55344 FARM TRACTOR MAINTENANCE 1940s INSTRUCTIONAL FILM
This black and white film about tractor maintenance is a training film produced by the U.S. Office of Education, Federal Security Agency, between 1934 and 1948 as J.W. Studebaker is listed as the Commissioner of Education. It is #6 in the series of “Farm Work Equipment Maintenance.” All maintenance is shown up close and the timestamps given began that task. It opens with a man on a International Harvester Farmall bringing his tractor in to perform maintenance (:33) Each owner’s manual (1:01) details that brand of tractor’s maintenance; however, this film presents the following tasks as common to all. After every 10 hours of operation or daily, inspect the air cleaner cap (1:24); change out the air cleaner oil cup (1:42); when operating on distillate, check the oil level in the crankcase via the two petcocks (2:27); when operating on gasoline, check the oil level in the crankcase via the upper petcock (3:14); lubricate the water pump shaft using the grease required for your tractor (3:50); lubricate the rear axle bearings (4:05); lubricate the steering assembly (4:20 ); lubricate the clutch release shaft (4:53); and lubricate the starting crank bearing (5:08). After 60 hours of operation or once a week, the required maintenance is to remove and clean the air cleaner (5:23); inspect the carburetor air hose for damage (6:14); inspect the fan belt for damage (6:44); clean the spaces in the radiator fins or shutters (6:58); lubricate the fan hub bearing (7:22); lubricate the impulse coupling (7:34); lubricate the clutch release bearing (7:47); and lubricate the clutch pilot bearing (8:06). After 120 hours of operation or twice a month, the required maintenance is to replace the oil filter element, and drain and change the engine crankcase oil (8:28). After 250 hours of operation or monthly, the required maintenance is to take apart and clean the fuel line assembly (10:51); remove, clean, and check the gap in the spark plugs (12:27); and clean the chamber and check the gap of the magneto breaker points (14:31). After 400 hours of operation, the required maintenance is to drain and clean the cooling system (15:03); check for clearance in the engine valves (16:55); check for free movement in the clutch pedal (17:58); check for free movement and equalization in the brake pedals (18:22); lubricate the distributor bearing (18:43); and lubricate miscellaneous moving parts (19:04). After 1,000 hours of operation, the required maintenance is to drain and change the oil in the transmission case (19:34); drain and change the oil in the steering warm gear (20:13); and remove, clean and repack the front wheel bearings (20:31). Another daily task is to check that your tires are properly inflated (21:01). A final reminder is to always refer to the owner’s manual for your tractor.<p>