Amazing Collection Of Pedal Tractor Machines

Amazing Collection Of Pedal Tractor Machines TRACTORS Miscellaneous 28-6-27 Tom Brunner loves to challenge himself, so his hobby of making high quality 1/5-scale pedal tractor implements suits him perfectly. Since 1989 he's made more than 50 one-of-a-kind, precision-made models of major brand equipment as well as 40 1/5 scale horse-drawn implements. Before 1989, he just collected pedal tractors. His collection totals some 150 of them. Everything Brunner builds looks and runs as much as possible like the original. He uses welders, a bandsaw, drills, mills, lathes, shears, a bender, and a paint booth to build the detailed models. He says each of his scale model projects is a learning experience, and he's driven to make the next one more detailed and precise than the one before. Thanks to his impressive machinist skills, he is able to make 99 percent of what he needs in the machine, including gearboxes and pulleys. The first major implement Brunner completed was an Allis-Chalmers Model 60 combine - a sentimental choice, since his family had one when he was growing up. After much experimentation with what to use as a power source, Brunner eventually settled on a cordless drill, and after more experimentation with how to mount it for best results, he found a method that satisfied his high standards. He ended up opening the body of the pedal tractor that would "pull" the combine, and installed the drill so that it would be the power source to a mini pto shaft while at the same time be conveniently positioned for recharging. "That assembly worked well and looked professional," Brunner says proudly. "My next project was an Allis-Chalmers Roto Baler. It was a bit more challenging, but it runs very much like the original." Another remarkable project, and the one that Brunner is most proud of, is his JD Model 227 mounted corn picker which is mounted on his customized JD Model 620 pedal tractor. All components including the gathering chains, snapping rolls and elevator are fully operational. Another project he completed was a Massey-Harris Clipper combine hitched to a MH Model 44 pedal tractor. As of late, Brunner has made a number of Ford implements, including a combine and a number of 3-pt. hitch implements including a steel cultivator, regular cultivator, disc, plow, scraper, crane boom, buzz saw and sub-soiler. All of these fit on his modified 8N Ford pedal tractor with 3-pt. hitch. He is currently working on an Oliver 2-row mounted corn picker. For others who aspire to build scale implements, Brunner advises that it's best to start off simple with something like a disc or harrow, gradually increasing the projects' difficulty level. "You don't want to get discouraged and give up, so you have to ease yourself into it and build up your skills. One thing you'll really need is never-ending patience," he explains. Brunner has been offered a lot of money for some of his units but he has never sold any. He enjoys looking at them himself too much. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Tom Brunner, 2167 Hwy. J, Verona, Wis. 53593 (ph 608 845-6210).

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