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A small sample of  hundreds of tractors on display

The Pioneer Engineers Club of Indiana held their 70th show at the club’s farm site, just south of Rushville., IN.  Farm Jeep was there for three days and for two of those days was the lone Jeep on the grounds.  More on that later.

This was our first year showing at this event and we will be back.  Since the club operates on a working farm (owned by the club) there are demonstrations of all kinds of farm activities from plowing to threshing.  A major feature is the 20-30 operating steam engines, that lead the daily hour-long parade of tractors.  This year’s featured tractor was the Oliver and there were over a hundred tractors representing that brand.  The other 400 or more tractors were spread out among tree-shaded spaces and open fields.

One of the many steam engines parading each day.

The featured steam engine was the Reeves Pulley Company machine made in Farm Jeep’s home town of Columbus, IN.  The steam collection also included a 1921 Stanley Steamer Limo.  This beauty could be seen being driven around the grounds several times a day.  The noon-time blowing of the steam engines’  “dinner whistle” was preceded by a warning to cover the ears of small children.  The show has something for everyone, including a couple of Farm Jeeps.  As recently discussed here, tractor shows attract food vendors and this show was no exception.  There must have been a dozen food offerings.

Ready to tell the Farm Jeep story

The Farm Jeep, as always, drew a large number of visitors.  We were located near the main buildings and, important for us, near the food vendors.  Over the years, we have added informational items to the display that help tell the Farm Jeep story.  We recently started carrying our collection of reproduction dealer “special equipment” books.  These books list the items that had been tested and “Jeep Approved”.  This add-on equipment ranges from hydraulic lifts and implements to industrial welders and air compressors.

During the show, we were able to use the books to help identify equipment for owners.  One visitor was a gentleman who said he had a sickle-bar mower for his Jeep that was supposed to be mounted on the driver’s side.  We were able to show him the ad for the K&K mower and provide him with some additional information.  We hope he will display his Jeep and mower at next year’s show.

We heard many fun stories, including another hay baling tale.  A visitor said his father and uncle had used an International Harvester (IH) baler that was powered by an IH Cub tractor motor and pulled by a Jeep.  While the Jeep is long gone, the baler is still in the family and is operational.  Since he lived nearby the show, we told him it would be great if he could find a Jeep and display the baler, as an example of one of the most common tasks for the Farm Jeep.  It would be fun to add to the number of Farm Jeeps on display.  It has always been a dream to be the featured “tractor” at some future show, but we need numbers.

Speaking of more Farm Jeeps, the second Farm Jeep, a 1948 CJ2a with a PTO was there for a very special reason.  It had been used to transport the owner’s daughter to her wedding a couple of weeks ago.  The new bride and groom wanted to be in the parade.  Another great use for a Farm Jeep.

Happy couple with a “Just Married” sign leave the parade route – notice the food trucks in the background.

Dave, at eWillys.com posted an early Jeep testimonial letter that included information on the pull-type Newgren plow.  Barry asked if there were other documents available and Dave responded with another article. It was like Christmas in July for Barry.  The following is a discussion of a couple of the ads that were posted.

A point in history 

We posted a brief history of Jeep lifts and part of that story involved the Monroe Auto Equipment Company purchase of the Newgren Equipment Company.  Monroe stopped production of the Newgren hydraulic lift and Newgren became the major producer of implements for the Monroe Hydraulic Lift.  Newgren would later be sold to American Bantam.  The documents in the eWillys article give us a snapshot of the quick transition of Newgren from producers of lifts and related equipment to a provider of equipment for Monroe.

Our 1949 CJ3a w/ Newgren lift and an American Bantam plow

Spring and summer will find Farm Jeep on the road.  We travel to both Jeep shows and antique machinery (a.k.a. tractor) shows in the Midwest.  This “beauty” shot above was taken at this year’s Willys Jeep Rally held at Hueston Woods Lodge in southeastern Ohio.  While we are only half way through the show season, we though it might be fun to share a few of our experiences.

