Passion Projects
During a previous co-op, I had the unique opportunity to reside with my grandparents, where my grandfather's expertise as a Millwright and passion for collecting heavy machinery opened doors to intriguing projects. One such project involved a John Deere 1010 Bulldozer that had been sitting idle in a barn for over 15 years.
When we attempted to start the bulldozer for the first time, unsurprisingly, it refused to turn over. After inspecting the spark plugs and fuel system without success, we turned our attention to the electrical side. Identifying the issue in the distributor cap, I embarked on a quest to find parts for a dozer from the 1960s. Fortunately, through diligent research, we located the components, replaced the points within the distributor cap, and successfully resolved the starting issue.
The next challenge emerged with severely degraded hydraulic lines to the blade. I spent the following days replacing these lines. Additionally, greasing the tracks became essential to bring the bulldozer to a functional state, capable of moving dirt, as depicted in the next slide.
Further complications surfaced during operation, such as difficulties in changing gears and turning left, attributable to clutch issues. Rather than opting for a full engine rebuild, a resourceful solution involved introducing sand to the clutch, providing enough grip to make the bulldozer useful for our requirements.
This hands-on project not only taught me the intricacies of heavy machinery mechanics but also underscored the importance of thoughtful design in facilitating future maintenance. It reinforced the notion that a well-made product should not only fulfill its intended function for the end-user but also streamline the servicing process.
Another enriching project I had the privilege to collaborate on with my grandfather involved restoring his Oliver Ferguson tractor from the 1940s. This antique tractor, a relic of its time, presented a unique challenge – it could be started using either the newer electrical start or the old-school hand crank, a method that demanded careful handling to avoid an unintended workout!
Unlike the bulldozer project, this restoration was more methodical and centered around preventative maintenance. When we began working on the tractor, it could start, but its efficiency was lacking. A swift diagnosis revealed the culprit – the original choke cord, worn down over the seven decades since its manufacture.
The complexity arose in repairing components of the tractor without causing damage, considering its age and the less-than-optimal care it received during its lumber-hauling days before retirement to the barn. Despite the challenges, this project was comparatively shorter than the bulldozer restoration. It provided profound insights into the robustness of old-school engineering, emphasizing how simplicity in design can often be the most effective.
