js5020
Platinum Member
Anyone have any info or links to these 2 wheelers? I believe they were sold in Western Auto stores many years ago. Dad has one and if I could find some attachments for it I'd revive it.
Garden Wizzard
- Thread starter js5020
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Thomas
Epic Contributor
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2000
- Messages
- 31,976
- Location
- Lebanon,NH.
- Tractor
- Kubota B2650HSD w/Frontloader & CC LTX1046 & Craftman T2200 lawn mower.
Post some pics. when you can..should be interesting.
Ok I braved the snow and got a few pics, I'll post one and the rest are at the link. Only attachment with the tractor was a cultivator.
Wizard Tractor pictures by js5020d - Photobucket
Wizard Tractor pictures by js5020d - Photobucket
Attachments
Hey pretty cool looking tractor! Do you have any tooling to go with it? Those old two wheelers can still be very usable if you have the tools and a job for them. I have several old two wheelers from Wards (made by Midland) around 1950's vintage and still use them regularly here. It amazes me how many years ago companies like Sears, Wards, Simplicity, ect were pushing these little tractors with so many functional implements for farm and garden work, just like BCS is doing today.
Unforunately the only tooling was a set of cultivators, I wish it had a snow blade and a reel mower as I dont do much "native" ground gardening due to volumes of rocks here. I also have a Gravely 2 wheeler and use it extensively but this machine is lighter and easier to maneuver, might be an advantage used as a trimming mower? It isnt currently running, seems to have no spark so I need to look into that, but otherwise in very nice condition. Yes these 2 wheeled machines are great, they can do just about anything when properly weighted and equipped, most are very simple and easy to maintain and can be had for little or nothing, used, if one looks around a bit.
Well I finally got to tinker a bit more and resolved the spark issue, replaced the points and condenser with one of those spark units and replaced the plug wire and two pulls later she fired up, I had the engine in the basement so I only heard it run for a few seconds. Seems to have a few leaks on the carb so might be a few more issues to resolve before we can put that whoppin 2.5 hp to work.
Well an update,,, Ive messed around with the carb on this thing repeatedly and just cannot resolve the issues, so rather than keep messin with it I found a rather cheap (I thought it was anyways) 4hp engine to replace the original with. I intend to keep an eye on ebay for a nos carb for the original but who knows when or if one may come up, besides how can one pass up almost doubling engine hp for 30 bucks. In the process of waiting for the replacement to arrive so we can get this machine prepared for "operation snow shovel".
The new engine has arrived and I have mounted the gear reduction unit and filled both the reduction unit and the crankcase with oil. Later on today I will get the engine installed and see this machine move under its own power for the first time. The end goal at the moment for this machine is to be a small "light" snow plow that I can use on the lawn and other places not easily accessed by the CUT. I have found a set of chains for the 5x12 tires which will need to be modified and I want to make adapters for adding barbell wheel weights to apply that 4 hp to the ground.
2manyrocks
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2007
- Messages
- 9,526
Long time ago I used to grade the driveway with a David Bradley sort of like your Garden Wizzard. Looks like your engine is oriented in a different direction than the DB. I can't tell from your picture, but is there a clutch or a belt tightening arrangement? The best setup I found on mine was with a tired 7 hp engine and concrete wheel weights. A new 4 hp with gear reduction would probably work as well if not better.
I got the new to me 4hp mounted and everything hooked up, only issue with the engine is the fuel tank is on the rear and the wheels must stay in their wide position to clear the tank,,, not a problem for what I have in mind as wider is better. Two pulls on the rope and the engine sprang to life and I saw the machine move for the first time, kinda like a kid with a new toy. Next I had to give it a very unscientific traction test,,, on the drive which is the next thing above sand it would lose traction with some holding back on the handlebars, not disappointing but not impressive, but the surface was loose and unthawed,, next was out on the asphalt, different story here I was surprised how much effort I had to apply to halt forward travel, a few pounds of wheel weights and the chains I think will do the trick for a 32/36" blade. On to the next "phase".
Well it finally got warm enough for some pics,, everyone like pics right? Theres the new to me 4hp gear reduction engine, it was a real bargain in my book, I was able to double my hp for 50 bucks, runs sweet and starts in 2 pulls. I also got around to the wheel weight brackets, they were pretty easy to make and hold up to 50lb per wheel, the extra 100lb really helps out as you generally cant push more than you weigh. If your a Bolens or Wizard collector or purest you probably are not liking that 3rd pic,,, I wanted to make something close to the original snap hitch to mount implements and mod that as I have no intention of searching for original implements but didnt want to mod the tractor,, well after much discussion with dad (some heated) I went in for a drink and boom there it is,, hes 72 what ya gonna say,, welded right on the front of the frame,,, need to keep him away from the welder I guess. The "blade" ended up being 40" wide to cover the tire track which was a bit wider than I wanted for the weight of the machine but its wood and if I can aquire a smaller gas tank I will be able to narrow the width of the machine and narrow the "blade" as well enhancing its pushing ability.
Hows it work,,,, well in a foot of heavy wet snow it is overwhelmed trying to push that amount in one pass even with the additional weight,, but in 4 inches or less it moves it with no problems and that is what I wanted it for a power snow shovel, using something old that was just sitting around. Next up hopefully a power barrow and spreader.
Hows it work,,,, well in a foot of heavy wet snow it is overwhelmed trying to push that amount in one pass even with the additional weight,, but in 4 inches or less it moves it with no problems and that is what I wanted it for a power snow shovel, using something old that was just sitting around. Next up hopefully a power barrow and spreader.
