Hit & Miss Engine Powers 6-Man Tractor

Hit & Miss Engine Powers 6-Man Tractor TRACTORS Antiques 19-5-22 "People really get a kick out of it. It's definitely one of a kind," says Edward Cox, Sidney, Ohio, about his 6-passenger tractor that's powered by a 2 hp "hit and miss" stationary engine. Cox often takes the 8-ft. long, 4-ft. wide tractor to antique tractor shows where it draws a lot of attention. He used 3-in. channel iron and steel plate to make the tractor frame and bolted a Nelson Bros. "Jumbo" 2 hp "hit and miss" engine onto it. A 90 degree gearbox beltdrives a 4-speed gearbox that's connected to a 3-speed gearbox out of a Model T Ford. A universal joint connects the Ford gearbox to the rear end and axle which is out of a 1969 Chevrolet panel truck. The front axle and spindles are off a 1937 Ford truck. The tractor is equipped with 16-in. tires in front and 25-in. rear tractor-type tires (off an old ground-driven manure spreader) in back. The steering system is from a Montgomery Ward rototiller, the hand clutch is a converted emergency brake lever out of an old Ford truck, and the brakes are from a 1967 Nissan pickup. The emergency brake is off a Chevrolet Vega car. "It took an entire winter to build," says Cox, who put the tractor together three years ago. "I kept it under 8 ft. long and narrowed up both axles so I can fit it in my pickup bed and take it to shows. I welded two U-bolts onto the back of the tractor so I can chain it down. I mounted a plaque on front of the tractor that lists the parts. When people read that it has a rototiller steering system, they start laughing. The two gear boxes provide 12 speeds forward and one reverse. "The seat is made from plywood covered by 2112-in. thick foam rubber. It's big enough for six adults - three facing forward and three backward. A tread plate floorboard mounts in front and back of the seat. The seat lifts off by removing five bolts, allowing me to easily work on the rear end and transmission." Cox cut the stubs off both ends of the front axle and welded them to a length of steel box tubing. He cut the disc brakes off the Vega's rotors, then mounted the rotors on the Ford spindles. He lathed the spindles down so that the Vega's wheel hub would fit onto 8-in. rims which he bought new. He used 2112-in. dia. driveshaft tubing to make the exhaust. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Edward L. Cox, 13277 Sharp Road, Sidney, Ohio 45365 (ph 937 492-1856).

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