[AJD] cast cranking wheel - more info

[Duane Larson]

Looking through a notebook this evening turned up some more info on the cast wheel starting crank sold on eBay and discussed earlier this month here.  It is from a Deere & Webber branch house bulletin dated 8/23/40.  Quoting, 
NEW STUB SHAFT REPLACES STARTING WHEEL - We have received information from dealers and travelers that in too many instances the cast cranking wheel that the Tractor Company has been furnishing for tractors equipped with electric starters is not carried on the tractor in the field; hence, when they are required in the field they are never available.

To take care of this situation in a more satisfactory manner they are discontinuing shipping the cast cranking wheel and are shipping instead a new stub shaft which takes up little room and can be carried loosely in the tool box of each tractor, and then if the electric starting equipment fails, it is a simple matter to remove the steering wheel and slip this stub shaft into it to start the tractor engine.

This new plan provides a much greater possibility of the necessary parts being available on the tractor for starting the engine when they are required.

The new stub shaft part number AA3032R for A, AN, ANH, AW, AWH, B, BN, BNH, BW and BWH tractors was started in production on July 29, 1940.

AB2571R Stub Shaft for AR, AO, AI, BR, BO, BI and D tractors went into production about August 19, 1940.

The new stub shafts are shipped loosely in the tool box.   END OF QUOTE.

So, that explains why so few of these cast wheels are around - since electric starting was likely around only about a year at that time.  Probably most electric start slant-dash Bs need one!!

Duane Larson