Military Farm Tractors

PaGlenn · Aug 3, 2016

Has anyone here used farm tractors during their service. Most of the Air Force tractors were used to move equipment on the flight line. Our shop used one to move liquid oxygen carts to the aircraft for servicing. My license states 'Farm Tractor' instead of Utility. They were fun to drive. You always saw one riding up and down the line with a large magnet under its belly picking up stray nuts/bolts/safety wire etc. I can remember one story of a couple airmen moving one of the tractors to the top floor of the large maintenance hanger using an elevator. When Wing Safety found out they made them disassemble the tractor to bring it down.

Alan K · Aug 3, 2016

If I remember correctly, in an MM publication once they had a list of what was supposed to be done to a tractor so it didnt get "compromised" by the enemy. One of the things I remember they stated was driving a steel bar directly down through the top of the engine and smashing several other components like starter carburetor and generator.

Janicholson · Aug 3, 2016

A nice MM Navy tractor is in the hearitage building at the (currently running till Sunday) Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids MN. Jim

Mike M · Aug 3, 2016

I think there is one similar to that near me. I can't see if that is a Ford ? The one near me is a Ford.

John Achmann · Aug 3, 2016

I got two military tractors. The VAIW case is based off of the VAC tractor and would not make a very good farm tractor. The MM RTIM I have on the other hand is identical to the R farm tractor. This one came from a farm in Montana and was off the Air Force base there also. Talked with a friend of mine that was in the Air Force about the numbers on the side. Couldn't read mine cause someone painted over them but I wet sanded until I found them. He broke them down for me and what they ment. Sorry don't have pictures now but could post some later.

K Effective · Aug 3, 2016

My neighbor, BTC (Big Time Collector), has one of the JD New Gens that was purposed for the Navy/Air Force with the HUGE electromagnet slung from the belly and PTO generator. It has the original brass tag from the Navy (IIRC), with tie downs/instructions for lashing to an aircraft carrier deck. I think it was a 3010 or 4010, painted greenish-grey. Barks pretty good when you kick the generator on- will lift suitcase weights up off the floor.

oldtanker · Aug 3, 2016

Fast forward a bit. When I retired in 96 the Army had issued JD compact MWFA tractors to aviation units. They had some attachments with them including loaders and mowers. This gave the ground crews a piece of equipment capable of towing choppers even in FARPs (Forward Area Refueling/Rearming Point). They could bring them in on a CH47 or sling load them under a Blackhawk. Then prepare an area for operations instead of only using cleared areas. They also gave them the ability to at least build berms to protect fuel bladders and ammo storage. In garrison they were used as aircraft tugs and to maintain the grass at the airfield.

Rick

OldBuzzard · Aug 3, 2016

Here's a pic of a FOD tractor that was at the Plain City Ohio show in 2014.

They actually put some metal junk on the road and picked t up with it.

37chief · Aug 3, 2016

The unit I was in would have us all line up and do a FOD walk around the planes and ramp area, about every week. I don't know how much good a magnet would do for stainless steel safety wire. Stan

Moonlite37 · Aug 3, 2016

I was an Army supply clerk back in 1961 and while alone in the room and bored I was just looking through the list of Military Stock Items and ran across the nomenclature for a John Deere 3 bottom pull type moldboard plow. I cannot guess what kind of a unit would have this in the property books and if it was ever issued. Maybe Old Tanker has some idea.

Stan - Florida · Aug 3, 2016

Just curious - where did you go to supply school and when? I went through supply school at Ft. Leonard Wood in August/September of 1960.

r.w.b. · Aug 3, 2016

case had a bulletin about busting carbs.mags and water pumps to end cannibalization by the enemy

John M · Aug 3, 2016

Good Lord! The guy with the sunglasses on the right could pass for my Dad!

Tom in NE · Aug 3, 2016

He could also pass for John F. Kennedy.

farmerwithmutt · Aug 3, 2016

If I remember albert city has a collection of farm tractors used by the military. I think there was a case designed to be dropped by parachute there is also a motorcycle designed the same way

Billy NY · Aug 3, 2016

I've seen more than one of those ford tractors with that same cab, for sale locally or elsewhere. Even recall one with a select-o-speed. Most if not all were just set up for snowplowing with front mount blades as they were special order, likely no PTO or 3 point hitch, because they were basically tugs. I have what I believe is a counterweight from an earlier ford series tractor built as a tug, N series era. Thanks for sharing the photos of these.

redih55 · Aug 3, 2016

My first tour at Grand Forks AFB, ND was spent in the AGE(Aerospace Ground Equipment)shop. We had old Cases (I think 430's or 530's) to pull equipment onto the flight line for the aircraft. The Cases were there until 1983, then the Air Force went to the bobtail trucks for the equipment. On the Auctiontime website, there is an IH 3488 Hydro that the Air Force used. Only has 1796 hrs and is painted the olive drab green. Doesn't have a cab, three point or draw-bar. I'm keeping an eye on it to see what it will bring.

Moonlite37 · Aug 4, 2016

I did not have a supply MOS. I was just assigned as a detail.

Leroy · Aug 4, 2016

I have seen that tractor several times, he also has a Moline unit and I think he is from Indiana. Had his name and address at one time.

sotxbill · Aug 4, 2016

must have a really really big fuel tank if its still running till sunday.

Stan - Florida · Aug 4, 2016

Wasn't a bad detail, eh?

Military Farm Tractors

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