4392 North 4th St, Columbus, Ohio 43224.
This is a Jerry tractor, manufactured by G.F.H. Corporation in
Denver, Colorado, Serial #9. Judging from the type magneto and the
size of the spark plugs, owner, Bob Thompson estimates that Jerry
was built around 1918. Jerry is one of two running tractors of this
type that Bob knows ofthe other one is in New York. Bob has tried
numerous times to find more information on Jerry tractors, but is
always running into deadends.
Jerry is four-wheel drive, powered by a Leroy four cylinder
engine Model C-2, estimated 15 HP. Jerry is driven much like a
horse, with the driver sitting atop a wagon, two wheel cart or even
from the calliope Bob pulled in the Plain City, Ohio, Steam Show
one year. Jerry has three reins. Two reins control the steering and
transmission. Just slack the reins and Jerry will go forward. Pull
halfway back and he goes into neutral. Pull all the way back and
Jerry goes into reverse. To steer, pull on the left or right rein
and Jerry will go left or right. The third rein is a safety feature
that you tie to whatever piece of equipment is being pulled, so in
the event that it comes unhooked from Jerry, it will automatically
trip a kill-switch on the engine, shutting it off. To ad-just the
speed you have to manually do this at the carburetor before
mounting up.
To hook up any horse drawn equipment, you just slide the tongue
into a collar device, then tighten down four bolts to secure it,
tie off the safety rein and you’re ready to ride. This tractor
would save money for the farmer who wanted to modernize, as he
would not have to go out and buy all new equipment. He could use
any of his horse drawn equipment that had a tongue.
Jerry can usually be seen at various antique steam and tractor
shows throughout Central Ohio, such as Plain City, (Miami Valley
Steam Club Show), usually held in July. Bob Thompson also takes
Jerry to the Portland, Indiana, Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor
Show during late August. Jerry is always a big hit at any of the
shows Bob takes him to. It’ll stop passersby dead their tracks
just to get a good look at the horseless tractor.
The day Bob’s grandson and I took Bob’s Oil Pull around
the neighborhood it brought people to their front doors. I was
quite excited about this, but when I told Bob about it, he said
‘Oh, Mike, that’s nothing! When we take Jerry around the
neighborhood, he brings them out on their front lawns!’
If you have information on the Jerry tractor, or who would like
more information on Jerry, please write to Bob Thompson, 4392 North
4th St., Columbus, Ohio 43224.