Tractomotive loader transplant

[jaoneill]

I bought an Allis re-badged Tractomotive about 5 years ago. All systems were go, but it had an engine knock. Seller included a (power plant) doner engine that he had been assured was good (the hour clock showed only 563 hours) but after sitting for 60 years plus, even though it turned, I pulled it down last winter to make sure. Had a few stuck rings and valves but it exhibited virtually no wear; I’m thinking that the 563 hours is accurate.

Back in 2021 Dr Allis had warned me that the donor (G-226) and the original (W-226) engine had many internal, and some external differences. Of concern in this case were the crankshaft pulley and the water pump which both extend 3” further on the G—226 (as is it won’t fit in the chassis). Brought the loader into the shop a week or so before Christmas to start prepping the patient for the transplant. Pulled the engine from the loader and interestingly found the front engine mount was in two pieces, almost as if it had been cut. Pulled the water pump and pulley from the donor (G-226) easily enough. But had quite a time with the pulley on the old W226.

Been pecking away at the project all winter on and off, dropped the G-226 in back in uary, cleaned up a bunch of less than desirable modifications that had been done by previous owners, among which was an over-built alternator bracket welded to the machine’s frame. Replaced the wiring, gauges and ignition switch which required lifting the cab and removing the cast nose piece for access. Finally turned the key this morning and the old girl fired right up and purred like a kitten!

 

[Nordic]

Well done! Thanks for sharing your successful 'transplant' with pictures included. We welcome more pictures, like a bucket full of gravel

 

[jaoneill]

Well done! Thanks for sharing your successful 'transplant' with pictures included. We welcome more pictures, like a bucket full of gravel

Be a month or two yet before I get it down to the gravel pit!

 

[DanielW]

I'm envious. One (I think a T10) popped up at an auction here last summer. It was a decent runner and went for stupidly cheap - something like $800. I almost bid on it, thinking it'd be a great unit to bounce between the pit and sawmill yard. It seemed like everything I like: uber-strong lift capacity, very heavily-built, open station to get in around under the mill roof, and built with old-school simplicity.

I didn't end up buying it because it was heavier than either of my smaller floats could carry. But at the auction site I used it to load some other equipment I bought. After using for 5 minutes, I seriously regretted not bidding on it. Seemed like a superb unit.