Starting Massive Steam Tracked Tractor: One of the First in the World

In this episode on Tekniq, we will discover the long task of starting the boiler of the Lombard Steam Log Hauler, the first commercially availible tracked steam tractor.

[@jp-um2fr]

Coming from that tiny country 'across the pond' that even builds new steam locomotives I find this beast magnificent. Tornado clocked 100mph and there are 2 more engines being built. It's so good to see this old lady being treated so well. Well done chaps.

[@bishopcorva]

What a terrible monster of a machine. I love it. There's little ways to describe such a fantastic beast and get the full majesty of what it is except to say that it's a terrible monster, absolutely so, and the world is that much more stellar to know that this is a part of it.

[@jasmijnariel]

Its not a terrible monster. Its a gorgeous piece of art and engineering❤

[@richardcall7447]

This has to be one of the most maintainance intensive machines I've ever seen in operation.

[@terryharper2024]

Its actually not that intensive. This was the first run of the season and we just had it all opened up for the annual state boiler inspection so we went over it with a lot of care. It takes about 4 hours to steam up from dead cold. We could do it faster but we like to be gentle. Once under steam its just feed the fire, add water and oil here and there. Like any steam engine your always checking for loose fasteners and if the journals are running cool.

[@pegleg1514]

I didn't expect caterpillar tracks to have existed on vehicles before the invention of the internal combustion engine. What an incredibly impressive vehicle. Thank you very much for the video and also for letting me learn something again.

[@ingo_8628]

Äh, nope, the Lombard Steam Log Hauler is from 1901.

[@532bluepeter1]

The boiler seems disproportionately large for the cylinder bores.

[@terryharper2024]

@@532bluepeter1 The cylinders are 9"x10" its rated for 90 hp at 175 psi. Maximum RPM is 250 which moves the machine along at 4.7 Miles per hour. The water tank (425 gallons) tends to make it look larger than it is.

[@532bluepeter1]

@@terryharper2024 Thank you

[@heronimousbrapson863]

Many if not most steam shovels had crawler tracks as well.

[@longrider42]

That is Steam Punk Ultimate! What a Glorious Beast of a machine. And the fact it still runs, is even better. I live in Cheyenne Wyoming, the home of the only fully restored Big Boy Engine. I love any thing steam powered and HUGE.

[@JohnDavies-cn3ro]

Fantastic, and fascinating. I love these big Lombards, and their similar engines, the Phoenixs; we didn't have anythingn like them over here in GB. Big, basic, rugged, and reliable. Designed for a hard, difficult and arduous working life, the film's a delight, as it is to know that at least three survive in working order.

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

It's a shunting engine on tracks! It looks Brobdingnagian, in its Quixotic Splendour!

[@arnoldhau1]

Cool. A steam locomotive without rails. Bridge weight limitations might be its enemy, though.

[@haroldwilkes598]

Not many bridges where they were used,

[@brianthesnail3815]

Wow that is basically a steam train with tracks where the driving wheel should be.

[@Mini_Celeste]

It's basically a 2-4-0ST but with the tracks built in and it's own steering!

[@Javelina_Poppers]

One impressive piece of machinery.

[@かかし-u9i]

機関車好きには堪らない１台でしょうね😁

[@whytheheckarewedoinginhere1886]

Imagine Thomas and Terrence would say if they see this on Isle of Sodor. 🤣

[@JohnDavies-cn3ro]

I'm only surprised that they haven't, given the incredible colection of authentic machines the Fat Controller and his friends have amassed of late.

[@whytheheckarewedoinginhere1886]

@@JohnDavies-cn3ro I agree with that. XD

[@13061961]

Bellissimo!!! Ingegneria d'altri tempi!!!!!Forza,Potenza e longevità!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TrainGuyKen]

This is from the Maine Forest and Logging Museum near Bangor. I visited the museum last fall and went for a ride in that very same Lombard Log Hauler. Awesome place, very friendly and knowledgeable team of volunteers-- highly recommend a visit during any of their operating events!

[@robanderson473]

It looks like a very interesting museum and in a lovely setting too.

[@AWESOM3KAR]

The perfect steam tractor doesn't exi- TEKNIQ: *Observe*

[@srprameshprasad1688]

What a sight to see steam engine live and doing great work. Lovely, lively video!

[@daanbos5918]

This gives Train driver a different meaning

[@robnewman6101]

This looks like its in America.

[@jst.hilaire354]

Lombard log hauler from the great state of Maine.

[@robnewman6101]

Thanks.

