Lanz Bulldog

[Russ from MN]

Recently I watched the starting of a Lanz tractor, and the fellow held out what looked like an ordinary 12 gauge shotgun shell, and then inserted it into the port on the engine. Do they use ordinary shells with the shot removed? The way he held it it looked like an ordinary shot shell. You certainly wouldn't want the shot going into the engine!

 

[Janicholson]

It is a 12ga. starting blank. IIRC there is no wadding, just enough kick to spin the engine. (after lining up start timing marks. Jim

 

[Athol Carr]

It would not have been a Lanz Bulldog as they are a semi-diesel and start using a blow-torch to heat the hot bulb. The tractor was probably a Field Marshall (single cylinder diesel) which can use a cartridge for starting, can be cranked if brave.

 

[Richard G.]

You are correct.

 

[JimKS]

I load my own shells with a small amount of black powder in the bottom then use a slow burn rifle pellet to complete the charge. Field Marshall is the only tractor to use a cartridge start that I know of. I would like to hear from other Marshall owners. I have 2 series 3 and a Fowler VF.

Jim

 

[Ian Beale]

The originals came with a severe warning to not attempt to use in a shot gun

 

[roy prins]

So do You need to charge the cyl. with fuel and then the cartrige sets it off plus give it a push ? Roy

 

[Ian Beale]

Jim

(after lining up start timing marks)

And lighting the "wick" - the slow fuse like treated blotting paper.

Story here is of one local who did use a 12 ga with shot.