The Ford Barn

Ryan · 06-07-2010, 11:20 AM

The 1929 Fordson snow tractor concept video seen below has been around for a quite a while. Put simply, the footage is g... To read the rest of this blog entry from The Ford Barn, click here.

Dennis/Arkansas · 06-07-2010, 11:32 AM

Ryan, Thanks for posting. I'm glad to know that there is at least one in existence. You're right about the video being amazing! Dennis/Arkansas

eswanson · 06-07-2010, 02:44 PM

Okay, I must say that I now really want one. Thanks

WHITEY · 06-07-2010, 04:43 PM

That video is amazing...Really cool to get to see the display rig ...

The vehicle could really float through the deep stuff...thats a surprise...

Would not be cool to fall off it...

Django · 06-07-2010, 07:36 PM

I've seen the video numerous times, but didn't know there was one left either. Very cool.

We have a '29 Irish Fordson in the family. My Grandad used it on the farm. It's been restored once, but now has a cracked block and the gas tank rusted completely out. So it just sits. What a shame.

Dennis/Arkansas · 06-07-2010, 09:02 PM

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Nice old tractor! Perhaps down the road it will be returned to its glory. Dennis/Arkansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Django

I've seen the video numerous times, but didn't know there was one left either. Very cool.

We have a '29 Irish Fordson in the family. My Grandad used it on the farm. It's been restored once, but now has a cracked block and the gas tank rusted completely out. So it just sits. What a shame.

Mike V. Florida · 06-08-2010, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Django

We have a '29 Irish Fordson in the family. My Grandad used it on the farm. It's been restored once, but now has a cracked block and the gas tank rusted completely out. So it just sits. What a shame.

Gas tank is just sheet metal so no real problem there to make/have made.

The cracked block, could be "stitched" or welded.

Family heirloom restored!

Keith True · 06-08-2010, 07:13 AM

Gas tanks and blocks are still around.Now,those fenders,that's another story.I think I probably have seen only a couple of sets.There were warnings against removing the fenders,seems their primary purpose was as a wheelie bar to keep the tractor from flipping over backwards.When pulling stumps and such you were supposed to run the chain under the tractor,up over the top of the transmission,then down and back again.If you pulled from the rear the pulling point was too high.There were,(still are)a lot of these around here when I was a kid,and every summer somebody would bury the radiator cap in the ground behind themselves.The more pulling pressure you put on that cone clutch,the tighter it bit in.When the tractor started to go over you were not strong enough to disengage it.I had one a few years ago used as a military airplane tug.It had duel hard rubber tires on the rear,and was meant to run strictly on gasoline.The idea was to keep the kerosene fumes out of the hangers.

Django · 06-08-2010, 09:53 AM

Thanks! I've not really looked for any Fordson parts, so I have no idea what is and isn't available. If we did buy another tank, it would have to be an Irish tank, but I'm sure ours can be fixed. The rest of the family tractors are all MM, and I did stumble into a really big MM junkyard in south western MN on vacation last year.

This photo is my Dad in front with my uncle and Grandad in '52 with our MM R cab tractor. She is the pride of the fleet to this day. If the non-Ford nature is an issue, just holler and I'll delete.

SteveM · 06-08-2010, 10:34 AM

I love the "doughnuts" on the ice!

Steve

Bugsy · 06-08-2010, 01:14 PM

That was amazing!! I've never seen that video before. From the promo video, it sure looked like it worked well in all situations. Then again, that's what promo videos are for!! Very cool!!!

David Cockey · 06-08-2010, 02:45 PM

The screw drive systems were made by Armstead Snow Motors Company, not Ford. Given that the converted car in the video is a Chevrolet, not a Ford, I very strongly doubt the film was done by Ford. Rather it probably was an Armstead Snow Motors demonstration of how their system worked. One internet source claims the original film is in the Archives of Michigan. Armstead presumably used Fordsons for their tractor conversions since they were the most popular tractor at that time.

The patent for the screw drive system can be seen at tinyurl.com/ckmj3o

David Cockey · 06-08-2010, 02:47 PM

Various internet sites claim the film dates from 1924 or 1926.

MODELA30 · 06-08-2010, 06:25 PM

Ryan!!!!!!!!!!! Now that was cool. Real nice to see one of those made it. Muesem i suppose. Were is it?. I also like the chevy. We americans always down ford or chevy depending on what your father drove i guess. But if it was a toyota i would have to turn it off. Knuck from indiana.

F1 Flathead · 06-09-2010, 01:25 PM

I feel sorry for that poor horse!