[@robnewman6101]

🇺🇸

[@DistanceNsVeterans]

Indeed it is, the locomotive design also has that American Look to it

[@ShopElvesCorner]

At the Maine Forest And Logging Museum, just north of Bangor Maine.

[@zenperspective9687]

2:18 - "Honey, have you seen my Pyrex measuring cup?"

[@nkleynhans7386]

This steam tractor look's like a locomotive I have never seen one like this before

[@Jagdtyger2A]

I could use this on my off grid homestead. It would be freat for plowing the county road during the winter since the county resuses to maintain it

[@o.hobbyplayer8984]

Das ist ein Wahnsinn was die früher für Maschinen produziert haben.😮

[@ericstoll6367]

Ça doit être un monstre de puissance, pas très rapide mais super puissant. Bravo à tous ces bénévoles qui font que ces machines continuent à vivre.👍👍👍👍👍

[@carlosbrotons7891]

Muy chulo!!!! Gracias por mantener las tradiciones, un saludo desde España.

[@andrepohle7485]

Ein Raupenkettenlokomobil 😊 Kanne ich bis jetzt noch garnicht... hey lieben Gruß aus Deutschland... Heimat der Raupenketten Lastkraftwagen 😊

[@matthewkurgan233]

There is also one at White mountain central railroad in New Hampshire running condition

[@AlbertoGarcia-xb3pd]

Espectacular saludos desde Argentina

[@mrtrailesafety]

Major congrats on not having an annoying cute music track, or pretentious voice-over.

[@wevefriends]

Litterally the Monster Truck of the steam locomotive world💀

[@marcoramires5045]

*THAT WAS GOOD TO PASS WORK/ANNOY THE EMPLOYEES/DELAY THE SERVICE AND CAUSE LOSSES TO THE EMPLOYER.*

[@johnlamey9965]

What a wonderful thing never seen anything like it thanks for posting.

[@oriontheraptor8119]

A half track steam tractor that’s something I didn’t know was a thing

[@PatrickTolmie-fe1ty]

Very cool to see something that old come to life

[@mwand89]

It looked like a saddle tank locomotive with caterpillar tracks.

[@juango500]

what is this crime against engineering!? i love it!

[@b43xoit]

LOL

[@haroldwilkes598]

Form follows function...sort of.

[@stevedickson5853]

Its like something out of a Dr Seuss book

[@panzerwolf494]

"Well, you see, I wanted a train that could go anywhere"

[@olddognewtricks7599]

Brilliant I love that tractor. It's the most steampunk thing ever.

[@johnbaptist1928]

Steering that is like steering an old Ford, gotta constantly saw at the wheel going down the road!

[@terryharper2024]

Its a lot worse! The steering is very low geared. As we like to say "Steer early, steer often!" Also with the center pivot wagon type axle you do not stick your fingers or thumbs through the spokes! Back in the days these were used exclusively in the winter and were equipped with skis. We have wheels on it so we can demonstrate it and move it around during the summer months. It steers much better in snow with the skis.

[@johnbaptist1928]

@@terryharper2024 It is an awesome machine!

[@manuelgreiling6746]

Will Smith may love this to ride in the next Wild Wild West Movie?

[@AsbestosMuffins]

that was the first steam tractor with a track, there were agricultural steam tractors much earlier than that

[@arthurhudgens8213]

I would have loved to have driven this to prom

[@barrysims9906]

I hope these men have handed down there knowlage to the next generation.

[@terryharper2024]

We are trying too! Like many museum type organizations its very difficult to attract the younger generations

[@garethjudd5840]

I'm currently restoring a vintage lawnmower in my shed 😂

[@jasmijnariel]

Any footage or video online?

[@ThunderboltSirenStudios]

OMG THE PHOTO SHOPPED TANK ENGINE IS REAL.

[@jeanlawson9133]

That would be an awesome place to work or hang out....

[@terryharper2024]

We are always looking for volunteers

[@osvaldocristo]

Thanks for share that video. I love these ancient machines but I wonder how they could justify the pay back of them at that time. They look very expensive for the time, both to operate and to acquire it, and at same time very limited in "practical" features. Anyway, obviously, I am wrong as they were SOLD then!

[@terryharper2024]

They were indeed expensive ($5,500.00) but fairly cheap to operate. For small logging operations they were not practical. You also had to have your logging operation setup correctly. A well planned and constructed main haul road that could be used for at least several years and plenty of sleds. Usually three sets - one set in transit, one set being loaded and the third set being unloaded. Often during the brief hauling season (January-March) they were run around the clock. The 1914 Lombard we have in the collection was used as late as 1948. I dare say they got their money out of it.

