MTFCA Forum

Shop Mule Tractors like this 1940s model were used in factories, industrial facilities, and railways to haul heavy cargo in confined spaces. Ford Motor Co. used and sold Model T-based Mules. Anyone ever come across a surviving Model T Shop Tractor? I'm working on a story about them and would love a photo of an existing or even a recreated one. Please let me know if you can help.

Thanks!

Aleesa: Not exactly what you requested, but on page 206 of the Model T Service Bulletin Essentials is a photo and short article on a Fordson conversion 'locomotive'. The original bulletin is dated September, 1921.

Looking forward as always to an excellent article, jb

I often find that one story can lead to five more. I’ve already found a couple of interesting detours while working on this one that may become stories in the future.

Cool.

Yellowstone Park Transportation company converted one of their 1920s White buses into a mule like that. They cut the frame right behind the driver's seat and "welded" it to the rear axle. They could tow any of their 300 buses to and from or inside their two story (with elevator) facility in Gardner, MT. I wish I had taken a picture of it.
Rich

Reminds me of the aircraft mules the USAAF/ USN used in WWII.
Don't know if any were T powered...

For the Pan Pacific Fair, held in San Francisco in 1915, it is my understanding that Fageol made Model T tractors to pull the visitors around the fair, and that is how they got their start building trucks and busses.

At least the yellow tow motor is a Ford Model A. Someone in the Army Air Corps knew about parts availability!

A little bit OT but in the early 50's my Dad used a model A based roller in a small paving company that he owned. I have a picture of it with me seated on it,

Well David, Let's see it. Thanks

Here is a Model T 'field mule' Or actually it's a Model T Doodle Bug...made by owners to serve duties other than road travel.

Saw it at steam engine show. Cut down chassis in length and of course all Model T Doodle Bugs have narrow wheel base to get into tight spaces and small turning radius.

Narrowed front axle.

Real shop mules were purpose built T car chassis to function in industry. Good article in Ford Owner and Dealer on a few versions, reads that most are slow moving, up to 12 miles per hour with T engines and using special worm gear axles. Made more for pulling trailers than hauling goods on board. While many Fordson's were used for big work, these little guys were pretty good work ponies.

Hi Dave! Is the yellow shop tractor yours or is it in an aviation museum somewhere?

The South Australian Railways used T based mules to haul luggage and parcel freight around the Adelaide railway station. One of these was purchased by one of our T club members for use around his plant nursery. It was one of a dozen or so T's he owned and loaned to club members yet to find their own cars. It also meant a number of younger members could get to drive a T well before reaching legal age to do so.

Allan from down under.

Hi Allan Was the conversion manufactured in Australia or something imported? Any photos of the unit that still exists?

I have much better pictures at home, but wanted to show what Ford used at Willow Run during WWII. I think it's an N series with some add ons.