Ransomes MG5 Crawler

[Dieselman 63]

There was one of these at the Karaka Vintage show at the glenbrook vintage railway a couple of months ago. I took a photo but I might have lost it on the phone.
There was a pile of dirt that some old Caterpillar bulldozers were pushing around and showing off... and then there was this mini dozer.

There was one at Levin API show - mine! Sadly that’s the last time it ran besides a brief blast I did in the shed operating the throttle by hand. The carb is leaking so much fuel I’m wondering whether any is actually going into the chamber.

I sold a valve grinder a while back and recently found another and supplied the guy with an absolute heap of stones, belts etc and he’s going to help me out with a nice Lucas spark plug cable as well as some throttle cable. Very kind and will be warmly received.

 

[Dieselman 63]

So I can get new Hoffman bearings at £81 ea or FAG for £12... wonder which will last another 70 years?

 

[dobbslc]

FAG aren't a bad make, they'll last ok.

 

[Dieselman 63]

FAG aren't a bad make, they'll last ok.

bit lighter on the wallet, too!

 

[Robotstar5]

So I can get new Hoffman bearings at £81 ea or FAG for £12... wonder which will last another 70 years?

Just make sure you get genuine FAG for that price, I've bought bearings from Amazon with a nice picture of respected brands, but cheap chinesium tat delivered

 

[Dieselman 63]

Just make sure you get genuine FAG for that price, I've bought bearings from Amazon with a nice picture of respected brands, but cheap chinesium tat delivered

I might visit my local bearing place. They’re expensive but the service is great. They actually know about bearings, instead of relying on what the great holy computer tells them

Inevitable really. Thought I’d have some money to play with next pay... nope!

 

[zeppelin builder]

and dont do what i did as a 10 year old
thought i pinch a shotty when dad was awa , cranked her up but was in reverse started and when it picked up revs , centrifugal clutch bit and backed its self over the spring tooth harrows it had been dragging and dug itself int its belly

got a real good earfull fot that un

 

[Dieselman 63]

So I have new bearings on order, the bearing shop is moving though can you believe, so I’m waiting a bit longer. All this started with just the throttle cable and then I just *had* to be nosy and find other problems!

 

[tom2207]

So I have new bearings on order, the bearing shop is moving though can you believe, so I’m waiting a bit longer. All this started with just the throttle cable and then I just *had* to be nosy and find other problems!

yep , thats exactly how it seems to go.

 

[Dieselman 63]

Bearing shop is giving me the run around, bit annoyed tbh. They were quite angry over the phone. I might go to another place as they’re expensive too.

To prove this isn’t a cost based grievance I’ve decided to buy another tractor. Another MG5. Insert madman comments here.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Insert madman comments here.

Have you taken leave of your senses?

 

[Dieselman 63]

Have you taken leave of your senses?

The thought of this came into my mind - Tinsley’s Class 13s.

Mmm, dual tractor hauling - master and slave units...

 

[OJCar]

To prove this isn’t a cost based grievance I’ve decided to buy another tractor. Another MG5. Insert madman comments here.

Excellent, well done!

 

[Agroshield]

Mmm, dual tractor hauling - master and slave units...

Look up Doe tractor and Cat double D9 (or DD9).

 

[zeppelin builder]

yep , thats exactly how it seems to go.

Cost you a Ransome ha

 

[zeppelin builder]

be nice with a wee kubota 3cyl

 

[Dieselman 63]

Cost you a Ransome ha

A kings ransom, since they’re by appointment to his majesty, makers of horticultural equipment.

 

[Dieselman 63]

The project which started it all - Follows & Bate lawnmower, first restored aged 14, beside the Ransomes crawler, which I bought aged 28.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

The project which started it all - Follows & Bate lawnmower, first restored aged 14, beside the Ransomes crawler, which I bought aged 28.

View attachment 287980

So are you now the proud owner of 2?

 

[Dieselman 63]

So are you now the proud owner of 2?

No, I have to save up. Donations welcomed!

All the restorations on the bench vice thread are going towards it. Got another two to smash out tonight.