Straightpipes · 06-09-2010, 04:53 PM

From a Fordson tractor collector and restorer ( I still have a barn full of Fordsons) I'd like to comment on the machine. There are a few known to exist, I think last count was six. The drive system was not built by Fordson as previously noted. Although they look pretty slick, in actuality it was quite impracticle due to the cold winter weather. You couldn't start the thing in the cold weather. In those days there were no block heaters (outside of building a fire under it). Hand cranking that engine in winter is nearly impossible. They were started on Gasoline and then shifted to the main fuel tank which was kerosine. They had a vaporizer carb and manifold which had to be kept hot. Sometimes a box was constructed over the manifold to keep it running. The clutch is a 17 plate wet disc clutch with driven and driver plates. The clutch is submerged in engine oil. These are the main reasons why The Fordson was not used succesfully in winter applications.

Mike V. Florida · 06-10-2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyfords

kinda makes one wonder if a modern version of the pontoons could be engineered with better/stronger/lighter materials.....a version that wouldn't fail under load like the originals.

Russian from 1970

http://fulgerica.com/en/2007/07/04/i...ars-screw-you/

Keith True · 06-11-2010, 07:49 AM

Straightpipe,I wrote that the tractor had a cone clutch.You are right,it has the multi-disc,not the cone.I mix things up after not working on them for a few years.I know they would stick with a heavy load on them though.Also,we had three of them at a junkyard I worked at around 1976.We always towed them to start them.In the winter it made no difference whether you pushed the clutch in or not until they warmed up.We would pull it with a truck until it started,then pop it into neutral and let it warm up.When we could get it into gear we would go to work with it.We would use them to tip cars over to strip the # one steel off the bottom.Then we could bunch up the body shells by just pushing them around with the steel front wheels.I know they did not like to be tow started,something in the design of the gearset in the rear made them hard to get turning on smooth ground.There was also a big bronze?brass? unit in the rear end that the iron vultures swooped on.We saw a lot of them with a big hole broken open in the back with the innards missing.

1952henry · 06-11-2010, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith True

Gas tanks and blocks are still around.Now,those fenders,that's another story.I think I probably have seen only a couple of sets.There were warnings against removing the fenders,seems their primary purpose was as a wheelie bar to keep the tractor from flipping over backwards.When pulling stumps and such you were supposed to run the chain under the tractor,up over the top of the transmission,then down and back again.If you pulled from the rear the pulling point was too high.There were,(still are)a lot of these around here when I was a kid,and every summer somebody would bury the radiator cap in the ground behind themselves.The more pulling pressure you put on that cone clutch,the tighter it bit in.When the tractor started to go over you were not strong enough to disengage it.I had one a few years ago used as a military airplane tug.It had duel hard rubber tires on the rear,and was meant to run strictly on gasoline.The idea was to keep the kerosene fumes out of the hangers.

There is a pair complete with the tool box cover in my late grandmother's pasture.

FlatheadTed · 06-13-2010, 04:00 PM

Deango There is a product called Cemy weld that you put in the top hose after you get the motor good and hot. I have used this on many cars with excellent results one Cheby 6 was dumping the full Radater water out over a couple of miles this product sealed it completely .Drove it for 6 months after with no problems ,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Django

I've seen the video numerous times, but didn't know there was one left either. Very cool.

We have a '29 Irish Fordson in the family. My Grandad used it on the farm. It's been restored once, but now has a cracked block and the gas tank rusted completely out. So it just sits. What a shame.

06-07-2010, 11:20 AM	#1
Ryan Administrator Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 688	1929 Fordson Concept The 1929 Fordson snow tractor concept video seen below has been around for a quite a while. Put simply, the footage is g... To read the rest of this blog entry from The Ford Barn, click here.

06-07-2010, 11:32 AM	#2
Dennis/Arkansas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lead Hill, Arkansas Posts: 237	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept Ryan, Thanks for posting. I'm glad to know that there is at least one in existence. You're right about the video being amazing! Dennis/Arkansas

06-07-2010, 02:44 PM	#3
eswanson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Le Roy, IL Posts: 157	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept Okay, I must say that I now really want one. Thanks __________________ Peace & Grace, Eric Swanson 1931 Model A Pickup

06-07-2010, 04:43 PM	#4
WHITEY Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Montana Posts: 108	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept That video is amazing...Really cool to get to see the display rig ... The vehicle could really float through the deep stuff...thats a surprise... Would not be cool to fall off it...

06-07-2010, 07:36 PM	#5
Django Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Forest Park, IL Posts: 590	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept I've seen the video numerous times, but didn't know there was one left either. Very cool. We have a '29 Irish Fordson in the family. My Grandad used it on the farm. It's been restored once, but now has a cracked block and the gas tank rusted completely out. So it just sits. What a shame. __________________ Obsessed with all things 1936 Ford since birth... thanks Dad.

