engines. Is
it possible in the USA to find an ignition system (distributor)
with gear for the Moline Universal 9-18 tractor? Any help would be
appreciated. Station Service Motoculture, Joseph Gaget S.A.,
Siege Social a Ruy, 38300 Bourgoin-Jallieu, France.
29/5/20 Ottawa Help Needed Q. See the photos of
an Ottawa engine which I am restoring. It is in need of some parts,
and I am interested in literature and any information I can find on
the 2 HP, Model B.S. engine. Ralph F. Dice Sr., 10000
Grindstone Hill Rd., Greencastle, PA 17225.
29/5/21 Witte Diesel Q. I have a Witte
Dieselectric 6 HP engine, s/n D1028. It is equipped with a 115/230
volt AC single phase generator. There are four wires marked 1, 2,
3, and 4 that come out of the generator, but they have been cut
off, and I don’t have a wiring diagram. When I measure across
the wires marked 1 and 3 with a voltmeter I read 110 VAC. I get the
same reading when I measure across the wires marked 2 and 4. How do
I connect the four wires that come out of the generator to get 230
volts? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Jack Hay ward,
541 North Main St., Thomaston, CT 06787.
A. We don’t have any drawings for this
model. Can anyone be of help?
29/5/22 Swarts Electric Co. Q. See the photo.
According to my information it is a Swarts Electric Co. engine
built in Indianapolis, Indiana. Any help would be appreciated.
Rens Visser, Historische Parts Service, Jan van
Amstelstraat 68, 5481 HD Schijndel, Holland.
29/5/23 Acme Power Cultivator Q. I’m
looking for information on an Acme Jr. Power Cultivator built
during the 1920s by the Acme Cultivator Co., Salem, Ohio. It is
powered by a Briggs & Stratton 2 x 2 engine, has wooden
handles, and supposedly was available with a number of different
plows and cultivators, even ‘rowcrop’ harvesters. I’d
like to correspond with anyone who has such a machine, or
information on them. Sam Moore, 2337 SR 45 S, Salem, OH
44460-9456.
29/5/24 Unidentified Engine Q. See the pictures
of a small air cooled engine. I have seen and worked on many
different makes and models, but I sure need some help on this one.
The basic construction is cast iron with the usual aluminum mag
plate and finned flywheel. Bore and stroke is 1 inches, and the
piston is very similar to the twin Maytag. I need help as to
identify the engine, plus information on the missing parts. Any
help will be appreciated. Dale Boss, 7195 Colony Rd., La Mesa, CA
91941.
29/5/25 Appleton Ensilage Cutter Q. See the
photos of a New Hero No. 12 Ensilage & Fodder Cutter. It was
built by the Appleton Mfg. Co. Can anyone advise when this was
built, and how complete is it? Edgar E. Wagner, 1918
Hillison Rd., Amboy IL 61310-9558.
A. A 1917 Appleton catalog illustrates this
cutter, noting that ‘it has been the standard for years.’
Apparently it was in production for some time before 1917, probably
about the turn of the century when ensilage started becoming
popular on midwestern farms.
29/5/26 Unidentified Engine Q. See the photo of
an unidentified engine. It looks to be somewhere between and
horsepower. Any help will be appreciated. Frank C. Snyder, RD
1, Box 117, Whitney Point, NY 13862.
29/5/27 Climax Engine Q. See the photos of an
engine-compressor unit. The engine is a Climax Model K. There is a
hand clutch and a flat belt drive to a Gardner 8×6 compressor, s/n
33323. The engine and compressor are water cooled. There is a
riveted upright air receiver. I would like to hear from anyone in
gas engine land that has one of these, or information on same.
Jim Barratt, 26313 SE Leonard Rd., Camas, WA 98607.
29/5/28 Copar Panzer Q. See the photo of a
Copar Panzer tractor I found in an old barn; my boy would like to
restore it. Would like to correspond with someone who knows the
history of it, correct paint, years made, implements for it, etc.
Del Leichliter, 2141 Lipkey Rd., North Jackson, OH 44451.
29/5/29 General Engines Q. In the March 1989
issue of GEM, page there is an article about General Engines, but
no name or address to get the information. I’d like to get in
contact with this person, and would be willing to pay postage and
copying fees. Michael E. Schultz, 1650 Schust Rd., Saginaw, Ml
48604.
