[SEL] Mike Burns photos are up.....

[Curt]

Orrin Iseminger wrote:

>Curt, thank you for posting the super pix!  They were the next best thing to
>being there.   I like looks of machinery showing its antiquity, rather than
>trying to masquerade as new by wearing a fresh paint job.  
>
>Do you have any more information about the IHC tractor in picture
>#P1010022.jpg?  It's "kewl"!
>
>  
>
Orrin,
Ref: 
<http://www.oldengine.org/members/holland/images/MikeBurns2006/P1010022.html>

If I have it correct this is supposed to be the first generation of 
traction engine that IHC built. It used a single cylinder Famous engine 
w/o the sub base.
It is commonly called a friction drive because there are no gears direct 
coupling the engine crankshaft extension to the drive train. Traction 
was accomplished by forcing one of two 8" or so diameter leather wheels 
into the bull wheel. Notice the one that looks like an idler? This one 
is forced into the "pinch point"  giving you forward speed. Reverse is a 
bit more complicated! Notice the pull rod on the bearing at the outboard 
end of the crankshaft extension?  This rod in conjunction with another 
pair of rods, actually slides the entire engine toward the operator and 
engages the leather wheel on the crankshaft extension onto the bull 
wheel. You've got to adjust the 3 pull rods just right or your apt to 
bend the crankshaft extension. Even adjusted correctly you see the 
flywheel rotation plane alarmingly flex when engaging reverse.
I've been told the friction drive was a real flop. The moment dew or 
other moisture got on the friction wheels it ceased to go.

Mike is promoting this as s/n #1 tractor that IHC built. He is quick to 
show you the "1" stamped in the end of the crankshaft extension. 
However, when at Baraboo I met a fellow heavily into IHC tractors and he 
was adamant that this is not s/n 1. He says he knows where older ones 
are and as I recall he said the older ones have narrower treads. I've 
forgotten the fellows name and perhaps Joe Prindle can help here. He is 
the fellow that was running the IHC traction engine belted to the well 
drilling rig.   Joe?

That said, the tractor was a blast to drive. Reverse and forward worked 
flawlessly. Steering was a bit stiff compared to the others though.
If you want to see some closeups of the drive, look at the 3rd line of 
thumbnails down on this page of photos from last year.
<http://www.oldengine.org/members/holland/images/MikeBurns2005/Thumbnails.html>

That's not much information, but hopefully it's a partial answer.
Curt