Hard to find tractor! These tractors seldom come to market so make sure you don't miss out on this one! Sn. 8702, Older restoration, Running condition, Rear lugs, Make sure you check out the video to see it run and drive! Located in East Jordan, MI.

The Story of the RARE Nichols & Shepard 25-50…

In 1971, a friend of mine that was a lineman for the telephone company was up a pole and saw what he thought was an old steam engine off in the distance and behind a hill. After telling me about it, I went to check it out. It turned out to be a 25-50 Nichols & Shepard gas tractor. I found the owner of the land and he told me that the tractor was abandoned on his property in 1942.

The scrap drive of 1942 & 1943 took many old tractors but the Nichols & Shepard managed to survive with no important or critical parts being removed. Although, parts of the fenders and the cab fell pray to various metal needs around the farm. The front wheels were also removed and disappeared over the years. Other than the front wheels, parts of the fenders and cab, the tractor was complete.

After some lengthy negotiations, I was able to acquire the tractor. The decision was made to move it home very soon after the purchase.

It was January in Michigan and with lots of snow and cold making everything very difficult, we managed a three-day teardown including loading on a truck and trailer. As we started home the snow started coming and coming. It made the drive home difficult.

The following spring we started the restoration. The pistons were frozen solid and not about to move without possible damage so I decided to pressurize the cylinders with high-pressure steam. It took about two hours of steam pressure, but with the heat and moisture, the pistons came free.

All went well with restoration except the two cylinder heads were not repairable to a good reliable condition. They were full of cracks and were difficult or impossible to weld. I decided the best fix was to fabricate two new heads.

Fenders and front wheels were found in Minnesota and South Dakota. That all was 45 years ago and the tractor has run well over the years.

I have the original crankcase cover with the cast iron ends and a few other pieces. The magneto is not the proper one and is a later international mag.

Everything else is proper and in good running condition. The main drive gear on the crankshaft is somewhat noisy even though it looks in good condition.

All gearing shafts and bearings are all o.k. A few lugs are cracked and some dirt has built up under some of them.

The tractor is always a crowd pleaser and draws a lot of attention. I have had the tractor for nearly a half of century and it is time to let it go.

Tom Graham

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