For a while I have been wanting a small tractor for use in the woods, mainly for shifting the logs from felled trees to the rides where they are stacked. I needed something manouverable, able to get between hazel stools, and light so it doesn't cut up the ground too deeply. The machine can't be stored in the wood, so a tractor that fits on a small trailer seemed wise. I've always liked tracked crawler tractors, so this set of requirements has given me an excuse for getting a 1951 Ransomes MG5 crawler tractor! This only weighs about 10 cwt, with a ground pressure of 4lb/sq.inch, and is less than a meter wide and two meters long. A bit of work has been needed to get it tidy and running reliably, mainly due to a missing fuel filter gauze allowing sediment everywhere in the fuel system. Work will also be needed on the centrifugal clutch to ensure it does the right thing at the right engine speed. The plan is to use a choke chain on the drawbar to secure logs to the crawler. I might also fix up a timber trailer of some sort for moving processed firewood and lop/top around. It remains to be seen what size of log the MG5 can comfortably manage, but to be honest any work that it can do that reduces manual extraction will be very welcome.

Cowlings and bumper off for painting, and servicing of the fuel pump and carb, and for fuel line replacement.

Controls layout.

The engine is a 6hp, 600cc sidevalve. Carb and fuel pump are Amal parts, the magneto is a Wico A series. A centrifugal clutch drives reduction gears and differential in large central box, there are only two gears, forwards and reverse. Two brake bands provide steering, then reduction gears each side drive front sprockets on the tracks, which are rubber jointed. Parts supply is surprisingly good.

How it looks after some cosmetic attention, and work to the fuel system. Runs well, but I still need to service the clutch and change all the oils.
12/10/07 - Progress so far: The centrifugal clutch had weak springs, crumbling buffer rubbers, and a seized shoe - all now sorted. New oils all round too. I had a test run today, and hauled a log along the ride. Generally the MG5 drove well, after correcting an initial problem with a stuck float valve; but the idling is erratic at about the speed that the clutch disengages, which makes coming to a stop without stalling difficult. I think the carburetor is OK since I cleaned it and inspected all it's bits, so I'm suspicious of ignition timing and magneto issues. Nearly there!