[@TheWacoKid1963]

patented 21 May 1901, by this time steam road traction was already 4 decades old, Thomas Aveling invented the traction engine in 1860

[@terryharper2024]

Yes, however it was Alvin Lombard who developed the first practical crawler track system in 1900.

[@moschettiflavio3635]

What the hell is this! How impressive How incredible A steam locomotive on its own

[@billwoehl3051]

A train with tracks, but, no rails.😁

[@jasmijnariel]

A horse carriage in front, not in the back, without horses but with tons of horsepower

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Great video...👍

[@thepubliceye]

You could use blasts or steam left or right for turn signals.

[@terryharper2024]

No need. The steersman is in charge of left & right. The engineer controls the speeds and forward and back. We use the whistle to signal stop, forward and reverse.

[@Mehtaru]

That definitely used to be a steam locomotive at some point lol

[@terryharper2024]

No. From 1900-1917 Lombard built 82 of these machines. They were purpose built. The boilers for instance were manufactured by the Ames Iron Works to Lombard specifications.

[@Mehtaru]

@@terryharper2024 Alright, quite the odd design, but can't say it didn't work.

[@cowbdave99]

The beginning of the side by side

[@richardcall7447]

I think the main thing that the builder of this machine forgot to include was a voice tube or other means of communication between the engineers and the steering team.

[@terryharper2024]

No need. We use whistle signals for stop, go and reverse. Works very well.

[@richardcall7447]

@@terryharper2024 Your one way communication system may work well enough to operate the tractor on the grounds of your museum, where everyone involved is familiar with every road you operate on, but I can envision scenarios back in the days when these machines were used to perform actual work where effective TWO WAY communication would result in more efficient work or even prevent an accident.

[@terryharper2024]

@@richardcall7447 back in the day when these machines were hauling up to 300 tons of logs loaded on 15 sleds or more it was done the same way. It doesn't take long for the engineer and steersman to become a team. Just as the engineer relies on the fireman to maintain pressure and the water level the engineer has to trust the steersman but he also has to know the road - i.e. grades, curves etc. He has to be thinking about the steersman at all times. Take a sharp curve too fast and the steersman can't react quick enough with the low geared steering. Likewise, until the steersman returns the movement signal via the whistle the engineer cannot move the machine. the The video doesn't really pickup on it but when your in the cab its not a quite place. We have to shout back and forth just across that short distance. Unless the voice tube is glued to your ear your not going to hear it. Remember also how these machines were used. When hauling a loaded sled train you only stopped for fuel or water. Short of a breakdown nothing was allowed to interfere with a loaded sled train. Empties were usually brought back to the cutting using a go-back trail so they didn't get in the way. Other than hitching up you never backed-up and turning at the end of a road was often via a loop. There was not a lot of manuvering.

[@haroldwilkes598]

If a blind and deaf lumberjack, moose or bear gets in the way, that's tough, fight on...I'll bet on the crawler. THis ran back when men were men and the government got out of the way.

[@dodgeviper1632]

Wonderful ❤

[@davewinter2688]

Omg! Were they pumping water out of that creek for the boiler or what? I’ll need more explanation before I pass judgement.😊

[@terryharper2024]

Yes, we pump boiler water out of the stream. The museum is in the middle of the Penobscot Experimental forest and is off grid. Any lighting we have is solar powered. The alternative would be to truck water in. They did the same back when these machines were new - chop a hole in the ice of the nearest lake or stream and take on water. We do use water treatment and monitor the PH of the feed water. So far the boiler is doing very well with no corrosion and very little mineral deposit. We also blow down the boiler often to clear sediment out of the mud ring.

[@АлександрПримак-ы9г]

Супер!!! ❤❤❤

[@o.hobbyplayer8984]

Da waren bestimmt auch viel Wartungsarbeiten fällig.😉

[@tootired76]

Only thing cooler is Kory Anderson's Case steam tractor that he built from scratch!!

[@daanbos5918]

Creg whatyadoin infront of the boiler Creg: stearin ma train

[@trainguy111]

2:46 Do you guys ever get fish sucked into the pump? Because that can't be good for the Log Hauler. Remember what happened to Thomas when he went fishing?

[@terryharper2024]

No. There is a strainer on the suction hose though I do remember well that Thomas episode!

[@zapravshik67]

прицеп с сиденьями прицепить и народ катать

[@noelvpressvideos]

Wird der Koloss nur mit den Vorderrädern gelenkt oder hat es dazu auch Lenkbremsen an den Kettenlaufwerken?

[@terryharper2024]

Just the front wheels. There are no brakes.

