The Lister Tractor Project
Page 1
As is turns out, this is one of those projects that just "happened". It wasn't planned or expected, but things just started coming together. The idea started with the acquisition of the incomplete skeleton of a 1959 David-Bradley 'Suburban' yard tractor. There was not enough of it to restore to original form, and upon inspection, amongst other problems, the frame was too small to use as a foundation for an antique engine (most weigh several hundred pounds/kgs). As fate would have it, most all the materials and equipment where already underfoot, looking for a new purpose in life. Thus, as ideas are formed, a completely new tractor is materializing. Generally, the major components will be: a 1961 Lister SL1 4 HP Air Cooled Diesel, a 1971 Ford Pinto 4 Speed transmission, 1959 David-Bradley front spindles, rear axle/differential, misc. steering parts & wheels, and a 1942 War surplus worm drive gear box for steering. The only thing missing, an original farm tractor seat, was finally located, completing most of the major part requirements.
The following is the pictorial transcript of this endeavor...
Click on the pictures for a larger, more complete, color view.
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The very first work done. Here, the halves of the frame, two 3/16" steel plate channels previously slated for a car trailer, are being cut to form the area for the motor mounts. The tractor frame in the background is the David-Bradley that will be partially scavenged to support this project.
The frame halves are clamped together for further measuring.
The finalized engine area.
The work engine is set in place on the new motor mounts, and the rear tires and front end are set against the frame to estimate approximate positioning. The transmission will be mounted cross wise inside the frame, with the input from the engine on the left side and the output to the rear end on the right. You will note I mentioned "work" engine. It is hoped that this frame will accomodate two different engines, one for work and another for show. More on that later.
A mock up of the steering system is placed on the frame to decide whether the steering gear box will go in front of or behind the transmission between the frame halves. The frame is very bulky looking at this stage.
With the chassis upside down, fabrication of a new front axle, mount and steering linkage is shown. The front spindles from the old tractor will be used. The new axle is longer, beefier and uses larger bushings than the original David-Bradley unit.
The completed engine mount. Using the angle iron bolted to the frame rails allows future modifications if a different size/style of engine is to be used. It should be noted here, that during the construction of the tractor as is, occasional checks are also made with a much older Lister gas engine that should also fit this frame for show purposes.
Shot of the new steering linkage.
Looking into the front of the chassis, the Ford transmission is mounted directly to the left side rail, with the input shaft (modified) exposed for the belt pulley.
The left frame rail in the mill being machined to accept both the transmission and steering gear box.
To mount the worm drive gear box for the steering, a combination mount and spacer is fabricated to place the gearbox in the center of the frame, thus putting the steering wheel in the center.
The first weld is made between the gearbox flange and the tube. The large bolt and washers are simply used to hold things together during the welding process. This partial assembly is then temporarily mounted on the gearbox and placed on top of the chassis flange mounted to the chassis. Once the proper angle of the gearbox input shaft is attained, the tube is then tac welded onto the chassis flange. The whole assembly is then removed and welding completed.
The completed steering gear mount with the gearbox shell attached.
With the right frame rail removed, the two gearboxes can be seen in their final positions.
Another view of the gearboxes.
The completed steering linkage.
A view of the new front end, while the frame is on it's back.
The frame halves are clamped together for further measuring.
The finalized engine area.
The work engine is set in place on the new motor mounts, and the rear tires and front end are set against the frame to estimate approximate positioning. The transmission will be mounted cross wise inside the frame, with the input from the engine on the left side and the output to the rear end on the right. You will note I mentioned "work" engine. It is hoped that this frame will accomodate two different engines, one for work and another for show. More on that later.
A mock up of the steering system is placed on the frame to decide whether the steering gear box will go in front of or behind the transmission between the frame halves. The frame is very bulky looking at this stage.
With the chassis upside down, fabrication of a new front axle, mount and steering linkage is shown. The front spindles from the old tractor will be used. The new axle is longer, beefier and uses larger bushings than the original David-Bradley unit.
The completed engine mount. Using the angle iron bolted to the frame rails allows future modifications if a different size/style of engine is to be used. It should be noted here, that during the construction of the tractor as is, occasional checks are also made with a much older Lister gas engine that should also fit this frame for show purposes.
Shot of the new steering linkage.
Looking into the front of the chassis, the Ford transmission is mounted directly to the left side rail, with the input shaft (modified) exposed for the belt pulley.
The left frame rail in the mill being machined to accept both the transmission and steering gear box.
To mount the worm drive gear box for the steering, a combination mount and spacer is fabricated to place the gearbox in the center of the frame, thus putting the steering wheel in the center.
The first weld is made between the gearbox flange and the tube. The large bolt and washers are simply used to hold things together during the welding process. This partial assembly is then temporarily mounted on the gearbox and placed on top of the chassis flange mounted to the chassis. Once the proper angle of the gearbox input shaft is attained, the tube is then tac welded onto the chassis flange. The whole assembly is then removed and welding completed.
The completed steering gear mount with the gearbox shell attached.
With the right frame rail removed, the two gearboxes can be seen in their final positions.
Another view of the gearboxes.
The completed steering linkage.
A view of the new front end, while the frame is on it's back.