A. The response you are referring to was one of
several sent in that month by Mr. Dick Hamp, 1772 Conrad Ave., San
Jose, CA 94124- He has quite a collection of literature, and is a
frequent contributor to our column.
29/5/30 Dillingen Mfg. Co. Q. I have a buzz saw
made by this company at Lancaster, Pa., and need information,
specifically how the wheels attached, the size, and appearance of
same. Tom Barrett, 6770 Kelso Creek Rd., Weldon, CA
93283-9690.
A. A call to the Lancaster County Historical
Society revealed that they have nothing in their files on this
company. Can any of our readers help out on this one?
29/5/31 F-M Compressor Q. In your book,
Fairbanks-Morse 1893-1993, there is a picture of a Model CC
compressor and a 3 HP Z engine on the top of page .I have one of
these compressors, and was wondering how the piston is lubricated.
First I thought it must go in with the intake air, but that
wouldn’t lubricate the piston skirt. Can anyone advise? Also
are there any serial numbers on the compressors? Richard
Mosher, 109 Highman Ave., Cambridge, Ontario N1R 3M2.
A. We can’t answer your question precisely,
as we do not have a manual for the Type CC compressor. There are no
serial number records left for the compressors.
29/5/32 American Boy Q. The engine in the
photos is allegedly a 7 HP American Boy, as shown on page of
American Gas Engines. Do you agree this is an American Boy? Your
book notes that it was built in 3,5,8, and 10 HP sizes. However
cast into the crank guard it says 6 HP. What horsepower is my
engine? It is 5 x 10 inch bore and stroke. What was the proper
color? What kind of fuel tank was used, and where was it located?
When you want to start the engine should the compression release be
left open? How long a spark should there be between the ignitor
points, and what color should it be? Any assistance in getting this
engine operational will be greatly appreciated. Richard K.
Meister, 5323 Brookbank Road, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
A. We’re not sure from the photos what name
it assumed after leaving its Waterloo, Iowa, factory, but
there’s no doubt that this engine is another of the generic
styles manufactured by Waterloo Gasoline Engine Co. and jobbed by
several different companies under their own name. The horsepower
rating fluctuated, depending first on the ‘rated speed’ for
a given bore and stroke, and secondly on the vendor’s boldness
the day he wrote the advertising. We don’t know the correct
color for the American Boy or the exact fuel tank arrangement, but
hopefully some of our readers can come to your aid.
If you can bring the engine up over top center with relative
ease, leave the compression release closed, otherwise leave it
open. The ignitor points shouldn’t open very far, probably less
than an eighth of an inch. If the battery and coil are good, there
should be a fat orange fireball. If the fire is a weak blue, forget
it, since under compression the arc is going to get even smaller.
We hope this will be of some help, although we recognize you could
use an assist from someone having one of these engines to get the
specifics.
29/5/33 A Deere with a V-8? Q. Somewhere, I
think way back in GEM, I read about a guy who put a V-8 engine into
a two-cylinder John Deere. However, I can’t find the article.
I’d sure like to contact the person who wrote it. Help will be
appreciated. Edward K. Royse, 3334 Western Ave., Mattoon, IL
61938.
29/5/34 Hoffco Scythette Q. See the photo of a
Scythette made by Hoffco Inc., Richmond, Indiana. It is Model ST,
sin 54501. The engine is a Power Products two-cycle by Tecumseh.
Engine type #33, sin 4075.I would like to hear from anyone with
information on this unit, copies of the parts list, instructions,
etc. Tommy Coffey, 200 Power Cir, Box C64-2, Hudson, NC 28638.
29/5/35 Aristox Information Q. I’m still
hopeful of finding information regarding the Aristox horizontal
marine engines built by the Black Rock Mfg. Co. These engines were
used in the U.S. Life Saving Service on 26-foot motor surf boats
prior to 1915, and by their successor, the U.S. Coast Guard, from
1915 into the 1920s, even into the 1930s. If anyone can be of help,
kindly contact: Robert M. Harris, 1812 Wiltshire, Berkley, MI
48072.