[@dylanmccallister1888]

This looks like an 0-6-0 or similar switching locomotive that was converted at the factory to haul logs We have an 0-6-0 not far from here on permanent display where i live that all it did was move logs on a short rail line from point A to point B then reverse to reload.

[@terryharper2024]

It’s not a converted locomotive. Yes, it has a “locomotive type” boiler which was a design used in many different applications including stationary power and traction engines. This particular machine was factory built new in 1907 from all new components. The boiler was purchased new from the Ames Iron Works. It’s one of 82 similar machines built by the Lombard Steam Log Hauler Co. between 1901 and 1917

[@Zecer00]

My god... It's The trank. The meme is real

[@thepubliceye]

They don't have one of those in the English steam shows.

[@MainlineThruTheRockies]

How me and the boys pull up to the Party

[@The-Penniless-Gent]

Does she not go out of gear? Just noticed when it was being towed out of shed the cylinders were moving

[@terryharper2024]

Correct, just like a Stanley steam automobile there is no transmission or clutch so when it's towed the pistons do indeed move. We would have to remove the drive chains to stop that from happening. It has Stephenson valve gear and a reverse quadrant which allows the operator to change the position of the slide valves in relation to the piston stroke. Thus by simply moving the lever we can go forward or in reverse.

[@ЯрославЯснило-м1ж]

Современные тракторы не смогли достичь мощности паромобилей, паровозов и возможностей паровых самолётов. Modern tractors could not achieve the power of steam cars, steam locomotives and the capabilities of steam aircraft.

[@tomaszdudek8090]

Świetny antybiotyk po mobbingu bankowym.

[@MegaGeorge1948]

So the engine room is in the rear and the bridge is in the front?

[@neilhoganwa]

armstrong steering.

[@haroldwilkes598]

I want one...or maybe two.

[@ЯрославЯснило-м1ж]

Данный паромобиль это ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКАЯ НЕЗАВИСИМОСТЬ ОТ НЕфтяных и газовых КОРПОРАЦИЙ. За такое могут убить. This steam car is ENERGY INDEPENDENCE FROM OIL AND GAS CORPORATIONS. They can kill for this.

[@jacobhaussmann90]

First in the world? Did they recently build it?

[@terryharper2024]

The title is a bit misleading. Alvin Lombard of Waterville, Maine is credited with developing and patenting the first practical crawler track system and machines in 1900. This machine (built in 1907) is one of 83 that his company built between 1901 and 1917.

[@kpdvw]

amazing a steam locomotive without wheels, tracks....

[@dogwedl1167]

[@victoriamaynard722]

it sounds so sad, every time the engine whistles, it sounds like he's calling out for his friends as he chuffs along the road looking for them, possibly not knowing about their fates

[@terryharper2024]

It's not shown in the video but he does have a younger sibling (built in 1914) that he shares a stall with along with two cousins (Lombard tractor-Trucks circa 1928 & 1934)

[@robnewman6101]

Wow.

[@marciogoncalves8821]

Fizeram o teste hidrostático 😮 antes de acender essa caldeira ❓❓❓

[@terryharper2024]

We do not need a hydrostatic test every time we light the boiler. In fact we are not required to have one even on an annual bases. However, Every year we are required to have a state boiler inspection which in 2023 was performed shortly before this video was shot.

[@LuMaxQFPV]

They measure PH of the boiler water? Checking for corrosives?

[@bor3549]

Correct. Also for hardness. Lime scale buildup can be a problem - sometimes you have to blow down your boiler on a daily basis.

[@ShopElvesCorner]

Yes - the engineers added a PH adjusting chemical to the boiler water, and he was checking that the amount was right. The water we used was right out of the creek. The boiler inspection the month before showed that the water treatments were working well.

[@pieterbezuidenhout2741]

0 : 50 Pumping them wheels bro ?

[@terryharper2024]

Actually greasing the sprocket shaft journals, etc. Today we live in a world of drive it and forget it but these machines are not that way. We have to go over the machine carefully and grease and oil the moving parts at specific points. (24 to be exact) Its also a good time to check the machine over to make sure everything is in order. At one point in the video they are putting new cotton waste in the rear sprocket journal. The waste is packed in and saturated with oil and lubricates the sprocket shaft.

[@mcburcke]

Steering from the front, but could it also be done from the cab in the rear? Also, how does the guy in front doing the steering control the speed, or not? Forward/reverse only from the cab?

[@terryharper2024]

The steering is indeed from the front. The "steersman" controls where the machine is going while the engineer back in the cab controls the speed and forward and reverse. We use whistle signals to communicate since the steersman and the engineer cannot see each other. It works quite well.

[@mcburcke]

@@terryharper2024 Cool!

