Michael H. Harrill
04-11-1999 19:03:52
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Re: Tuff-bilt Tractors in reply to Carol Western, 08-14-1998 16:55:21
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: I am looking for information about a Tuff-bilt tractor built in Cummings Ga by tri Tractor Mfg. Co. Inc. When were they built? How many were built? and what happened to the company. cannot locate them??? Thanks for the help The Tuff_Bilt Tractor was manufactured in Cumming, Georgia (leave the "s" off Cummings)...first appeared as the Thomas-Bilt tractor, with dual electric linear actuator lift mechanisms with double 3-point hitches, one in the belly and the other on the rear...was later changed to "Tuff-Bilt" , utilized hydraulic lift mechanisms... they look similar to the old "G" Allis Chalmers, but the transmission is hydraulically driven so that a "go pedal" creates a hydrostatic drive-type mechanism. The acutal drive train (from transmission through the final drive assemblies} are very much like the Economy Power King tractor. Company went out of business through, I've heard, financial difficulties several years ago. Early Thomas-Bilt powered by 16 HP Tecumseh o/v engine...later the Tuff-Bilts were manufactured with 16 HP Kohler single cylinder engines, the K-341 to be specific. One of the former owners of the company, Bobby Wallace, can be contacted, as his phone # is avail via long-distance information., area code is 770. Cumming, Ga. is located about 65 miles northeast of Atlanta very close to US Hwys 19-23, which enters N.C. in the Sylva, N.C.(around Maggie Valley/Cherokee) area about 75 miles southwest of Asheville,N.C. Mr. Wallace is very helpful regarding company history from his perspective, and he has many replacement parts. It is my understanding that a company has rectently purchased the rights and tooling equipment to market a new version of this tractor, perhaps in the mid-west, although this has not been confirmed. I am very familiar with the product, so if you would like to give me a call, 828-428-2312 any night around 9:30 p.m eastern time, I would be glad to talk with you. I do not check my e-mail very often, so if you e-mailed me, I might not see message for some time. Hope this helps and feel free to give me a call. There are some used tractors still available when you can find one. I can alert you as to what part of the Southeast one could most likely find one . Selling new for around $3400. in late 1970's, they now demand a price of around $3000.-$4000. for a good one.....they have been a durable item, partsare not hard to find...probably the best single-row cultivating tractor for small farms/gardens every made, including the G-Allis Chalmers....both look very much alike. .
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