This engine was running 100 psi during this video. The boiler is safe for it's factory original rating of 150-160 psi but Washington state has a blanket limit of 100 psi for any and all historical boilers certified to run at public events. So yes the boiler is in good shape, it's just limited by state law, not reduced because of condition.
The best part of the unit I like is the carburetor. Super simple and reliable as hell. Can you tell me when this tractor will be at any shows soon ?? Thanks vf
What I am wondering is if the radiator you are fixing with new tubes fit a 1905 Buda-Lanova engine ??? The unit is a enclosed power engine diesel. The nameplate says it is a truck engine if I remember correctly. The Holt is one sweet running machine you guys have worked on. The engine has compression release, does it not ??? Good luck and thanks for saving our history too. vf
Sweet Engine , now all you need is some power steering fluid replace the fan motor seems like the switch to turn it on is broken and replace the bearing for the steering wheel there seems to be a bit of slop there :)
What's the capacity of that engine? If it was the same rating system as our "60HP" Dennis from 1916 I would guess at 18 litres. But somehow I suspect it's even more than that?
I don't remember the exact number unfortunately, but if I recall correctly, it was almost 35L. It's a very big engine. Effectively a 6 cylinder version of a 75.
I love the fact that there are people who will devote themselves and their resources to saving these old machines. Thay are part of our history. Thank you for posting.
My grandfather and his brother started the De Martini motor truck company in San Francisco and I have a photo of him working on one of the garbage trucks. Over time he replaced the passenger seat with steps so the garbage men wouldn't have to climb a ladder to dump the cans in the truck. I would love to find one some day.
I would bet this boiler has not been inspected. Judging by the condition of the engine it is not in good condition. Likely an explosion waiting to happen. The cameraman has yet to learn that waving the camera around like a flad in the wind is not the best way to view such a scene. The machine is awesome for the technology and size, the boiler is immense and should be able to generate a lot of steam. But the leaks and rust and general poor condition indicate a lets go without bring thorough in restorative or engineering work on the machine before bringing it to the public view.
I understand your caution but please don't be so quick to judge. This boiler was not being operated in any unsafe manner in this video. It was very thoroughly visually inspected inside & out, ultrasound thickness tested all across the boiler, hydrostatically tested to 1.5x MAWP, had two functioning water sources, and safety devices checked all according to state standards. While it does not have a state certificate, it was made safe to the same standard and has only been operated on private property by ourselves. If you can't tell by my other videos, we specialize specifically in restoration and repair of antique tractors like this one. We care very much about safety and have no desire to jeopardize anyone's wellbeing. Yes, this tractor is a bit old and tired but thats why we have it to restore it. None of the leaks in the video were from the boiler, they were only from the engine and other accessories. This was literally the very first minutes this tractor had ran in decades, of course its going to have problems. But operating something can also be a very good way to diagnose problems that otherwise would not be obvious. Aside from having a little fun and showing it off to the elderly owner who had never seen his engine run in his life owning it, we now have a very good idea of exactly what repairs the tractor needs to be in its best condition and completely safe to operate anywhere. And sorry if the camera work isn't up to your standards, but sometimes that's just how it is. We were having fun and I wanted to share that experience, we're mechanics not a Hollywood camera crew...
@@TheIronRanch Hello Again. First I say that restoration of any steam machine is important for educational and historic points. Steam ruled supreme, and is still the major force on moving heavy loads. (See Big Boy - the most powerful locomotive built) That your machine was tested for strength and hydrostatically is wonderful. That you have made it work is noting short of admirable and a welcome addition to the many other steam tractors and machinery now in operation. Regards photographically, "My Standard" are about the same as anyone's, Hold the camera steady, Cut between movements and fill the gap with still shots. No one expect "Hollywood" perfection in an open field amid the excitement engendered by such an event. Thanks for your reply and filling in the tech side of restoration. I feel much assured that you folks did all possible to make this machine work again and of course, there are always problems with such a project. - BUT, packing glands are pretty basic. I did not mention anything about the boiler except the size which should give very large teaming capacity. It is obvious that it is the cylinder that is leaking not the boiler. In any case - you rescued this from the scrap heap with in itself is noteworthy. I hope the owner is very happy with the results and this machine, at next viewing is clad in it's original splendor of paint and trim.. Again, thanks for your lengthy and courteous reply. Be assured, your efforts are appreciated and your goal of operation in a safe and accurate manner is commendable. For the record, there probably is no state certification. By the time those regulations were made, these mechanical wonders had become obsolete. All the best for your efforts. all dressed up or not it is still a magnificent machine.
Is this the same locomotive that used to be in the playground at the Santa Maria fairgrounds? If so, I remember playing on it as a kid ca 1960. It was lots of fun, though not nearly so shiny back then. Awesome job on the restoration!
Yep, it's the same one. Got pulled out of the park by a group of friends in the 80s and restored over a period of 38 years. We are all very appreciative of it.
Not really. In the first place, you never use the blower with the door open. Thats the easiest way to pull in cold air and potentially cause harm to the boiler. Secondly, the fire was fully combusting with a clean exhaust. So there was no reason to induce more draft and I didn't need anymore heat intensity because the engine was sitting idle during the video. Wood fires tend to naturally draft well in steam tractors so it was unnecessary. The blower hardly ever gets used on these engines.
...are you shure that you can handle this thing? And for real... yes, you cut repair potholes with that thing, if you place the firebox over the pothole for a while to melt the bitumina ...
Cut happen with that ... just need that thing where you cut drawn the firebox down to the roadlevel with a lever, to melt the bitumina in 5minutes... fill it up , roll over , done!
I am watching this video sitting on a descendant of this machine from about 50 years later! Lol I think the advancement of technology happened faster in that first 50 years of Caterpillar development, than in the last 60 years. The modern ones are faster, more efficient, more powerful, MUCH more comfortable, and MUCH MUCH MORE expensive, but I can do anything with this one that a new one can do, just wet and cold....
Yep, it sure is! Only big Samson anyone knows of. Finally got all the finishing touches done on it and made it to Pre 30s just by the skin of our teeth!
@@TheIronRanch nice! One of these days I need to get around to editing the walk around and explanation videos I took that year, which I remember included it.
Us steam for thawing frozen pipes works great too ,just don't get too hot or it will melt plastic and solderd fittings , Fine line between fixing and destroying ! ! Gret video ! ! Been there in Edgerton many many times and always learn something new ! ! Gas and diesel and kerosene smell great ! ! Should let the E P A come and see what made AMERICA feed the world many times over every single year ! ! Let the American farmer loose from the binds of government regulations or stave waiting for Chinese rice to nibble on in Walmart waiting for Russian wheat bread that tastes like wood shavings ! !
What kind of spark plugs does that beautiful beast use? Also, isn't that a magneto ignition? One thing I like about old machines like this are the big pto flywheels. I'm intermittently searching for a vehicle of some sort with the extra shaft going through the water pump, the mag, and whatever else. I just love to see the extra shaft do it's thing while the engine runs. Much more entertaining than the belt drive system, but unfortunately, less economical. Great video! Absolutely love the design of this machine. Very reminiscent of steampunk art, but better.