Why is a Jeep better than a tractor?

First, we need to say that we love tractors.  We have tractors on the farm.  In fact. we will tell you that tractors are better at being tractors than Jeeps are at being tractors.  But tractors aren’t good at being other things.  For example, a tractor doesn’t make a good dinning surface.  A flat fender Jeep does.

Here are two examples from a recent show.  Breakfast, of course, is the traditional biscuits and sausage gravy with a steaming cup of coffee.  Eating this dish on your lap is not a good idea.  Just try to find a nice flat surface on your Ford 8N,

Lunch is, again, a traditional Midwestern fare of lemonade and a fried, breaded pork tenderloin.  Notice how both of these dishes fit so nicely on the Jeep.

This display gives us an opportunity to compare tractor and Jeep  shows.  At Jeep shows, you may have one or two food vendors.  At farm shows, it is much more like a county fair.  In fact, many tractor shows are held at fairgrounds, where there are often food stands run by local churches and social organizations in addition to multiple food trucks. Without a doubt tractors are better at attracting food than Jeeps.

But if you are at home and have a hunger attack for an ice cream cone and you own a tractor, you are out of luck.  You can’t just hop on and drive to town.  At tractor shows, you often see tractors being driven around aimlessly.  If the owners are lucky there may be a parade, or better yet, a tractor drive on a real road.  It is sad that these beautiful machines can’t be enjoyed year round.   It is clear that owners want the pleasure of a drive.  We politely tell the owners (and wives and kids) they should get a Jeep.  While tractors may be better at attracting food, they aren’t good at fetching.  And a Jeep can do all those tractor things, like plowing the garden, too.  Simply put, Jeeps are better than tractors.

Making Hay

As we have written here, we want our display to be educational and to tell the Farm Jeep story even if we aren’t around.  The picture below is displayed on the underside of the raised hood and is an attention grabber for sure.

Since we started displaying the picture, we have heard more stories about making hay with the Jeep than any other farm use.  The most common story teller is someone (man and woman), who like the little boy in the passenger seat, rode along with a dad or uncle.

At farm shows, there is also discussion of the baler and its auxiliary engine.  In all cases, there is praise for the little Jeep’s ability to move quickly between fields.  This was especially important for contract balers, who moved equipment from farm to farm.  Time saved is money made.

Questions, Questions and They Already Know the Answer

At Jeep shows, we do hear good stories, but we are often asking as many questions of other Jeepers as we answer.  At tractor shows we are confronted with lots of questions.  Although we have attended some shows for the past several years, there are always a large number of first timers who have never seen a Farm Jeep.

We are compiling a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) that we hear over and over again, along with answers to less frequently asked questions.  Those include such items as vehicle weight and gear ratios.  From farmers, the number two most popular question is “Can that Jeep really pull that two-bottom plow?”  This one we try to answer with data, primarily from the Nebraska Tractor Test.  The Farm Jeep was rated about the same as a Ford 8N, a comparison readily understood by these farmers.

The number one and most annoying question – “Have you plowed with it?”  It is annoying because we always plan to get the plow in the ground before each show and don’t make it happen.  Then there are the “regular” attendees who will always ask and they already know the answer.  We do try to remain civil.

  .

Here at Farm Jeep, we have been happy with our two “farm jeeps” and haven’t thought of adding to the herd.  We lack the time and space to add more projects.  However, one recent morning Barry, as he often does, was looking at the Jeeps for sale over at eWillys.com.  There he saw an ad for a 1950 CJ3a equipped with dual wheels all around, a Monroe lift and other farm options.  Barry fired off a note to Evan, saying “I’m tempted” and Evan immediately responded “I’m in.”  So in a matter of moments we were the proud owner of another 3a.

