R.D.4, N. Delsea Drive, Vineland, New Jersey 08360
I am sending several pictures of my 7 HP Hercules stationary
type gas engine with which I built a Traction Engine with no
modification to the engine whatsoever, It took about two years of
my spare time to build. I collected parts from South Jersey and
Eastern Penna. The rear drive wheels are six inch wide 40 inch
diameter with a fifty four tooth sprocket attached to each wheel.
These are driven through (one inch pitch chains) by twelve tooth
sprockets that I made which are on the differential shaft. The rear
axle shaft is 1 7/8′ diameter carried on roller bearings which
had to be made. The differential shaft is (1? inch) diameter. The
differential is constructed of two Model T Ford ring gears and
three pinion gears.
The transmission is from an old Dodge car with slight
modifications such as removal of the floor shift lever and
extending the shifter shafts in the cover. These were then, through
linkage, connected to two large shifting levers.
The clutch is an expanding shoe type made from a Model T Ford
truck brake drum and shoes. All but about two inches of lining had
to be removed from the shoes, in order that the clutch would
function properly.
We took the tractor to a show at Frank Kler’s place in
Franklinville, N.J. on a rainy day, and found the clutch slips
badly when it gets wet. Some other type lining would probably solve
this problem. I am using the original lining that was on the
shoes.
The clutch is attached to the engine fly wheel by an adaptor
which is bolted to the spokes. The front axle is an old wagon axle
which I bought complete Steering is by roller and chain.
1911 Gould Shapley Muir 35-22 hp. tractor made in Brantford,
Ontario. They know of no other tractor with a two cylinder opposed
engine with open crankcase. The long rod held by Mel Zimmel in the
photo is the camshaft. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who
has parts and or pictures of any similar tractors.
The frame is made of five inch channel iron. The rear wheels
have fenders from an old planter, which were cut to fit. I put a
canopy over the engine and operators platform. I am 6 ft. 4 in.
tall and have plenty of room on the platform.
I have not as yet been able to put the tractor on a scale. I
estimate it to be a-bout 2,300 lbs. So far, I have pulled quite a
few stumps with this engine and am very pleased with it. I hope
some day to build a trailer for the tractor and take it to
Kinzers.
Three views of Barry’s engine. (See story – I Built A
Traction Engine).
