1912 Rumely Oil Pull Model F 15-30 Tractor
7260 kg (16,000 lbs)
Display Condition: Conserved, running
Engine: Horizontal, 1-cylinder, oil-cooled
Fuel Type: Kerosene
Displacement: 15.4 L (939.8 ci)
Bore and Stroke: 254 x 304.8 mm (10 x 12 in)
Power: Drawbar - 11.2 kW (15 hp); Brake - 22.4 kW (30 hp)
Transmission: 2 forward, 1 reverse
Weight: 7484 kg (16,500 lb)
Original Cost: Unknown
This 1912 Rumely Oil Pull Model F 15-30 is an example of one of Rumely's most popular models. Oil Pull tractors had many advantages over conventional tractors because they could burn kerosene, which was cheaper and more plentiful than gasoline. To start the Model F, the operator would step on the spokes of the flywheel and use their bodyweight to get it turning; they would then quickly climb back to the cab to adjust the choke to keep the engine running. The Model F was the only single-cylinder tractor that Rumely ever manufactured.
In 1848, Meinrad Rumely emigrated from Germany and, in 1852, opened a blacksmith shop in La Porte, Indiana. By 1895, the M. Rumely Company expanded to include steam traction engines in their product line-up. Their most famous tractor series, Rumely Oil Pull, began in 1909. In 1911 and 1912, the company purchased the Advance Thresher Company, in addition to several other agricultural companies, and was renamed the Advance-Rumely Company by 1915.
Oil Pull tractors had many advantages over conventional tractors because they were among the first tractors to be fueled by kerosene, which was cheaper and more plentiful than gasoline.
Chronology:
1848 - Meinrad Rumely emigrates from Germany.
1852 - Meinrad opens a blacksmith shop in La Porte, Indiana.
1895 - The M. Rumely Company starts making steam traction engines.
1904 - Meinrad passes away. His sons continue to run the company.
1909 - The Rumely Oil Pull series begins.
1911 - The M. Rumely Company purchases the Advance Thresher Company.
1912 - This Model F 15-30 is manufactured in La Porte.
c. 1915 - The company is reorganized as the Advance-Rumely Company.
1955 - Stan Reynolds acquires this Model F 15-30 from Mr. Hill in Lacombe AB.
1982 - This Model F 15-30 is added to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum Collection.