There is nothing we enjoy more that a JRT – Jeep Retrieval Trip.  So we headed out to Western Kentucky, about a 4 hour drive.  Brad, the seller. turned out to be have his own collection of Jeeps and has a special interest in VEC (very early civilian) models.  The acquisition of his latest VEC had changed his plans for the 3a.  We could have spent the day with Brad and hope to stay in touch.  He had us loaded (doing most of the work) and then took the time to show us his collection of Jeeps, boats and even old bull dozers.

On the trip down, we had time to discuss just what we might do with this Jeep.  Given time and budget limitations we decided that we would do preservation work and leave the Jeep as a survivor.  Barry was quick to resolve the issue of what to call this jeep.  As posted earlier, grandson Robbie has suggested that perhaps a more appropriate name for “Ole Yeller” was Rusty.  Barry had no doubt that Rusty was the name Robbie would pick.

What we know

Rusty came without a firewall data plate, but remarkable, the original State of Maryland title.  It includes both the engine and body numbers, along with the original owners name.  Brad had acquired Rusty from a person who had found it in a Tennessee junk yard.  That person saved it from being scrapped.  While we don’t know the route taken, the original title will help us do some research.

Rusty may have come from the factory with most of his accessories. That would include the Monroe lift, front weight and radiator screen, governor (handle present, but unit missing), and heavy duty springs 

There are other interesting clues we need to follow.

Brad had removed the dual wheels.  Pictured above is a label still attached to one of the rims.  We assume that the dual wheel adapter protected the label.  We don’t know when the dual wheels were added, but guessing that it was at the time of purchase.

And what we don’t know

It appears that some owner added a snow plow setup in the 1960s.  The cables on the dash were used to operate the 12 volt electric lift.  The governor was removed (but not the control handle) and a modern alternator put in its place.  A battery was added for this separate charging system.  We don’t know what happened to the governor.  We have the snow plow motor.

What we don’t know is the purpose/use of the outlets added to rear of the Jeep.

The wiring may give us clues.

Next up?

This has all happened so quickly we don’t have a plan.  For now, we may have to move some farm equipment out of the barn.  Summer shows are coming up and we may not get back to Rusty for some time.  We will post any new information and looking forward to discussing Rusty and his features with the Jeep community.

eWillys post this 1956 newspaper ad –

The drawing with the dirt scoop appears to show a Startton Hydro-Lift.  This is the earliest example of ad showing the Stratton lift replacing the Monroe lift. 

We will update this post as we learn more.

It has been a great year here at Farm Jeep.  First came Teddy, the new Lawson Hill Farm  puppy.  Teddy arrived in March and quickly took up his role as official Jeep dog.

Summer time and the living is busy.  We took the Farm Jeep to a number of antique tractor shows across south central Indiana.  These are great events for collecting stories about how Jeeps were used on farms.  We plan to post some of those stories here.  We also returned to the county fair where the Jeep has become a crowd favorite in the antique equipment tent.

The fall edition of The Dispatcher Classic Willy/Jeep Magazine contains an article, the first of a series on the making of the farm jeep.  More articles will be published in the coming year.  We have enjoyed working with the editor and the Jeep community in gathering information for our take on history.

The year ended with the surprise of a Bantam plow finding us, as described in our last post.  What a very fun year.  We definitely look forward to all the discoveries of the next Farm Jeep year.

This is a story we couldn’t make up.  We received a note from Les from near Waterloo, Ontario who had found our posts about Bantam plows.  He said his father had an old plow with a Bantam tag that hadn’t been used for 10 years and was about to go to the scrap pile.  Les ask if we might know of anyone who would be interested in it.

We jumped on the opportunity.  Four days later, Barry was in Ontario to pick up this beauty.

