[AJD] More FlyWheel Stories-County Fair

[greg at theoldtractorcompany.com]

Don't recall if I have told this flywheel story, excuse me if I have, too many Xmas cookies no doubt.
At a local fair years ago we had some engines and tractors set up. Snaking through the engine and tractor display was the long long line to the barbeque. Imagine a long line of people patiently waiting with running putt putts on one side and a line of tractors on the other side. Nearest the line was a nice little McCormick LA engine that had been running along contentedly all day. We heard a change in the pitch of the engine and looked over in horror just in time to see the flywheel wobble off and take off like a shot straight for the line of people. The Gods of Iron were smiling on everyone that day as that flywheel went right between two people and ran smack dab into the blade of a Cat 15 dozer that was sitting there. A loud sound resulted. We all shakily realized what had nearly happened. Imagine what that flywheel would have done to someone's legs or ankles if it had hit them. As it was,and this is the truth, it moved that dozer blade a half inch.
A sobering event to say the least.
Greg

Greg Stephen
The Old Tractor Company
Stephen Equipment Company
Box 709
7460 E Hiway 86
Franktown, CO 80116
303-663-5246
303-468-0377 FAX<<--A GREAT WAY TO REACH ME!


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On Tue, 21 Dec 2004 05:22:50 -0500, Troy Bogdan <tbogdan1 at earthlink.net> wrote:

> Yes, that loose flywheel story is funny and serious at the same time.  Mine
> has never actually fallen off, because I watch it like a hawk when I am
> running it, but I can actually see the clearance move between the flywheel
> and the inside of the tractor along the crank.  I know when to shut it off
> and tighten it.
> 
> A similar funny story that actually happened to me, but it wasn't a runaway
> flywheel, but a runaway clutch cover, you know, the round green "paint can
> like" cover that goes over the clutch?  I was driving along doing my
> business, and that thing took off and rolled all the way down the road.  I
> found it and put it back on.  Then a few years ago, it happened again, and
> rolled into the woods, and I never did get it back.  I suppose I should buy
> a new one, but leaving it off, it is easier to adjust the clutch when the
> time comes.  I have to adjust the clutch at least once or twice a season.
> 
> So, my JD70 tractor doesn't have a flywheel cover, doesn't have a clutch
> cover, I might as well just take off the hood and grill too, so then I can
> call it a "Hot Rod Roadster," or even better, a "Farmster!"  What do you
> guys think?
> 
> By the way, Thanks Duane, I probably will give Allen Machine Works a call
> sometime after the silly season winds down.  Do you know Dave personally?
> Is he an alright guy?
> 
> By the way guys, "Happy Winter, today is the Solstice!!"
> 
> Troy in Pennsylvania
> 
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