[@mariograca232]

Very nice - muito bem ! 😂😂😂🎉❤

[@1964catt]

so its a steam train but converted to not needs tracks?

[@terryharper2024]

It is not a converted locomotive. It was purpose built in 1907 and is one of 82 manufactured by the Lombard Traction Engine Company of Waterville, Maine between 1900 and 1917. The boilers were made by the Ames Iron Works in Oswego, NY. They were developed for use in the winter to haul long sled trains loaded with logs on snow/ice roads. Originally it was equipped with skis to steer with. We have wheels installed so we can demonstrate it during the summer months.

[@happilyham6769]

What's the 0-60 in this thing?

[@Hotty6363]

日本にはこのような機械が残っていません。元々蒸気機関は鉄道しかありませんでしたが。産業革命の発祥の国を心から羨ましく思います。

[@carlmitchell9958]

Hope it’s got a boiler ticket.

[@terryharper2024]

Yes it does. We are required to have an annual state boiler inspection. We are also required to have a licensed boiler operator.

[@309lincoln]

I’m disappointed that I didn’t get to see a closeup of the tracks moving. We see the front and the back but not the sides where the cylinders are.

[@tony2001]

As someone who isn't a steam buff, and with poor eyesight to boot, I had the impression that this video is great for those who already know what they're seeing but not a lot of help to those who want to learn from it.

[@terryharper2024]

@@tony2001 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sITNfXSrr9SYjKM

[@paradiselost9946]

i get the feeling this basically would have been kept fired up all season unless needed to cool down... shame she doesnt have anything to drag.

[@terryharper2024]

Yes, you are correct. These machines (Lombard Log Hauler) were designed for winter use pulling long trains of sleds loaded with logs. We have swapped the skis for wheels so we can demonstrate it during the summer months. The average hauling season was only 90 days (January thru March). They were kept under steam 24-7 unless needing repairs. We do have a set of Lombard patent logging sleds and are completing our dedicated Log hauler road this Fall. Hopefully we will have it out and about on skis and working with the sleds during our 2024 winter event. Meanwhile here are a couple of videos to enjoy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4TUaKtsmsl4rqssi=pjZU0haGioqBT8dY kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXe3lmeBh9Kimposi=NGVUdBX_EoHHAMQR

[@paradiselost9946]

@@terryharper2024 i was thinking the other half of the year actually. BRRRR! madness. its 18C and im sitting under a heater with a jacket on. :) still an hour before winters over! i dont know how you cope.

[@ericlakota1847]

That is train that makes its own track I don't know y it dosent steer from cab using a long shaft to front steering box and clutch on left and right track .they probly did on models after

[@terryharper2024]

The boiler blocks the engineers field of view to the left and immediately in front of the machine. In addition they are very busy with a hand on the throttle at all times, monitoring water level and steam pressure etc. The earliest Lombards used a horse for steering.

[@davidhibbs6989]

What year was this built?

[@terryharper2024]

This particular machine (No. 38) was built in 1907 by the Lombard Traction Engine Co. of Waterville, Maine. From 1901 to 1917 they built 83 of these machines.

[@johnquinn456]

I like

[@davidelliott5843]

The piston seals are thrown a lot to waste. Some fettling to do.

[@terryharper2024]

I believe what you are seeing may be the steam coming out of the cylinder drain cocks. Also there is a drain on the steam chest manifold between the frame rails which we like to keep open. So far the rod packing and piston rings have held up well. The valves are balanced. When it has sat over the winter we will take the steam chest cover off and check and clean the seal plates to make sure they are free floating in the grooves.

[@noelvpressvideos]

Wer schmiert der fährt (alter Fernfahrerspruch)!

[@terryharper2024]

Sehr richtig! Wenn Sie die Schmierung durchführen, kennen und verstehen Sie jeden Teil der Maschine und können sicherstellen, dass sie in gutem Zustand ist

[@miguelsuarez8010]

From the times when life was slow..

[@RcModelCarsVienna]

lol burnig down a half forrest for 2 km driving...😂😂😂

[@terryharper2024]

Not hardly. 1 cord of firewood is good for about 7 miles depending on the conditions.

[@Chris-hs6zp]

2:01 Wofür wird die Härte des Wassers bestimmt?

[@terryharper2024]

We test the PH level as part of our feedwater treatment to reduce corrosion and mineral deposits.

[@Chris-hs6zp]

@@terryharper2024 Man lernt nie aus. Dankeschön

[@orlandosantos1927]

Nex time

[@chauvinemmons]

And people around here worried about trailer chains dragging making Sparks set everything on fire.