Was This The World's First 4-WD Articulated Tractor?

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“It’s not for sale at any price,” says Lynn Rothlisberger, who, alongside his father Wayne, possesses what could be the world’s first 4-WD articulated farm tractor. This pioneering machine was constructed by Lynn’s father-in-law, Herbert Walton, and his grandfather Arthur during 1947 and 1948. Notably, it was completed almost a decade before the initial Steiger tractor emerged. Several years ago, Rothlisberger and his father meticulously restored the tractor to preserve its historical value.

The tractor houses a powerful 200 hp Army surplus Hercules diesel engine, complemented by two Army surplus tank rear ends. Precision in operation is key as each tank rear end needs to run in the same gear. Equipped with dual gear shifters, placed on either side of the tractor, it demands a coordinated mechanism for functionality. The articulated steering is ingeniously designed using a pin and roller system, while the rear axle provides lateral floatation. Additionally, the axles sport impressive 18 by 36-inch pneumatic tires.

According to Lynn, the Waltons utilized this robust tractor for over a decade. It was used to simultaneously pull a five-bottom plow, a disk, and a cultipacker. Post its retirement, succeeded by a pair of larger 2-WD tractors built from scratch, the Waltons showcased this tractor in local pulls, where it "could out-pull anything in its power range," Lynn recalls.

For further details: FARM SHOW Followup, Lynn Rothlisberger, 7297 Co. Hwy. 124, Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351 (ph 409 294-4646).

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit articulated farm tractor for sale or Diesel-powered mountain tractors.

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