Halftracks from Farmall Super A onto Super C?

Maine Fordson · Jan 11, 2011

Hey guys -

I've got a chance to buy a decent set of ARPS halftracks that came off a Super A. Will they fit on a Super C, and if so, how do they attach to the tractor? (When I saw these they were stretched out on a small trailer, and the tractor was nowhere to be seen.) Does anybody have a photo of them installed?

I just got done transferring a set of ARPS halftracks from a JD 40 onto a JD 50, which was relatively straightforward, but the idler brackets and tensioner arrangement are completely different than the ones off the Super A.

I know that the biggest challenge, other than the idler set-up, is whether the tracks themselves will be long enough: If there is a significant difference in wheel circumference between the A and the C, the tracks won't be long enough. (And ARPS has been out of business for quite a long time now, so it's not like I can go right out and buy a few links off the shelf to make up the difference...)

Does anybody out there have experience with these, or know where else I could ask?

Thanks in advance for anything positive that anybody can contribute to this discussion...

-- Maine Fordson

DeltaRed · Jan 11, 2011

Why dont you just buy an A?Lots easier and probably LOTS cheaper.

Maine Fordson · Jan 11, 2011

(quoted from post at 00:49:37 01/12/11) Why dont you just buy an A? Lots easier and probably LOTS cheaper.

Because I already have the Super C, in good running condition, with straight tin and decent paint. And as for cost, the guy's asking cheap money for the set of tracks. [i:2dc56a36a7]That's[/i:2dc56a36a7] why.

Of course, if you know of somebody right close to me who's willing to sell a Super A in the same condition for a couple hundred bucks, let me know and I'll be there tomorrow morning with my trailer.

ScottyHOMeY · Jan 12, 2011

I think you hit the biggest challenge as being wheel circumference/track length. Don't know offhand the outer circumferences of the tires, but they're gonna be quite a bit different. The A runs on 24" rims, the C is on 36's -- not much to compare.

I wouldn't be cheap, but is there any chance that you can adapt to one of the newer tracks that are more readily available?

Where are you in Maine? I'm in Waldo County.

Wardner · Jan 12, 2011

Just to give you an idea, I removed a set of Arps from a 400 and put them on a H. Three cleats had to be removed from each track. No, I do not want to sell the six cleats but I think you are going to need more than that anyway.

I'll bet there is a dealer who has a roll of cleats somewhere. I am guessing they were cut from a reel at the dealer. I'd be looking at an old time dealer from NY state. Alot of sets were sold there. I would also try MacFaddens in Sharon Springs, NY. Jim probably knows where to get them if he doesn't have them already.

Maine Fordson · Jan 12, 2011

Thanks for the helpful reply, Scotty, especially the data on rim sizes. You've given me a better idea of what I'm up against with this project.

As I mentioned in the original posting, these ARPS halftracks are available and inexpensive (by my understanding, anyway). Less than $500. Maybe quite a bit less, depending on how motivated the seller is... I have to admit, I don't know a thing about about "the newer tracks that are more readily available," but I can't imagine they'd be anywhere near as inexpensive. And -- surprise, surprise -- I'm trying to get this set up as inexpensively as possible, if it can be done at all.

I'm in Penobscot County, in the Bangor area. The tractor is in Hancock County right now, in Bucksport, but if tomorrow's storm isn't too severe (which it may very well be, by the latest forecasts) I'm going to haul it to Orrington where I can work on it inside, out of the weather.

Thanks again for your insight -- I'm used to dealing with steel-wheeled Fordsons and big JD 2-bangers.

Maine Fordson · Jan 12, 2011

(quoted from post at 03:25:26 01/12/11) <snip> No, I do not want to sell the six cleats but I think you are going to need more than that anyway. I'll bet there is a dealer who has a roll of cleats somewhere. I am guessing they were cut from a reel at the dealer. <snip>

Yes, I think you're right -- judging by what Scotty said about rim sizes, this project will definitely need more than six additional cleats -- which may very well be a show-stopper.

So, are all of the ARPS cleats the same size? I didn't look all that closely, but these cleats from the Super A looked a bit narrower than the ones I just put on the JD 50. Maybe not? The A's idler axle had an aluminum ARPS tag with "Black Hawk" on it... different model, maybe?

Wish I had an ARPS manual...

Thanks for your contribution. Stay warm and be safe tomorrow -- it's supposed to be a bad one.

Wardner · Jan 12, 2011

As for the snow, the Boston stations say we could get as much as 18" near Lowell, MA. We would be in the jackpot zone. Bangor appears to be too far north to get hit hard.

This is the second time in the past few weeks that "Black Hawk" has been mentioned. I don't think my Arps fit that description. So it appears that their may be two different metal cleat sizes. My model is "BM". My cleats are 18" wide. That seems way to wide for an A.

Aprs also made a rubber belting type of track.
<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r16/Wardner/?action=view&current=Arps017.jpg" target="_blank">

Arps017.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket

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couv · Jan 12, 2011

Any pictures of tracks installed on an Offset ?

Never seen any in the Deep South.

PS I do have a neighbor wanting to sell an A with some tools. Email me for info

mkirsch · Jan 12, 2011

I don't see this happening without some MAJOR reconstruction and a bunch of additional parts.

A Super A is offset. A Super C is a centerline. The tracks won't even mount up.

A Super A has 24" wheels. A Super C has 36" wheels. The tracks will be too short.

J.T.L. · Jan 12, 2011

Here is someones site with 3 pages of ARPS tracks on Farmall tractors. I used some of the photos to build a scaled down set of tracks for one of my garden tractors.

John
ARPS Half Tracks

Dellbertt · Jan 12, 2011

Have you considered using the A wheels on the C.
If the bolt pattern isn't the same you could swap hubs and make it fit.
At least that would give you the circ. you are after although gear ratio would be affected.
Dell

mkirsch · Jan 12, 2011

Dell,

Super A hubs won't even come close to fitting on the Super C.

A hubs are flange mounted with 6 lug nuts, like a giant car tire.

C hubs are clamped on to a round bar axle.

Mark in Upstate · Jan 12, 2011

Jim is my neighbor. I have purchased many pieces from him; wandered through his yard at great length and have never seen a set. I agree he would have an idea.

ScottyHOMeY · Jan 12, 2011

If you're on the road right this minute, You'll be okay. I'm right across the river in Frankfort, and it's just startin' to stick a little here.

Let us know how your project goes.

Maine Fordson · Jan 12, 2011

OK, guys, thanks for all of the helpful info and links. Looks like this project is not going to happen.

Seeing the difference in wheel diameter, and also the pictures of the other set on that Cub (which shows a few parts that I did not see with this local set, like the big wishbone) clinched it. I'm disappointed, but realistic.

If anybody out there has a Farmall A and is interested in the Blackhawk tracks I found in Maine, let me know & I'll forward you the owner's contact info. E-mail is open.

-- Maine Fordson

P.S. -- Scotty: You mentioned "the newer tracks that are more readily available," what else can you tell me about them?

ScottyHOMeY · Jan 12, 2011

I don't think anybody makes the newer rubber track big tractors with anything small enough, and I really don't have a particular make or brand in mind, but I was thinking among the various makers of smaller machines like skidsteers with tracks there might be something available that would work.

Anonymous-0 · Feb 20, 2011

I may have some solutions to your half track questions if you are still looking for advice! I just installed a set of Black Hawk half tracks on a 2N Ford tractor this winter.

Halftracks from Farmall Super A onto Super C?

Maine Fordson

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