| Author |
 Topic Search  Topic Options
|
Luke427 
Bronze Level
Joined: 01 Aug 2016
Location: CA
Points: 8
|
 Post Options
 Thanks(0)
 Quote  Reply
 Topic: My AC Model M - worse than a barn find!
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 2:07am |
Hello all!
This is a Model L we found in our property. It took a whole day of moving branches and other stuff that covered it before I was even able to find out what it is.
The engine doesn't look too promising: It's so heavy that I will have to work on site. Not convenient on the slope the crawler is stuck in. You can see the radiator is broken, the whole thing has been ripped off the tractor (still wondering how they did that!) and was found a few yards below:
I will post more! And will ask A LOT of questions and hope to find help in this forum :)
|
 |
|
Sponsored Links
|
|
|
Luke427
Bronze Level
Joined: 01 Aug 2016
Location: CA
Points: 8
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 2:19am |
It seems like it hit a tree (the property was an apricot orchard long time ago) as the trunk of the tree seems stuck under the engine. My guess is a moron hit the tree, bending radiator, backed-up finishing the radiator that partially stayed stuck on the tree, moved forward again for some reasons (radiator is bent and I found a piece of the side cast under the crawler) and died there. It probably stayed like this for 15 to 30 years, hard to tell.
Some of the work that has been done on the engine and other things such as the tape used to wrapped handles cannot be older than 25 years IMO. For instance note the magneto and decently new ignition cables for two of the cylinders. They look better than when I found them yesterday as I sprayed some oil here and there to prep the work that will take place these next weeks.
|
|
Luke427
Bronze Level
Joined: 01 Aug 2016
Location: CA
Points: 8
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 2:30am |
I already really like this machine 
Am I right to believe that it's been simplified to crank and start manually? I cannot find any battery fitment, cable nor alternator. There seems to be a starter motor (and would be small though) on the left hand side but nothing connected to it. I believe the Fairbanks-Morse magneto is autonomous and doesn't need supply to generate sparks. This last point is encouraging as it will minimize the parts needed to restore the old guy!
So first questions: - Where would a battery be located? - Do Model M normally have an alternator? I'm guessing yes, as some accessories seem missing on the right hand side of the engine. Also how would these gauges be fed? There's a bunch of wires going to the engine compartment. - The magneto has a wire out. What can this be for? It's the blue-gray wire bolted right under the ignition outputs. - Throttle. It goes to a mechanism on the front right hand of the engine. Seems to be managing ignition advance?? I would expect the throttle to manage the carburetor however there is nothing but a cable looking like starter choke that goes to the carb. Can someone points me to some technical docs about the throttling system? Thanks a lot for any help! Luke
|
|
shameless (ne)
Orange Level
Joined: 08 Jul 2016
Location: nebraska
Points: 7463
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 3:13am |
|
looks like it's gonna be a fun challenging job! congrats on your treasure find!
|
|
JC-WI
Orange Level Access
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: wisconsin
Points: 34201
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 3:19am |
First off, without radiator on and hood, an fan bent to  , the old critter looks bad... but its and orchard model so it going to be a great piece to restore. Behind the fuel tank you have gauges, if you got an amp gauge, then you had a generator on it at one time. starter is down below... one wire from mag is probably the kill wire (to ground the mag) which they all came with new, seen a few"mags that were actually electric enrgzed but those are very rare to find and usually were wico units... The generator was driven by the pully ahead of the mag, and the generator sat backwards. If I remember right the gen bracket was bolted to the head. the sparkplugs and a side cover that covered tem and was held on by the 2 studs that are in line with the plugs. Throttle lever linkage rod goes to the governor, and the governor control arm then goes across to the left side and back to the carburetor. There is AC MEL that on here and he lives in N Ca. He posts in the construction part of this forum. JC
|
|
He who says there is no evil has already deceived himself
The truth is the truth, sugar coated or not. Trawler II says, "Remember that."
|
|
B26240
Orange Level
Joined: 21 Nov 2009
Location: mn
Points: 3860
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 5:53am |
|
Looks like a orchard tractor (rare find) IMO it would be worth hiring a big tow truck or find a local contractor with large dozer or trackhoe that can drag machine up out of that hollow to at least level ground to work on it.
|
|
Thad in AR.
