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modirt 
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Joined: 18 Jul 2018
Location: Missouri
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 Topic: Running Gear
Posted: 24 Jan 2021 at 9:31am |
Hear is one I've never understood. Why is the tongue, frame and axles of a 4 wheel farm wagon called a "running gear".
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AC7060IL
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Joined: 19 Aug 2012
Location: central IL
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Posted: 24 Jan 2021 at 1:11pm |
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Old railroad term defines a pulled rail car as a “running gear.” The railroad locomotive was defined as the “drive gear.”
So maybe a farm wagon running gear is such as it’s pulled by a tractor/truck(drive gear)??
Also a trailer is defined as a pulled fixed axle(s) vehicle. The front frame of a farm wagon running gear steers while it’s rear frame trails. So maybe since it steers, then it’s a running gear vehicle?
Edited by AC7060IL - 24 Jan 2021 at 1:19pm
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AC7060IL
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Posted: 24 Jan 2021 at 1:17pm |
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Here’s another definition
Running gear
The term running gear is used to describe the wheels, suspension, steering, powertrain & chassis/bodyshell of a motor-car or automobile, or the tracks and road wheels of a tank or similar tracked vehicle. The Running-gear was patented in 1906 by Thomas A. Gray of Farmville, Virginia. Patent # 858.807
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modirt
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Posted: 24 Jan 2021 at 5:15pm |
So was anyone good at backing one? I never was. Dad could do it, but it seemed easier to hook to the front hitch on the tractor and push it where it needed to go.
I've heard of those tractor rodeos..........I would do OK on anything but that. No problems with 2 wheel trailers, but 4 wheels gotta go forward or I'm out of luck. I can push one by hand, but not if it's loaded.
Edited by modirt - 24 Jan 2021 at 5:16pm
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Scott B
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Posted: 24 Jan 2021 at 5:22pm |
 modirt wrote:
So was anyone good at backing one? I never was. Dad could do it, but it seemed easier to hook to the front hitch on the tractor and push it where it needed to go.
I've heard of those tractor rodeos..........I would do OK on anything but that. No problems with 2 wheel trailers, but 4 wheels gotta go forward or I'm out of luck. I can push one by hand, but not if it's loaded.
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DiyDave
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Posted: 24 Jan 2021 at 6:13pm |
modirt wrote:
So was anyone good at backing one? I never was. Dad could do it, but it seemed easier to hook to the front hitch on the tractor and push it where it needed to go.
I've heard of those tractor rodeos..........I would do OK on anything but that. No problems with 2 wheel trailers, but 4 wheels gotta go forward or I'm out of luck. I can push one by hand, but not if it's loaded.
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Best way is with a NF tractor, and a front push bumper with a stub drawbar(4"stub with a hole in it for connecting the trailer tongue)... 
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plummerscarin
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Posted: 24 Jan 2021 at 8:12pm |
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Some days it's easy. Other days I wish for a front hitch. The biggest puzzle for me is why is it easier to back a short wagon with my crew cab long bed than a longer wagon?
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Mikez
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Posted: 24 Jan 2021 at 8:43pm |
I often wondered where the name came from to. I always call it running gear and get weird looks by some people that’s not around wagons much. I do all my backing up with my truck. Try not to let it get to out of shape, some days goes better then others. As long as it’s one shot when someone is watching lol.
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shameless dude
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Posted: 25 Jan 2021 at 12:47am |
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easiest way to back a 4 wheel wagon straight back is as you are backing up...keep turning your steering wheel back and forth left to right. do it fast not slow.
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shameless dude
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Posted: 25 Jan 2021 at 12:48am |
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helps to have a tight tongue too
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allisbred
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Posted: 25 Jan 2021 at 7:39am |
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Reading this post brings a lot of humor! There are several factors with geometry for each set-up — length of tongue, steering ratio of tractor (good ps is a big plus)and length of wagon. I luckily figured this out at a very young age during competitions at our local fair. On the farm growing up, I never told my brothers which wagons/ tractor combos were easier and we bet on who would be quicker with the least amount of pull forwards. At 46 now, my brothers still haven’t figured it out yet lol.. We still have our fun to this day!
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modirt
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Posted: 25 Jan 2021 at 8:38am |
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Another little trick you have to see to believe is backing a tractor with too wide front mounted cultivator through a narrow gate. Couldn't believe my eyes first time I saw it done (my dad), but once concept was understood, that one was easy. Narrow front tractor essential for that one too.
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jaybmiller
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Posted: 25 Jan 2021 at 11:50am |
the best, very best thing I ever saw was an old farmer backup TWO wagons with his tractor UP the driveway grade..... I was awe struck that it COULD be done.he just did it , 'matter of fact'.......
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Tbone95
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Posted: 25 Jan 2021 at 12:03pm |
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I'm pretty darn good backing up wagons, if I don't mind saying so myself.
FWA tractor, short wheelbase gravity box uphill into the barn on the ice can make a liar out of me though.
FWA tractor, at least mine, you have to learn it's one little nuance: when you make a turn backing up, it leans the wrong way first before it make the turn you want. Have to stay ahead of it or you're screwed.
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allisbred
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Posted: 25 Jan 2021 at 12:16pm |
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Although I haven’t had much time to support the local AC events, this could be a great idea for entertainment, maybe even with a cash prize! Don’t know how I would fair out with (2) gravity flow boxes, maybe with practice? I would go for two 18’ foot hay baskets uphill though!
Edited by allisbred - 25 Jan 2021 at 12:18pm
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tadams(OH)
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Posted: 25 Jan 2021 at 12:45pm |
I had a uncle that could back a tractor , baler or chopper and wagon and put the right where you wanted it
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AC7060IL
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Posted: 25 Jan 2021 at 5:59pm |
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Seen a few running gears with BENT reach (pipe connecting front/rear frames. How does this happen - backing up a wagon so one of rear tires pushes into a stationary item??
Reach connection bolts can become worn in two, then front/rear frames separate, producing a wreck. Have seen a few gears contain a short tie cable or chain strung around each frame near reach(rear of front frame to forward part of rear frame).
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allisbred
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Posted: 25 Jan 2021 at 6:48pm |
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Most likely, turning too sharp. Any time you see the front tires skidding pulling or pushing after hitting turn restrictions (tie rod travel or stops). Can even bend them up with a load going over uneven ground such as ditches in and out of fields. My father upset a gravity flow hitting a ground hog hole, broke front axle, flipped box and pulled a picker apart. That was a 8 ton, a lot of gears used to be made way light years ago for the weight sitting on top, not accounting any obstructions you encounter in the field. Plus you add that we never fastened all 4 corners solid and pushing or pulling could bend the connector tube.
Edited by allisbred - 25 Jan 2021 at 6:50pm
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Orangeinwisco
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Posted: 26 Jan 2021 at 10:08pm |
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Skid steer with trailer receiver hitch attachment. Only way to put the wagons in the barn for the winter. Hurts the neck with the tractors, and takes too long.
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