Waterloo Boy

milkman · Sep 9, 2006

I've these at several shows, this is the first one that I've seen running so I got a video on my digital camera. Sure is a fascinating old machine.

YouTube - WaterlooBoy

YouTube - WaterlooBoy2http://youtube.com/watch?v=I9u-aRxrsHY

Fredex · Sep 9, 2006

Great post. Waterloo Boy = predecessor of John Deere. When Deere wanted to enter the tractor market, W. Boy was for sale. The rest is - - well, the story of the "Johnny Popper."

scott_vt · Sep 11, 2006

Mornin Milkman,
Neat video !!! Im not a green tractor guy, but nice little video just the same

Farmwithjunk · Sep 11, 2006

Fredex said:
Great post. Waterloo Boy = predecessor of John Deere. When Deere wanted to enter the tractor market, W. Boy was for sale. The rest is - - well, the story of the "Johnny Popper."

At the same time Deere was negotiating with "Waterloo Boy Engine Co.", WWI was in full swing. England had turned all its industrial base over to the war effort. Still, the soldiers as well as the English people needed to eat. They needed farm equipment. Waterloo Boy Engine Co. sold tractors (Same exact model as pictured) to an English importer. They were re-badged as "Overtime Tractor". That importer? Harry Ferguson. (Of "The Ferguson System" 3-point hitch, and later Ferguson Tractors, finally Massey Ferguson)

Also, there's where John Deere came on to the Green and Yellow.

Fredex · Sep 12, 2006

The Waterloo Boy pictured would be a Model N based on the size of the ring gear in the rear wheels. The N had 2 speeds forward, 6.5" x 7" bore & stroke for 465 cu.in., producing 25 hp@750 rpm at the belt pulley. Also appears to have automotive type steering. As late as 1920 many W.Boys used chain steering. Mod. N was produced 1917-1924.
The earlier Model R had smaller diameter ring gears in the rear wheels and only 1 speed forward. Produced 1914-1917. The early "Boys" had a smaller engine of 333 cu.in., 5.5" x 7" bore & stroke. Don't know what year the 465 cu.in. engine started.

milkman · Sep 12, 2006

They had one of the older version there also that had the chain steering, but I didn't get to hear it running. FWJ, interesting bit about the connection with Harry, a great day at Lanesville, and the event just keeps getting bigger, may just have to move the town back some if it keeps growing.

Fredex · Sep 12, 2006

milkman said:
a great day at Lanesville, and the event just keeps getting bigger, may just have to move the town back some if it keeps growing.

Those events are indeed priceless - if you are into old tractors & steam engines. I usually go to the Missouri Valley event but had to miss this past weekend due to 50 yr HS Class reunion. Son-of-a-gun, I'm getting nearly as old as some of the machinery I see there.
Fred