1917 ILLINOIS SUPER-DRIVE

Color Inserts and Automotive Styling weren't Enough for Illinois Tractor Co, to Survive a Flooded Market

August/September 2003
 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

In 1916 the Illinois Tractor Co., Bloomington, Ill., entered the young but increasingly competitive small tractor industry with the introduction of its Illinois Motor Cultivator. A crude, gangly-looking device powered by a 4 HP hopper-cooled stationary engine, it none-the-less provided the company with a starting point for its drive to grab a piece of the growing tractor market.

RELATED CONTENT

Development of a more substantial tractor came quickly, and in 1917 the company launched the decidedly sleek and modern Illinois Super-Drive. Rated as an 18-36, the Super-Drive was equipped with a kerosene-burning 40 HP four-cylinder Climax with force-feed lubrication. A separate, two-gallon tank held gasoline for starting, and once warmed up the engine was switched to draw from an 18-gallon kerosene tank.

A novel feature on the Illinois was its cushioned drive wheels, whereby a 'driving spider' mounted on springs in the rear drivers absorbed shock loads imposed on the driveline. Traction was advertised as secure, thanks to patented Loxon cast iron wheel lugs, claimed to be replaceable in as little as five minutes. Add in its automotive styling and unit construction and the Super-Drive was, in many respects, ahead of its time.

The ad shown here was a special four-page color insert in the March 1917 issue of The American Thresherman and Farm Power. Illinois clearly had big plans and high hopes for its latest offering, and figured a special ad of this magnitude would garner more than a little bit of interest from prospective customers.

For all the Super-Drive's attributes the new model did not, unfortunately, spell success. By 1921 the Illinois Tractor Co. was history. The following pages from the Illinois Tractor Co.'s special insert for 1917 (including the cover image, below) are reproduced here in their original, full color glory. Special thanks to Dusty Ericson, 7950 E. Redfield #160, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, for supplying us with this original 1917 issue. Enjoy.

ILLINOIS SUPER-DRIVE TRACTOR. The illustration at the left is a front view showing simple, powerful semi-steel roller bearing front axle with wide belt and ample radiator clearance, also position on top of axle for steel roller belt tightener.

ILLINOIS SUPER- DRIVE TRACTOR. The center illustration is a rear view showing roomy platform, tool box and comfortable seat. Note the convenient foot controlling clutch lock and the fuel control on dash both easily accessible to operator. Note brake levers on each side of platform and the neat and substantial steering wheel on which are attached the spark and throttle control

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


SUBSCRIBE TO GAS ENGINE MAGAZINE TODAY!

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

GAS ENGINE MAGAZINE is your best source for tractor and stationary gas engine information.  Subscribe and connect with more than 23,000 other gas engine collectors and build your knowledge, share your passion and search for parts, in the publication written by and for gas engine enthusiasts! Every Month GAS ENGINE MAGAZINE brings you: restoration stories, company histories, and technical advice. Plus our Flywheel Forum column helps answer your engine inquiries!

Be sure to take advantage of the Square Deal Subscription Program.

  • No Missed Issues.

  • No Renewal Notices.

  • No Additional Cost.

The Square Deal Subscription Program is designed as a paperless transaction with automatic renewals at a preferred low rate.   With advanced electronic notification, a 100% satisfaction guarantee and an easy opt-out plan, the Square Deal Subscription Program is the best value, risk free, eco-friendliest way to subscribe.