4100 SW 195th Ct., Beaverton, Oregon 97007
Here are some pictures I think readers may enjoy. Both tractors
are reasonably rare. The owner of the Square Turn doesn’t know
of any other Square Turns, and as the previous owner of the
Russell, I only know of one other 10-20 which is in Ohio and was
the 7th one made after the one in the pictures.
The pictures of the Square Turn tractor were taken at the Teton
Antique Steam and Gas Threshing Association Show held September
10-11, 1988. The Square Turn is owned and restored by Carl Mehmke
of Great Falls, Montana. It is a 1916 model with a 4.75 bore and
6.75 inch stroke, 4-cylinder Waukesha engine, and is rated 18 HP
drawbar and 30 HP Belt.
Each of the drive wheels has its own clutch lever and brake,
which enables the tractor to truly make a square turn. The rear
wheel is a caster wheel that is just along for the ride and holds
up the back of the tractor. Originally the rear wheel was connected
by chain to the bottom of the steering wheel column, but this was
disconnected since it would spin the steering wheel whenever the
tractor was turned, which was rather dangerous. The tractor can
turn very quickly, giving the driver quite a ride as it whips the
rear end around!
The 1917 Russell are owned by Carl Mehmke of Great
Falls, Montana.
The 1917 Russell 10-20 was also at the Teton show, and is owned
by Carl Mehmke. It is powered by a 4.25 bore and 5.75 inch stroke,
4-cylinder Waukesha engine. Unlike the later Russell tractors, the
belt pulley on the 10-20 was located just behind the radiator. A
long shaft runs from the front of the engine to the front of the
tractor. This shaft is used to power the belt pulley, the cooling
fan, and used to crank the engine. The belt pulley has an in/out
clutch like those used on stationary engines. If the tractor was
not to be used for belt work, the drive gear for the pulley could
be slid back, reducing the load on the engine.