Orange Level Access
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Arkansas
Points: 9595
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 6:07am |
|
Welcome to the forum. I think you found a dandy. Do I see both fenders in the pics? It looks fairly complete compared to some projects we seem to collect here. Please keep us posted on your progress.
|
|
jaybmiller
Orange Level Access
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Greensville,Ont
Points: 24352
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 6:22am |
|
Man that is one cool piece of A-C !! Before you go wrenching, please,do what it takes, whatever the cost, to gether up next to the barn or garage ! It really it THE FIRST STEP to what will be rewarding project. Then plan to build a 'temporary'(haha) lean too shed to keep the rain of her and the sun off you .Having it real close,under a roof will make it a pleasurable project as tools are close by,lots of shade,water, volunteer helpers.If you work 'down there' you'll lose your favorite tools under the belly of the beast,curse when yo draw blood and the badaids are 500' away. With it being 'close to home', tools are close too as well as pen and paper, manuals, camera,storage for all the parts and a comfy chair to plan the next days 'adventure'. It cost me $500 for studs,plywood and tin to build the 9by12 sheds for my D-14s. Money WELL spent as each is out of the elements.
Just food for thought
Jay
|
|
3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112
Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor)
Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water
|
|
TedBuiskerN.IL.
Orange Level
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Davis, IL.
Points: 1959
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 7:56am |
|
I think that is a model M orchard. The model L was a six cylinder 844 cu. in. crawler, a much larger unit. Norm Meinert may have any parts you may need. Good find and may be worth restoring.
|
|
Most problems can be solved with the proper application of high explosives.
|
|
Leon B MO
Orange Level
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Old Monroe, Mo
Points: 2179
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 8:24am |
|
Brings back memories of the U I redid about 10 years ago. Guys on here will have most any part you may need and info here is top notch. I'll post some pics when I get a chance of my project that shows what you have there can be made look new again.
Keep the updates coming.
Leon B
|
|
Uncle always said "Fill the back of the shovel and the front will take care of itself".
|
|
Ted J
Orange Level
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
Location: La Crosse, WI
Points: 18923
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 2:39pm |
|
Welcome to the forum Luke! Great advice above. Git er Done!
Oh yeah, LOTS of PICS too please!! As you go along....
|
|
"Allis-Express"
19?? WC / 1941 C / 1952 CA / 1956 WD45 / 1957 WD45 / 1958 D-17
|
|
CrestonM
Orange Level
Joined: 08 Sep 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Points: 8448
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 3:41pm |
I'm assuming this is an L crawler, even though the title says M? Either way, you CAN fix it!! Like the others said, I highly suggest getting it out of the trees and close to home. Trust me. I've tried doing the whole "fix it where it's at to save time and money" thing. It didn't work. Only difference was my project was a All-Crop harvester, and yours is a crawler.
|
|
CAL(KS)
Orange Level
Joined: 18 Sep 2009
Location: Chapman, KS
Points: 3793
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 3:56pm |
|
nope, its an M creston. same motor and drive train as U and UC except for crawler parts
|
|
Me -C,U,UC,WC,WD45,190XT,TL-12,145T,HD6G,HD16,HD20
Dad- WD, D17D, D19D, RT100A, 7020, 7080,7580, 2-8550's, 2-S77, HD15
|
|
JC-WI
Orange Level Access
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: wisconsin
Points: 34201
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 4:59pm |
|
Crestin, theres a slight difference between an L and an M... the L only weighs 22 thousand pounds while the M hefts out at 68 hundred pounds... LOL
|
|
He who says there is no evil has already deceived himself
The truth is the truth, sugar coated or not. Trawler II says, "Remember that."
|
|
CrestonM
Orange Level
Joined: 08 Sep 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Points: 8448
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 5:02pm |
|
I remember seeing both Ms and an L at Hutch. I knew that engine looked too tiny! Lol!
|
|
Tcmtech
Orange Level
Joined: 15 Apr 2015
Location: Minot ND
Points: 310
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 5:36pm |
If the tracks or clutches aren't rusted solid you can pull one of those with a good 3/4 ton 4WD pickup without any problems.
