[OLDIRONLINDY]

I picked up another Bantam to add to the collection today but this one has a couple of features that I have not seen before. I would like you guy's opionoins weathere or not they are Factory or something added at a later date. The first is the front bumper / wheel gaurd, and the other is the clutch engaugement lever. any information you guys can give me on this little Bantam is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Gtractor]

GREAT FIND!! :thumbs:

I'd say the bumper is home brewed based on the "welds" involved with its installation. Also the galvanized pipe used as a steering bolster to me says someone rammed the front into something and broke the tractor badly at some point. The bumper was to keep it from breaking again by making the impact on the frame instead of the steering assembly.

No idea on the clutch but it also looks home brewed to me.

 

[637Yeoman]

Sweet!

 

[OLDIRONLINDY]

What makes me think that they may be factory is it looks like this tractor has never been painted and the parts in question have the same orange paint on them as the rest of the tractor with the same amount of "patina" which makes me think that they may be original to the tractor. Also the welds are about the same quality as the rest of the welds on the frame.

 

[OLDIRONLINDY]

OK so I did some side by side comparisons with our model 3000 today and I cant figure out what the heck I have here. at first I thought it was a model 3000 with some modifications but it has the taller firewall on it like the 5000's. Also this thing has a break setup larger rear tires and an extended front steering post. Here are some pictures. Is it possible that I have some kind of prototype Bantam?