29/5/36 Help Wanted Q. See the photos of an
engine which has no marks other than the following numbers: crank,
21182 raised letters, B822 stamped; exhaust valve arm 82; governor
bracket casting 328 or B28; rod end cap 4C; main bearing caps K34-
Bore and stroke is 4 x 5.875. Flywheels are 22 inches in diameter,
and hopper is attached with five bolts. The engine looks somewhat
like the Waterloo Boy on the cover of the March 1992 GEM. Can
anyone verify this engine for sure, as I want to get it identified
and painted correctly. All responses appreciated. Harold I.
Stark, 3215 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46217.
29/5/37 What Is It? Q. See the photo of a small
tractor I picked up recently. The only tag on it is
‘Snap-Coupler’ on the frame. The frame looks like an
Allis-Chalmers G, but about half size. It has an electric lift, and
the motor is a 4 or 5 HP Briggs. The steering wheel and gear box
are like an A-C Model G. I’d appreciate any information.
Rev. Leonard Ay cock, 765 Sunderland Rd., Concord, NC 28027.
29/5/38 Jaeger Model 44H Engine Q. See the
photo of my Jaeger. It was purchased in 1965 from a junk yard near
Potosi, Missouri. Other than being dirty, it was in fair condition,
all but the make-and-break system and magneto. After rebuilding the
magneto and the trip action assembly the engine runs just fine,
however I have to use a 6-volt battery in series with the magneto.
I would like to know more about the Jaeger Company and how popular
these engines were. Any information will be appreciated. Leon
Halbert 5202 Sarna, North Little Rock,AR72118.
A. Jaeger’s claim to fame was its cement
mixers. The engine in the photo was actually built by Hercules, and
is a first cousin of the Economy engines sold by Sears &
Roebuck. Since Jaeger sold thousands of cement mixers and other
products, they apparently bought thousands of these engines over
the years. According to Glenn Karch in A History of Hercules,
‘Jaeger engines were almost always mounted on concrete mixers
made by Jaeger Machine Co. of Columbus, Ohio. Just when Jaeger
engines were first made is unknown, but they seem to first appear
around 1915.’
29/5/39 Unidentified Engine Q. See the two
photos of a recent acquisition. It is water cooled, with a brass
gear-driven water pump visible on the side. The single-spoked
flywheel is 22 inches in diameter with a 3? inch face. The
carburetor is from Air Friction Carburetor Co., Dayton, Ohio, and
has a sight window in the bowl. The intake valve hangs down from
the top in a cage, as on the New-Way engine. On the outside of the
flywheel is a lever that operates a mechanical clutch. On several
places on the engine is cast the word ‘Hoffman.’ Any
information would be appreciated. R. A. Finkenbinder, 827 New
Bloomfield Rd., Duncannon, PA 17020.
29/5/40 Salsbury Motor Co. Q. Can anyone give
me the address of the above company? Any information will be
appreciated. Charles H. Ueider, 2113 Town Line Rd., Chippewa
Falls, WI 54729.
A. See 29/5/41 below.
29/5/41 Salsbury Motor Q. See the two photos of
an engine I’m told is a Salsbury, made in Pomona, California.
The s/n is 3884. Stamped on the intake manifold is A6696, and on
the block is K-1. Any in-formation on this engine will be
appreciated. Jerry Cutlip, 1602 Brook Ct. #1, Ellensburg,
WA 98926.
29/5/42 Chanticleer Q. I have a 1 HP
Chanticleer made by the Jacob Haisch Company, DeKalb, Illinois, and
was wondering if anyone has duplicated the decal. Also would like
to hear from anyone having any information or history on this
firm.
Also see the photo of an old sleigh that belonged to my
great-grandfather. I know this does not have anything to do with
gas engines, but thought that perhaps someone might be able to tell
me what it’s supposed to look like. I know that it has a single
seat with a small flat bed area behind it. The unusual pan is the
all-metal runners and knees. Any help will be appreciated.
R. A. Finkenbinder, 827 New Bloomfield Rd., Duncannon, PA
17020.
29/5/43 DeLaval Engine Q. Have you received any
information on the DeLaval engine pictured on page 6 of the
December 1993 GEM? I have one like it, and need to find further
information. Any help will be appreciated, including any
information in back issues of GEM. Way- land Shelton, PO Box
32, Tryon, NE 69167.
29/5/44 Bessemer Engine Q. See the photo of an
8 HP Bessemer two-cycle engine. I’ve been told that this is the
808th one made; also that the first digit of 8 means that it was
two cycle, and the following ’08’ means that it was the
eighth one of this series. Can any of the readers verify this
information? Jesse E. Cook, 3423 Younger Dr., Charleston, WV
25306.
