Wheeled Tractors
Modelled on the Fordson four-wheeled tractor, this was initially made by sand-casting and had stub axles for the front wheels. Steering was by the steering wheel, linked to the front wheel axle bar. Mudguards were effected with a pair of pressed tinplate wings riveted firmly to the main chassis each side. The front wheels were 1 3/4" diameter black rubber, while the rear wheels were of the same black rubber 3 1/2" in diameter.
The gravity die-cast renovation was of similar dimensions overall, and wheels and mudguards remained the same. The steering mechanism was based on a simple strip bracket holding the 3/16" diameter axle, pivoted centrally by the steering wheel movement. The steering wheel in each case was cast aluminium with four spokes, and sleeved onto the steering rod. The seats of the die-cast version were a little more squared at the back than the rounded sand-cast ones.
Ejection pin marks are conspicuous on the die-cast models but, of course, such marks are absent on the sand-cast toys. Axles were always washered on each end outside before being crimped one end and then riveted over the other end.
ATTACHMENTS
Front end loader
Made of tinplate folded to shape, with steel bars to raise and lower the scoop as well as one to tip it.
Back blade
Made either of cast aluminium or heavy tinplate, was pivoted from the rear axle and operated by levers attached to the left side of the body near the seat.
Post hole digger
Three metal discs with cuts on opposite sides of the circumference were attached to a 3/16" diameter vertical axle, threaded at the top third. This passed through a nut welded to the ends of the lifting frames, pivoting from the back axle. The lifting lever was similar to the back blade. The vertical axle had a tee handle at the top and could be wound up or down by hand. It was quite simple and practical.
Crawler Tractors
Again, the Large Crawler earlier models were sand-cast and have a total of nine separate castings - two top, two side, one base and four wheel castings. Castings were held together with gutter bolts. An exhaust pipe rose dangerously in the middle of the bonnet but was absent in the die-cast version.
The die-cast version was similar in overall dimensions, but was achieved with only one casting for the body and the two outrigger plates for the wheels, a total of seven castings including the wheels. Tracks in both cases were of heavy black rubber, purpose made with good traction ridges.
Ejection pin marks are conspicuous on the die-cast models but, of course, such marks are absent on the sand-cast toys. Axles were always washered on each end outside before being crimped one end and then riveted over the other end.
Peak Crawlers
Small Tractors (with driver)
Only 4 3/4" long, this was a sand-cast toy. Since we have never seen a gravity die-cast version, we assume it is non-existent! Left and right side castings were riveted together in traditional fashion.
Two 1 3/4" diameter black rubber wheels at the back, and two 1" at the front on 3/16" diameter axles, made this a surprisingly robust toy, but just occasionally the driver lost his head!
ATTACHMENTS
Small trailer
This was formed by folding rear sheet metal mudguards from the Large Tractor, and with a strip for the drawbar, an axle bracket, and two 1" diameter wheels, a real fun trailer was ready!
Heavy Tractors
The Crawler Tractor die-cast body was frequently used with four of the heavy rubber 3 1/2" black wheels instead of the track system. Fitted with various attachments, there were as effective as they were popular as a wheeled tractor.
ATTACHMENTS
Front scoop
Considerably larger than the tractor front end loader, it was made of tinplate and quite robust, but had no tripping device. Simple steel frames pivoted on an axle just under the seat. Pop rivets were often used.
Bulldozer blade
This was either cast aluminium or tinplate, mounted in the front by steel bars also pivoted on an axle, or pop riveted under the seat casting.