I've moved mine around the yard that way before.
|
|
Hubnut
Orange Level
Joined: 30 Jul 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Points: 1812
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 6:15pm |
|
That is really cool! Welcome! What a way to join the forum! I wish I was close to help work on that beast. Good luck and post more pics!
|
|
1940 B "Lucy"
1941 B w/ Woods L59 "Flavia"
1942 B w/ finish mower "Dick"
1941 C w/ 3-point "Maggie"
1947 C SFW w/ L306 "Trixie"
1972 314H
|
|
Josh H
Bronze Level
Joined: 24 Feb 2015
Location: Carnesville, GA
Points: 128
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 at 7:13pm |
|
Orchard brought $5,800 last week at auction
|
|
Luke427
Bronze Level
Joined: 01 Aug 2016
Location: CA
Points: 8
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 05 Aug 2016 at 3:27pm |
|
Hi Folks,
Thanks for the info and supportive notes.
Not much progress as I have been busy wrapping up other things.
I tried to spin the engine though, and broke a couple levers. So either clutch or pistons are stuck. Probably both :)
The gearbox seems to play a bit. This weekend I will try to tow it and open the top of engine to see how it is. Oil level is below minimum so I guess upper engine went dry for a long time.
|
|
Dek Thorne
Silver Level
Joined: 19 Jun 2015
Location: Pennsylvania
Points: 114
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 05 Aug 2016 at 5:43pm |
 Tcmtech wrote:
If the tracks or clutches aren't rusted solid you can pull one of those with a good 3/4 ton 4WD pickup without any problems.
I've moved mine around the yard that way before. |
When my dozer died on the pipe line (Not a good place for the gass company to see you with a dozer) We hooked up a Ford 4000 to tow it somewhere i could work on it. It pulled it in a straight line fine but trying to work the dozer around a corner with the steering clutches really made that Ford notice something was back there. Its an International T5 a machine about the same size as the one above
|
|
Tcmtech
Orange Level
Joined: 15 Apr 2015
Location: Minot ND
Points: 310
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 05 Aug 2016 at 10:27pm |
Yea mine cornered like it was on railroad tracks too. Slow and wide. 
Really makes a guy appreciate how much torque theose old things are putting out just to turn themselves.  |
|
JC-WI
Orange Level Access
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: wisconsin
Points: 34201
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15 Mar 2017 at 12:54am |
So what is the update on this unit? Mel and his brother reworked an HD11 in the last 63 days... and hauling it to the REDWOOD REGION LOGGING CONFERENCE. http://allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=136210&title=hd11-showtime might want to call the boys and see if they got ten minute to fix it up to show... 
|
|
He who says there is no evil has already deceived himself
The truth is the truth, sugar coated or not. Trawler II says, "Remember that."
|
|
Gary Burnett
Orange Level Access
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Virginia
Points: 3010
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15 Mar 2017 at 6:09am |
|
I'm betting those tracks are rusted pretty close to solid,might be a bear to get moving.Bought a HD 5 once that'd been sitting for years had to drag it on the rollback tracks wouldn't budge.
|
|
Stan IL&TN
Orange Level
Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Location: Elvis Land
Points: 6730
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15 Mar 2017 at 6:57am |
|
You may want to take a pump sprayer with you and start spraying down the tracks with diesel fuel and used motor oil just to start loosening things up.
|
|
1957 WD45 dad's first AC
1968 one-seventy
1956 F40 Ferguson
|
|
Ted J
Orange Level
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
Location: La Crosse, WI
Points: 18923
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15 Mar 2017 at 8:19am |
|
He hasn't been on here since 18 Sept of 2016. He joined 01 Aug., 2016. So, he was only on here for a month and a half....
Doubt he did anything with this.....sad.
|
|
"Allis-Express"
19?? WC / 1941 C / 1952 CA / 1956 WD45 / 1957 WD45 / 1958 D-17
|
|
