A. H. McDonald & Co.

~ Industrial Pioneers ~

'Imperial Engine Works' - Melbourne, Australia
1903 - 1969

THE  EC PEDRAIL TRACTOR (1912)

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pedrail tractor

  

pedrail tractor
The association between McDonalds and Frank Bottrill began about 1912, when the advantages of Bottrill's "Pedrail" wheel system were appreciated. Patented in 1906, he had used the system successfully in South Australia on steam traction engines in a scrub clearing operation. An agreement was made allowing McDonalds to manufacture the equipment and offer it as an option on their standard tractor, at that time the basic EB model.

A few were made and sold to farmers in sandy country where standard wheels would bog down readily, but the system was not really popular with the average farmer. McDonalds instead recognised the advantages of the system in special applications such as in the mining and construction industries.

So the larger, more rugged ED model tractor was adapted to take the Pedrail wheels (EC model) and a number of special machines were built and supplied for these conditions.

In 1913 two 30 HP tractors were built for Australian Transport Co. for work in rough terrain. Before acceptance by the purchaser they were subjected to severe testing in boggy ground at Fishermens Bend.

A sales pitch of the time reads,

"The scientific substitute for the railway and a marvel of utility. Can go where the camel goes and where the railway is not known. This simple and efficient Australian invention, whilst retaining the usual uses of our tractor for ploughing, thrashing, chaffcutting, pumping etc. enables the tractor to travel over loose sandy country, where the transport of wool, wheat, ore etc. is difficult and expensive.

The wheels are an endless railway over which the tractor passes with a minimum of power. Will plough 8 to 12 acres in 8 hours or transport loads from threepence per ton mile.

Inspect works and see them being made."

Material provided with the kind permission of KN McDonald.
© Kenneth Neal McDonald. Frankston, Victoria. February, 1990.

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