One-Of-A-Kind Wallis Bear Tractor

One-Of-A-Kind Wallis Bear Tractor AG WORLD 26-4-22 One of the biggest and most interesting tractors produced in the early 1900's was the Wallis Bear from the Wallis Tractor Company, Cleveland, Ohio. Weighing in at 20,000 lbs., it made a big impression on just about everyone who saw it. Sometime in the 1920's, the Wallis family sold out and the company was rolled into what became the Massey Harris Company. Records show that only nine Bears were made. Brothers Bill Schmidt Sr. and Gene Schmidt purchased what's thought to be the only remaining Wallis Bear in 1975. At that time, they were both Massey Ferguson dealers. The tractor, still in Schmidt hands, is now co-owned by Schmidt Machine Co., Upper Sandusky (Bill Sr.'s family-owned business) and Fred Schmidt, Bluffton, (Gene's son). The Schmidt brothers completely restored the tractor during the late 1970's. Bill Schmidt Jr., chairman of Schmidt Machine, says the tractor is kept in storage except when it's rolled out for appearances at antique farm equipment shows in the area. The Wallis Bear was built for belt and field work. It's powered by a 4-cyl., 1,480 cu. in. displacement internal combustion engine that develops 50 hp and delivers 30 hp to the drawbar. It has a 3-speed transmission with reverse. The engine can be fueled with either kerosene or gasoline. It features mechanical power steering and is hand-started by a large crank at the rear of the tractor. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Bill Schmidt, Schmidt Machine, 7013 SH 199, Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351 (ph 419 294-3814).

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