FARMALL BN

Serial No. 151407
Year of manufacture 1946
Discovered in France. 2003
Owned and Restored by Peter Civil of Saltford Bristol
Restoration commenced October 2004

TRACTOR INTRODUCTION

The American manufactured Farmall model BN is a cultivision tractor, in which the operator has a full view of the cultivating operation on the right side of the tractor where the operator’s seat is located. It differs from the model B by being 10 inches narrower at the rear wheels, hence the model type BN (model B - Narrow). This tractor is fitted with a double wheel at the front, standard practice from 1939 and with the redesigned front fork (from 1940), to increase camber and improve steering. The tractor is fitted with the original engine. The C-113 four cylinder, over-head valve, fuelled by petrol/kerosene via a Zenith 161 carburettor, currently adapted for petrol only use. Due to a series of strikes in the American coal and chemical industries, post VJ day, red synthetic paint was extremely difficult to purchase and between December 1945 and April 1947 tractors from the Farmall works were painted with Red enamel mixed with yellow iron oxide pigment to a ratio of 50/50. It is most probable that this tractor was shipped to France painted in that emergency orange/yellow colour.

At some time, whilst in France, the tractor has been painted red. During the current restoration evidence of the original orange/yellow paint was only found in small areas (1) at the back of the carburettor and (2) on the air cleaner cap. After much deliberation I have decided to paint it to the traditional IH#50 red enamel.

Sad, but not too bad considering she hasn't been used or maintained in years.
Oiled over for short-term preservation until I can get her back to the UK.

The first time shes seen daylight in 20 years.

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