  

When we started, we didn’t have this basic understanding and it caused us to make a number of mistakes.  For example, a single action cylinder requires a “port” to allow air to move in and of the lower chamber.  In most applications, having the air port open to the environment isn’t a problem.  But with the Newgren setup, the port is right down in the dirt and dust.  The designers wisely used the extra space in the reservoir, as an “air tank” by attaching a hose from the lower cylinder port to the top of the reservoir.  We overfilled the reservoir, not understanding the need for the air space, and it resulted in a pressurized system. Adding to our problem was the lack of a relief valve as shown in the diagram.  The end result was blown seals in the pump and damage to the cylinder seals.

Simple, but not easy

The first piece of the puzzle is to find a single action cylinder that will fit in the frame and has the appropriate bore and stroke.  The bore (the diameter of the cylinder in which the piston travels) will determine the speed and power of the lift.  The stroke is the distance from a fully closed to a fully extended cylinder. Newgren used at least two different styles of cylinders.  Our cylinder body was rusted and had to be replaced.  In the process of rebuilding the cylinder the stroke was shortened, mostly like when the rod was replaced.  The end result is that we don’t have the full range of lift.

The Newgren lift uses a large metal “push” block to move the implement up and down.  The critical measurement for the cylinder is the stroke length.  The cylinder must be able to push the block and attached short arms through the complete lift arc.

We believe our cylinder to be a 3″ bore with a 6″ stroke.  At this point, we would have hoped to have had a recommendation for a modern day replacement.  We don’t.  We are sure that one exists and we will try get recommendations from others.  When we have information we will update this post.  But for starters, you will need a cylinder with a base mount that will fit the Newgren frame and no rod mount.  The rod rides in the lift block and will require a stop or collar to engage the block.

Going in the right direction

The Love lift and the Newgren lift had a control handle next to the drivers seat.  This was possible because the hydraulic control valve is located on the front of the reservoir.  It uses a spring-loaded push/pull rod to raise and lower the implement.  Releasing the handle returns the valve to the neutral position.  Our control valve doesn’t seal properly and allows the cylinder to leak down.  The Newgren valve doesn’t have O-rings or other seals that can be replaced.

We attempted to find a modern control valve to replace the original but haven’t been able to do so.  An alternative might be to mount a control valve between the seats.  You would loose the ability to control the lift from the rear of the jeep, a unique and handy feature, but could maintain the between the seats control.  Another alternative would be to adapt the Monroe solution of having the reservoir and the control valve mounted between the seats.  In a case, like Quentin’s, were you don’t have a reserve tank in place, this might be a good alternative.

We are looking for someone to duplicate the Newgren control valve with provisions for O-rings,  Again, if we find a source or have a duplicate made we will update this post.

Reservoirations

The original Newgren reservoir fits neatly inside the frame.  It has a fitting on top for the air “bleeder” hose described above and the mount for the control valve.  Most importantly it is sized to hold the proper amount of fluid and an air pocket for the cylinder.  There is no easy way to fill the reservoir (you use the small pipe at the rear of the jeep) and no way to measure the fluid level.

The Newgren reservoir measures roughly 8.5″W x 10.5″L x 4.5″H and is held in the frame by a metal strap.  Instructions say to fill the reservoir with 5 quarts of oil.  While we are not aware of any ready-made tanks of this size, one could be fabricated.  However, the reservoir does not need to be locate in the frame.  Other solutions are available.

All kinds of pumps

We have tried a number of different style pumps – crank driven, belt driven and electric.  The Newgren lift pump (and the Monroe lift too) used a pump mounted on the front of the crank pulley.  The pump was/is the same pump used on International Harvester series “A” and series “C” tractors.  It has a flow rate of around 4 GPM.  These pumps are still available from IH/Case parts suppliers, but are very expensive.  This is the pump we currently have installed.

