Pronounce me crazy, I’ll own it. If I’m shopping on Facebook Marketplace, you’ll never hear me complain “I wish that was closer.” I’ve traveled to, OH, TN. MO, and even MI during the winter. Enduring lake affect snow should demonstrate my determination. If I want a tractor I WILL go get it!
Last spring, I found one in the neighborhood. Or rather, maybe it found me. I knew there was another Shaw Du-all close by. The tractor really didn’t cross my mind though. I have my R12T and I’m happy with that.
The two following pictures were my first introduction
The pictures appeared via a text from Digger Dave Kemp, with no explanation. My phone soon rang. Digger explained the tractor pictured was for sale, but Duane Stone had a particular buyer targeted.
Duane knew of a guy in New Berlin with the last name Shaw. Stoney thought that guy should be the next owner. Evidently, membership to some clubs does have privilege. Since then I’ve bought two more because the sellers think a Shaw should own a Shaw.
I tend to shy away from projects. I don’t have time and the readership knows Im not the most mechanically apt. Me good fortune is I know a guy! Actually more than one, damn my good luck!
Introducing my friend Steve Farmer . Steve is a MAJOR great help. He deserves much credit for helping me do research, hunt down parts, shares his wisdom and advice in discussions. He also has time to turn wrenches when I don’t. The tractor received a bath and spent a few months in his shop.
Besides the tractor being a Du-all we didn’t know what model we had. There was also an issue of year of manufacturer. Shaw tractors are dated by the engine. The barn find had a kobbled together 1971 Briggs & Stratton. Shaw manufacturing went out of business in 1962. See the problem?
After two attempts. The second engine I purchased was the better choice. I had the right era Briggs shipped from Kansas City, MO.
Another problem Steve and I researched was missing parts. A major hunt was for the hood and grill. We had determined the tractor was an R model. We weren’t certain on what size, though. The number is determined by horsepower. Obviously, a 71 wasn’t original. Steve and I had discovered the grill was actually cast and totally different from the RT hood and grill.
A R7 came up for auction last fall in IN.
I saw that tractor and knew I had to bid. There was a hood, and the add plus of lift mechanisms. The problem was, it was a live auction occurring during the heat of harvest. The auctioneer was very accommodating. I bid by phone. The adrenaline rush is the same as being there. The auctioneer was gracious enough to hold my win until I could go pick it up. Road trip! My friend Steve Grant and I made the journey to Lafayette on my next day off.
I almost switched tractors for the restoration. Note, in the pictures, the different frame. Du-all generally has a rounded forward frame. The “A” frame was also a distinct Shaw look. I opted to continue with the Stone tractor since it’s not so far gone. Kevin Periman and I have plans for the parts tractor, but that will be another story
The project needed a fabricator for completion. Steve Farmer had the wisdom to pass, and I knew the perfect candidate to carry on. A man who has the experience to build tractors from scratch. The R8 was moved to Jerry Rawlings’ shop.
The new engine didn’t marry up to the clutch housing. Jerry designed a adapter. The clutch had issues that were addressed Jerry updated it with adjustable linkage
Jerry had a hood, but had no idea how it fit. There were issues with the oil bath air cleaner. The tube was extended and the intake manfold needed a quarter turn for the carburetor to fit.
The clutch housing covers were built and Jerry added a dash with left over sheet steel. Jerry modified the fuel tank from factory. Jerry fastened the tank to the hood, rather than bracing it to the clutch house. The dash board is non factory improvement.
I have often wondered what Stamley Shaw had thought of Jerry had they met. Stanley lived until 1981. It could have happened.
The brakes were shot! No problem after a holiday wait for needed parts Jerry has the problem solved
Check out the swinging draw bar and the added tool tray.
The tractor’s next destination will be Edwards Tractor Restoration. Doug will handle the final step, shining the little jewel to its restorative glory.
I’m looking forward to the reveal very soon.
Antique Iron Media 