Steam Tractors

photos by Eric Grutzmacher of Grandview, OR

This summer Eric Grutzmacher and Kema Clark from the Journal office, went to Brooks Antique Powerland for the annual Great Oregon Steam-Up. They visited the many displays and Eric took lots of pictures. On these three pages are views of three of the operating steamers. The Case, the Altman Taylor, and the Russell were models prevalent in the PNW.

The excerpt is from a book entitled Workman’s Technical Instructor (by Walter J. Malden) in the SFJ archives and features an older Trask & Sons Steam tractor showing the parts identified.

A. Boiler
B. Pump
C. Suction Pipe
D. Exhaust Pipe
E. Water Tank
F. Fire Box
F2. Mud Port
G. Ash Pan
H. Ash Pan Lid
J. Fire Box Door
K. Steam Gauge
L. Spring Balance Safety Valve
M. Water and Steam Cocks
N. Driving Lever
O. Water Gauge
P. Steam Chest
R. Cylinder
R2. Cylinder Relief Cocks
S. Funnel Holder to Fill Boiler
T. Governor
U. Slide and Guides to Piston Rod
W. Piston Rod
X. Piston Connecting Rod
Y. Eccentric Rod
Z. Main Crank Shaft carrying…
1. Pump Eccentric;
2. Steam Eccentric;
3. Piston Crank
4. Fly-Wheel and Driving Wheel
5. Chimney, or Funnel
6. Chimney Bracket
7. Soot Box
8. Fore Carriage and Wheels
9. Hind Wheels
10. Exhaust Pipe, a branch of which,
11. is conducted to the water tank to warm the water.