06-08-2010, 07:13 AM	#8
Keith True Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Epping N.H. Posts: 3,689	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept Gas tanks and blocks are still around.Now,those fenders,that's another story.I think I probably have seen only a couple of sets.There were warnings against removing the fenders,seems their primary purpose was as a wheelie bar to keep the tractor from flipping over backwards.When pulling stumps and such you were supposed to run the chain under the tractor,up over the top of the transmission,then down and back again.If you pulled from the rear the pulling point was too high.There were,(still are)a lot of these around here when I was a kid,and every summer somebody would bury the radiator cap in the ground behind themselves.The more pulling pressure you put on that cone clutch,the tighter it bit in.When the tractor started to go over you were not strong enough to disengage it.I had one a few years ago used as a military airplane tug.It had duel hard rubber tires on the rear,and was meant to run strictly on gasoline.The idea was to keep the kerosene fumes out of the hangers.

06-08-2010, 09:53 AM	#9
Django Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Forest Park, IL Posts: 590	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept Thanks! I've not really looked for any Fordson parts, so I have no idea what is and isn't available. If we did buy another tank, it would have to be an Irish tank, but I'm sure ours can be fixed. The rest of the family tractors are all MM, and I did stumble into a really big MM junkyard in south western MN on vacation last year. This photo is my Dad in front with my uncle and Grandad in '52 with our MM R cab tractor. She is the pride of the fleet to this day. If the non-Ford nature is an issue, just holler and I'll delete. __________________ Obsessed with all things 1936 Ford since birth... thanks Dad. Last edited by Django; 06-08-2010 at 10:03 AM.

06-08-2010, 10:34 AM	#10
SteveM Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Connecticut Posts: 187	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept I love the "doughnuts" on the ice! Steve

06-08-2010, 01:14 PM	#11
Bugsy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Kansas Posts: 110	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept That was amazing!! I've never seen that video before. From the promo video, it sure looked like it worked well in all situations. Then again, that's what promo videos are for!! Very cool!!!

06-08-2010, 02:45 PM	#12
David Cockey Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 19	Not Ford Project The screw drive systems were made by Armstead Snow Motors Company, not Ford. Given that the converted car in the video is a Chevrolet, not a Ford, I very strongly doubt the film was done by Ford. Rather it probably was an Armstead Snow Motors demonstration of how their system worked. One internet source claims the original film is in the Archives of Michigan. Armstead presumably used Fordsons for their tractor conversions since they were the most popular tractor at that time. The patent for the screw drive system can be seen at tinyurl.com/ckmj3o

06-08-2010, 02:47 PM	#13
David Cockey Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 19	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept Various internet sites claim the film dates from 1924 or 1926.

06-08-2010, 06:25 PM	#14
MODELA30 Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: DYER INDIANA Posts: 49	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept Ryan!!!!!!!!!!! Now that was cool. Real nice to see one of those made it. Muesem i suppose. Were is it?. I also like the chevy. We americans always down ford or chevy depending on what your father drove i guess. But if it was a toyota i would have to turn it off. Knuck from indiana.

06-09-2010, 01:25 PM	#15
F1 Flathead Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Brighton Michigan Posts: 47	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept I feel sorry for that poor horse!

06-09-2010, 04:53 PM	#16
Straightpipes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ballston Spa, NY Posts: 790	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept From a Fordson tractor collector and restorer ( I still have a barn full of Fordsons) I'd like to comment on the machine. There are a few known to exist, I think last count was six. The drive system was not built by Fordson as previously noted. Although they look pretty slick, in actuality it was quite impracticle due to the cold winter weather. You couldn't start the thing in the cold weather. In those days there were no block heaters (outside of building a fire under it). Hand cranking that engine in winter is nearly impossible. They were started on Gasoline and then shifted to the main fuel tank which was kerosine. They had a vaporizer carb and manifold which had to be kept hot. Sometimes a box was constructed over the manifold to keep it running. The clutch is a 17 plate wet disc clutch with driven and driver plates. The clutch is submerged in engine oil. These are the main reasons why The Fordson was not used succesfully in winter applications.

06-11-2010, 07:49 AM	#18
Keith True Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Epping N.H. Posts: 3,689	Re: 1929 Fordson Concept Straightpipe,I wrote that the tractor had a cone clutch.You are right,it has the multi-disc,not the cone.I mix things up after not working on them for a few years.I know they would stick with a heavy load on them though.Also,we had three of them at a junkyard I worked at around 1976.We always towed them to start them.In the winter it made no difference whether you pushed the clutch in or not until they warmed up.We would pull it with a truck until it started,then pop it into neutral and let it warm up.When we could get it into gear we would go to work with it.We would use them to tip cars over to strip the # one steel off the bottom.Then we could bunch up the body shells by just pushing them around with the steel front wheels.I know they did not like to be tow started,something in the design of the gearset in the rear made them hard to get turning on smooth ground.There was also a big bronze?brass? unit in the rear end that the iron vultures swooped on.We saw a lot of them with a big hole broken open in the back with the innards missing.