Pictures of Newgren lifts have shown that belt-driven pumps were also used.  Our guess is that these where replacements for the failed crank pulley pump.  It should be noted that the Love lift did use a belt driven pump and these may have also been used on the very early Newgren version.  The most common belt-driven pump is the Monarch HY-LO series.  Good information here – http://www.ewillys.com/2012/10/29/monarch-hy-lo-hydraulic-brochure/

The HY-LO-Jeep pump was commonly used for snow plows and they are still available.  This is combination pump/reservoir/control valve.  The control valve is operated via a rod that fits through the firewall and a mounting bracket under the dash.  For applications like Quentin’s, this would be a simple solution.  You would not have between-the-seats control or at the back of the lift, but otherwise a very good alternative to the crank pump .

There is a version of the HY-LO-Jack that is a pump only (no reservoir or valve).  We own one of these but failed to get it to work properly, most likely because it was worn out.  And once these gear  type pumps are worn out, they cannot be rebuilt.  You need to be very cautious of buying used gear type pumps that have lots of hours on them.

Electrified 

A clear advantage of using an electric pump is that it only runs when needed.  Our CJ2a had been converted to 12 volts when we found it.  Since we were having problems with the HY-LO pumps, we decided to purchased a 12 volt pump off ebay.  The first had its own reservoir and this setup did not work well.  Unencumbered by the thought process, we simple hooked the two reservoirs together.  Rather than try to explain or analyze why this was a bad idea, we will do what we did back then and move to a pump without a reservoir.  This second pump, which had been used on a truck lift-gate did work well and served us until we acquired the crankshaft pump and bracket.

At the time when we were searching for an electric pump, there were few options within our budget.  A check of ebay today shows many pumps available.  Included in the list at the time of this posting was a 12 volt version of the Monarch HY-LO pump.

The “special” crankshaft and pump adapter used on the early Newgren offer no special advantages.  It may difficult to find the Monroe style, but it is much improved design and uses the standard Willys pulley.

The Small Town Jeep Club held its 2017 Aaron Thompson Memorial Jeep Show in a park just east of our home town of Columbus, Indiana.  The event featured a couple of hundred jeeps of all ages and we took the Farm Jeep to add to the fun.  We did have fun, but the real excitement began when we were parked next to a beautiful red 1947 CJ2a.

The jeep in its original red paint had been found in a Columbus garage.  The lucky owner got the jeep, which had been sitting for a couple of decades, running with minimal effort.  Air in the tires, fresh fuel and a new battery were all that was required to get it rolling.  While the owner doesn’t have a lot of history, the 2a does provide some clues.  Barely visible on the lower windshield frame are the remains of a sign that ended with GARAGE.

As we walked around the well preserved jeep we spotted an unusual heater located on the passenger side. The knob read “ARVIN” and the owner confirmed that the heater works well.

Columbus was home to the company that became Arvin Industries from 1919 until the year 2000 .  The complete story is at Preserving Arvin.  It is more personal at Farm Jeep, since Barry’s father worked at Arvin.  Barry also worked at Arvin in the summers when attending Purdue University.  So this was a fun discovery.

While we didn’t examine the heater we are guessing it is the Universal model pictured in a 1941 catalog.  While Arvin had models for specific vehicles, the jeep wasn’t around then.

According to the Preserving Arvin site, the company did produce a number of parts for jeeps and other military vehicles during WWII.  Maybe we can find other Arvin products are a part of jeep history.

We love going to the country fair.  We can drive there with the plow hanging off the back.  We’ve won our share of ribbons, but the real reason we go is to meet and talk with the many people who have never seen a farm jeep.  Bartholomew County is home to a number of major players in the transportation industry, including Cummins Engine Company.

The fair is all about food for many people and there are large lunch-time crowds.  We time our visits around lunch and not just for the pork chop sandwich served up by local producers, but so we can talk to the many engineers and techs from the area.  They wander through the antique equipment tent that is on the route from the parking lot to the food stands.  A very large percentage stop at the Farm Jeep display

Most of the questions are technical in nature, rather than functional (how well does it pull that plow?) questions we are ask at tractor shows.  It is not unusual to see someone hand off his cup of home-made ice cream to a friend while he takes a look at the underside of the jeep.