P.O. Box490 Soulsbyville, California 95372
I have a tractor that was imported in the late 1960s that I
believe marks the start of the small tractor revolution which
continues today. Many manufacturers made small tractors in the U.S.
in the 1950s and ’60s but, for one reason or another,
production stopped and left a void that was filled by imports.
As a short time subscriber to GEM, I haven’t seen any
articles on the subject, so here is the story of my Diesel Kubota,
model D-20, serial number 100004, imported by the McCulloch Small
Engine Company.
The story goes that Kubota didn’t want their tractors sold
in lawnmower shops because they couldn’t be serviced properly.
So, their contract with McCulloch was dropped. If anybody has any
information to add or change about this story I would like to hear
from you.
This tractor was sold with a factory PTO driven rototiller
attachment, and was used long enough to wear out one set of tines.
It was sold to a friend of mine, and I bought it in 1975. The
tractor has a three-speed transmission with high and low range and
a two-speed PTO. No tachometer or hour meter and lights for oil
pressure and generator. The original air cleaner, which was oil
bath, has been replaced with a dry type. The paint and tires are
original.
I use the tractor for mowing and digging holes with an auger; it
is used about eight to ten hours a year. I have never seen another
like it and would like to hear from other owners.
Time has shown that this is a very high quality machine and it
has taken me years to realize it is special.
