Model T Shop Mule Tractor

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VFeditor_Aleesa
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Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by VFeditor_Aleesa » Tue Feb 12, 2019 5:16 pm

WFHerbardShopTractor.jpg
Shop Mule Tractors like this 1940s model were used in factories, industrial facilities, and railways to haul heavy cargo in confined spaces. Ford Motor Co. used and sold Model T-based Mules. Anyone ever come across a surviving Model T Shop Tractor? I'm working on a story about them and would love a photo of an existing or even a recreated one. Please let me know if you can help.

Thanks!
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jab35
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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by jab35 » Tue Feb 12, 2019 5:33 pm

Aleesa: Not exactly what you requested, but on page 206 of the Model T Service Bulletin Essentials is a photo and short article on a Fordson conversion 'locomotive'. The original bulletin is dated September, 1921.

Looking forward as always to an excellent article, jb

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VFeditor_Aleesa
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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by VFeditor_Aleesa » Tue Feb 12, 2019 6:21 pm

I often find that one story can lead to five more. I’ve already found a couple of interesting detours while working on this one that may become stories in the future.
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Duey_C
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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by Duey_C » Wed Feb 13, 2019 1:34 am

Cool. :-)
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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by Rich Eagle » Wed Feb 13, 2019 9:02 am

Yellowstone Park Transportation company converted one of their 1920s White buses into a mule like that. They cut the frame right behind the driver's seat and "welded" it to the rear axle. They could tow any of their 300 buses to and from or inside their two story (with elevator) facility in Gardner, MT. I wish I had taken a picture of it.
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When did I do that?

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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by Ruxstel24 » Wed Feb 13, 2019 9:20 am

Reminds me of the aircraft mules the USAAF/ USN used in WWII.
Don't know if any were T powered...
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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by Original Smith » Wed Feb 13, 2019 11:28 am

For the Pan Pacific Fair, held in San Francisco in 1915, it is my understanding that Fageol made Model T tractors to pull the visitors around the fair, and that is how they got their start building trucks and busses.


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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by Tmodelt » Wed Feb 13, 2019 7:11 pm

At least the yellow tow motor is a Ford Model A. Someone in the Army Air Corps knew about parts availability!

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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by FundyTides » Wed Feb 13, 2019 7:22 pm

A little bit OT but in the early 50's my Dad used a model A based roller in a small paving company that he owned. I have a picture of it with me seated on it,

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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by John Warren » Wed Feb 13, 2019 7:39 pm

Well David, Let's see it. Thanks
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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by DanTreace » Wed Feb 13, 2019 9:37 pm

Here is a Model T 'field mule' :P Or actually it's a Model T Doodle Bug...made by owners to serve duties other than road travel.

Saw it at steam engine show. Cut down chassis in length and of course all Model T Doodle Bugs have narrow wheel base to get into tight spaces and small turning radius.

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pug close 25.jpg
Narrowed front axle.

Real shop mules were purpose built T car chassis to function in industry. Good article in Ford Owner and Dealer on a few versions, reads that most are slow moving, up to 12 miles per hour with T engines and using special worm gear axles. Made more for pulling trailers than hauling goods on board. While many Fordson's were used for big work, these little guys were pretty good work ponies.


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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by TractorGlenn » Sun Aug 16, 2020 10:11 pm

Hi Dave! Is the yellow shop tractor yours or is it in an aviation museum somewhere?


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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by Allan » Mon Aug 17, 2020 12:54 am

The South Australian Railways used T based mules to haul luggage and parcel freight around the Adelaide railway station. One of these was purchased by one of our T club members for use around his plant nursery. It was one of a dozen or so T's he owned and loaned to club members yet to find their own cars. It also meant a number of younger members could get to drive a T well before reaching legal age to do so.

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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by TractorGlenn » Mon Aug 17, 2020 10:48 am

Hi Allan Was the conversion manufactured in Australia or something imported? Any photos of the unit that still exists?

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Re: Model T Shop Mule Tractor

Post by Atomic Amish » Mon Aug 17, 2020 11:23 am

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I have much better pictures at home, but wanted to show what Ford used at Willow Run during WWII. I think it's an N series with some add ons.
My other car is an Amish Drag Buggy.
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