Yesterday's Tractor Company - Help Identify These Antique Tractors

Cub-Cletrac
 [Previous Pic]  [Main List]  [Next Pic]

Just 55 years ago today as International Harvester was gearing up for the production of their new Cub, the union was making rumblings about a long strike that would bring IH to its knees. In a little known action the brass negotiated a test run of Cubs to be assembled in the recently shut down Cletrac plant. There was a skeleton force mothballing the plant and the majority of the workforce would have been more than willing to return to an assembly line. Two boxcars of Cub components were sent with an initial run of 20 or 24 to be assembled. When they began the run it was found that three items had not been shipped. 1) Fenders, 2) IH red paint and 3) Grills.

The enthusiastic work force went forward, 1) eliminating the fenders, 2) using leftover stocks of Cletrac Industrial Yellow & White and 3) modifying Cletrac “wheat pattern” grill stock that was on hand to fit.

Needless to say the Union settled without going on strike and the 20 or 24 were supposed to be shipped back to the IH factory to be completed and repainted. 20 were shipped back, but 4 were slipped out the back gate by Cletrac employees. This is the only example know to survive but there may be 3 more. Keep an eye out for them.

Submitted by Ollie, from NY

If you like old tractors you will love our store!

You can help support this extensive website by purchasing your tractor parts and merchandise from our Store. We carry a complete line of parts for most tractors as well as service and shop manuals, parts manuals and owner manuals. Thanks for stopping by!

[ Additional Tractor Information ]

Home | Manuals | Parts | 12-Volt Kits | Carburetors | Radiators | Engine Kits | Videos | Shirts

Copyright © 1997-2006 Yesterday's Tractor Co. - A Washington State Corporation

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Poicy

Antique Tractor Headquarters - www.YTmag.com