2019.09.05 Tractor Pic

kcm.MN · Sep 5, 2019

1965 Case 730 Orchard Special

r.w.b. · Sep 5, 2019

Nice look9ng,is that a dc orchard beside it?

Bob Bancroft · Sep 5, 2019

And they're both propane, no less! What little I've seen orchard tractors, I don't recall seeing propane. So I'm wondering, was this about the area of the country, or something about the fumes, or what?

Steve@Advance · Sep 5, 2019

For a time propane was cheaper than gas. Saw a lot of cars and light trucks converted to propane for that reason.

It also burns a lot cleaner, engine lasts longer, longer interval on oil changes.

And less emissions. Still see a lot of forklifts, sweepers, other warehouse equipment on propane.

But now it is expensive! Especially buying the exchange tanks that are a rip anyway, never filed to capacity but you're charged for something you're not getting!

Bob Bancroft · Sep 5, 2019

Understood. I assume these were factory, and also assume they were more expensive than gas models. Maybe in the south, or the west of the country they were prevalent? Here in the northeast, gas hung on for a long time. Even if a different fueled tractor was less expensive to operate, most farmers wouldn't pay the higher initial cost of the tractor.

I specifically mentioned fumes because I was wondering if there was a situation in an orchard where gas fumes should be avoided? Maybe because the exhaust is so low? Persons working nearby?

bmack95hd · Sep 5, 2019

Orchard tractors are so unique looking, lots of style.

sms · Sep 5, 2019

Exhaust was low so limbs didn't tear it off.

sms · Sep 5, 2019

Propane is the only fuel you can use indoors.

kcm.MN · Sep 5, 2019

(quoted from post at 06:49:42 09/05/19) Propane is the only fuel you can use indoors.

A place I worked at in the 90's had 34 people go to hospitals for carbon monoxide poisoning. The warehouse-type building was all closed up on an abnormally cold Texas day, and there was no ventilation. There were only 2 small LP-gas forklifts. I told the General Manager to go with electric, but he went with lower-cost, used LP machines. I had quit the company before this incident and was halfway around the world when it happened. Imagine my surprise when that news story was aired on Finnish TV!

Sadly, there are lots of similar stories out there.

Bob Bancroft · Sep 5, 2019

Understood. What I was wondering is if part of the reason for going with propane is because the exhaust is low. Maybe workers on the ground nearby, picking, loading onto a cart behind the tractor?

K Effective · Sep 5, 2019

Understood. What I was wondering is if part of the reason for going with propane is because the exhaust is low. Maybe workers on the ground nearby, picking, loading onto a cart behind the tractor?

There are quite a few orchard models around us here in the Heart of the Fruit Belt. Back in that era our area was predominantly fruit production, thanks to climate control by Lake Michigan, along with soil type, topography, etc. Gas was the dominant fuel into the 1960's, more diesels since then.

I have never seen a propane powered orchard model in person. The tank residing up high like that kinda defeats the purpose, as does the long, exposed exhausts on those two- most around here are underslung and exit in the rear. One of those tractors looks like they just added on to a factory short pipe elbow.

I have two narrow, vineyard models, both diesel, one side exhaust one vertical, but the grapes or blueberries aren't the overhead issues like tree fruit. That rear exhaust can be a real challenge when hooking up three-point tools- you can hardly stand to leave it running at all.

2019.09.05 Tractor Pic

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