29/5/45 Novo Information Needed Q. What is the
color of a Novo Model AG engine, s/n 33275, and its age? Wayne
L. Hart, Rt3, Box 273, Mountaingrove, MO 65711.
A. We’re not sure if the AG engines were
the same dark green as the Model S; that color is DuPont 4190AH
Green. There is no serial number info available that we know
of.
29/5/46 Suburban Wheel Horse Q. See the photo
of the Suburban, s/n 39030. It is equipped with a 4 HP Kohler
engine and has a good mower deck. What other equipment was sold
with these tractors? Could anyone provide any information on this
unit, its age, etc.? Any help would be appreciated. Pete Brown,
1058 S. Meridian Rd., Mason, MI 48854-
Readers Write
29/1/34 Witte
Richard D. Hamp, 1772 Conrad Ave., San Jose, CA 95124-4501
writes: The engine appears to be a Witte. Some of the engines Witte
sold to Bean Spray Pump Co. were fitted with this type of
crankshaft cover and were called ‘sprayer engines.’ The
serial number should be stamped into the end of the crankshaft on
the governor side of this engine.
I need some help myself this time. I recently purchased a HP
vertical aircooled Duro engine, built by Stover, and am looking for
literature on it, especially an operators manual and parts
list.
29/1/32 & 28/12/12
Thanks to Gerald B. Lombard, 5120 Belcrest Ave.,
Bakersfield, CA 93309-4705 for sending along copies of information
he has already sent to the above queries, particularly regarding
the Standard Twin garden tractors. Mr. Lombard has built a sizable
register of these units, and for further information in this
connection, please contact him.
28/12/4 Economy Tractor
On this question, Mr. William F. Albrecht, RFD 1, Box 39, N.
Woodstock, NH 03262 writes: Mr. Sickles’ Economy was built in
1948, the third year of manufacture. The Economy tractors were
primarily orange with black wheels as far as I know.
The current address for the factory is: Power King Products Co.,
1100 Green Valley Rd., PO Box 715, Beaver Dam, WI53916. Parts are
available for some models.
Thanks!
From Lloyd &. Barbara Dean, RR 1, Box 108, Atwood, IL 61913
to all who responded to a query in the February 1993 issue
regarding the Johnson engines.
A Closing Word
Thanks to all our readers who sent in queries and comments for
this issue. We’re especially happy for the many photographs. As
the old adage goes, A picture is worth a thousand words, it’s
especially significant in the column. It surely does simplify
things.
We plan on spending some time at the big Waukee, Iowa, Swap Meet
in May, and will again be representing GEM at this event. We hope
to see you there, but for anyone who’s been there, finding
someone among the mass of engines, parts, and people can sometimes
be a bit frustrating. Hopefully, they’ll have better weather
this year. Many of us still remember vividly the thunder-storms and
gully washers of last year. Oh, and with last year’s wet
weather, we discovered that there were mosquitoes galore the kind
that carry little red bandanas in their beak, expressly to pick up
their prey and carry it off. So Central Hawkeye folks, stay
optimistic this year it won’t rain a drop during the swap
meet!
We keep getting a few letters from people interested in the 1995
engine tour to Germany, the Benelux countries, and other points of
interest. Wade Farm Tours will be putting a package together this
summer, so if you’re interested, be sure to drop a line to the
GEM offices, and they’ll keep your name on file for this event.
Rob and Jackie, our two couriers on the England tour, were
magnificent! The bus drivers were fantastic, and overall we think
this to be as good a tour for the money as could be found. We still
haven’t forgotten the thrill of how those big motor coaches
could negotiate narrow streets so easily! A final note. Motor books
has now reprinted American Gas Engines. However, don’t look for
it in the familiar yellow cover that you’ve seen in the past.
For reasons we don’t know, the cover now is an off-red with
gold stamping. The inside content is the same, it’s just a
different cover. That’s the rest of the story!
The purpose of the Reflections column is to provide a forum for
the exchange of all useful information among subscribers to GEM.
Inquiries or responses should be addressed to: REFLECTIONS, Gas
Engine Magazine, P.O. Box 328, Lancaster, PA 17608-0328.
