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Cobba

Lester Sears registered the name Towmotor for industrial tractors in 1919 (Company still going). It was basically an ag tractor modified for commercial towing. In the early 30's they developed the earliest forklifts. From then on they specialised in lifting machines but still had a wide range of other types. They were bought by Caterpillar who then on-sold and are now based in Singapore.

Clark "invented" the classic industrial tow tractor for factory use in the early 30's. Aviation discovered it some time later and now it is associated with airfields although about half of the millions built never saw an aircraft. The only significant changes from the early thirties to the present day are diesel motors and automatic transmission. Two units of my type can not be identified from 30 metres away when standing together from each other although they may be 50 years apart in age.

The name is a bit like jeep. It was in common use for many years but Willys registered the word as a trade-mark after the war. When describing a WW2 military vehicle (or any 4x4) jeep is acceptable but the use of Jeep is not. So tow motor is in the common language Towmotor is a registered company name.

Well, my last attempt was a mess but at least you got two of everything! I will have another go.

Garford bus in museum at St. Kilda, South Australia.

And another one in South Australia.

"Tom" (E. G.) Kruse's Leyland with Thornycroft rear suspension.

Off to a show

and a couple of cars

David

Lang, would your WW2 jeep [just enough essential parts] be a Willys or a Ford?. Looks smart all the same. 2 of my brothers have them and a lot of parts to build a few more if and when they get around to it. Pete

This one is a Ford. Just co-incidence as I have had about 20 jeeps since I got my first one back in 1968.

Nearly every jeep is a bitza as every Ford or Willys part fits perfectly and in service the workshops had on the shelf say, rear axles, who the manufacturer was made no difference. Of course after the war the farmers got their parts from wholesalers who bought at the auctions with no differentiation. Different manufacturing methods make many parts easy to identify manufacturer, possibly helped by the fact Ford had their "F" stamped on everything including nuts and bolts.

These days every nut and bolt, including complete bodies, can be bought as reproductions (including the "F" stamp for the Ford people).

We now have many rivet counters who demand every nut and bolt are either Ford or Willys. Claims about one being better than the other are total BS and belong in the Holden vs Ford pub argument department.

Lang

As an aside Lang, how did your mate go (who came to grief in your Jeep)? Fully recovered, one hopes.

Jarrod.

Seen this beast hiding B hind the fence down Geelong way




WotSezU?
cya

Just another one. Over looking Bass Strait while in Tassy. Oct '18 ish.

Come on you guys, where are all your pictures? You are allowed to put them on your computer and send them outside your house! They do not have to be your own vehicle.:blink:


Part of Merv Brunt's collection in Colac when the HCVCA visited some years ago.