Well folks, we finally were able to move the B after a few years of planning. The big story (and chore) for the trip this past August 2000, was hauling the tire for Gramps' Model AW out to the cabin. Obviously this was key since the B was not going to move under its own power; we needed the A to pull it. (You can check out that story on my Model AW page.)
The trails around the Cabin used to see regular traffic by the AW, the B, and the Jeep. Now they are only used for hiking and for snowmobiles during the winter. As a result, the trails have grown much narrower over the years.
Here I am attaching the chain around the front pedestal of the B. You can barely see the Model A with all the growth around. It used to be very open in this area.
To widen the trails I used a handsaw. Most of the trail was on the neghbor's property, and I didn't want to disturb things too much. For the most part, I removed Balsam saplings, Alder brush, and a few Birch banches.
My next job was to dig the wheels of the tractor out of the ground. The front wheels had sunk in 8 inches, and the rears had only gone down 6 inches or so. It was a warm afternoon, and I could feel it when I was finished.
I hadn't dug the wheels out enough the first time, and the AW didn't have enough traction to pull it out Here I am digging around the front tires.
The big day was Wednesday, August 16th. Gramps was heading home that day, so we got things ready to go in the morning. Of course it would happen - the Model AW that had started up and run so well two days before would not fire. Actually, it would pop on one cylinder, but wouldn't fire the second cylinder. After cranking for awhile, I noticed no vapor coming out of the compression release petcock. Clued in that it wasn't getting any gas, we followed the gas flow and found it WAS getting fuel to the carb. Perhaps the float valve was sticking. I removed the float bowl and played with the valve until satisfied it was free. After reassembling the carb, we cranked a few more times this time getting a large mist out of the compression release petcock. But it still wouldn't fire. Finally, I removed the plugs and found one fouled. The AW finally started up after the plugs were both cleaned.
After shoveling out the tires some more, I repositioned the chain for another try
Loading the tractor with logging chains, Gramps drove down the hill to where the B had been sitting patiently for decades. In hindsight, it would have been worth our time to fit the A's tires with chains, but we elected not to.
Gramps backed up to the B and I fitted the chain around the front pedestal. I wasn't too keen on this idea for fear we would rip it off; but Gramps assured me it wouldn't be a problem.
The first attempt at pulling ended with the A digging ruts in the sandy soil. I hadn't dug the wheels out enough for them to climb out of the holes.
Making sure the chain is postioned as high up on the pedestal as it would go.
I had to run back up to the shed and grab the shovel. Together, Gramps and I dug out the wheels.
We hooked everything back up and gave it another try. It wasn't easy, but after a few running starts the B was out and moving! I hopped aboard as tillerman.
A concern of mine was the B's right rear wheel. It was corroded so badly, I was worried that by the time we pulled the tractor over a few yards of rough trail and rocks, it would be running on nothing but spokes.
Finally moving!! An historic moment considering the B has been parked for a couple of decades. Can you see me smiling?
Based on the tattered remains of the rear tires, I assumed the B would be running on its rims. Was I ever surprised to discover that all four tubes still held air! And the front tires were in pretty good shape. My fears were relieved now that the rims wouldn't be banging against rocks.
The first 100 yards or so would be on flat ground as we made our way to the base of the hill up to our cabin. The going was easy, and it was a blast to be riding MY John Deere B! I even discovered the brakes still worked.
I'm inspecting the tires, dumbfounded that the tubes are still round!
Making a right turn, we go from flat ground to a rock-strewn hill.
After the flat section, the trail takes a right-hand turn up a hill. The hill isn't terribly steep, nor is it very long. It is, however, lined with rocks and some fallen logs which make tire chains very desirable.
We made it about halfway up the hill when the AW spun out for the first time. Gramps backed up and gave it a run, but still couldn't find traction. He backed up, Dad unhooked the chain and lengthened it so Gramps could try from a less-than-slippery spot. We made it up a few more yards before spinning out again. This time, Gramps backed up, the chain was shortened, and we tried again.
In this fashion we gradually made it up the hill. The final spin out came when the left rear of the AW wouldn't climb over a rotten birch log lying on the trail. Dad pulled this out of the way and we had crested the hill!
The B is just turning the corner from the hill to where we will park it.
Once the A made it over the top of the hill, there was enough traction to finish pulling the B over. Those brakes I assumed were not working sure came in handy while Dad and Gramps were repostitioning the chain.
We jockeyed the B around a bit to position it in a good spot where it would be east to work on. It was parked where the A used to sit.
The A and B together again!
This is my favorite picture of the group. Gramps and grandson together on their tractors!
Before leaving for home, I pulled the carb and sediment bowl/fuel valve so I could clean them up at home. I also pulled the valve cover to take a peak inside and it looks great! I may pull the head and replace the pushrod tube inserts just as a precaution - I haven't decided yet. (See my Model AW page for the story on my bad luck with push rod tubes.)
