OC 15 with AIR BRAKES!!

[Robert Barbour]

I found a 1955 OC 15 yesterday.  It has not run for a year and we didn't have enough battery power to start it. The Guy selling it even has the original manualls for it.  It has the special equipment air assisted steering. This system consists of a compressor, tank, air pressure regulator, two air cylinders, two air regulating valves for controlling the pressure to the cylinder for each steering brake. and last but not least a FOOT operated on off air valve that applies full air pressure to both cylinders for a foot BRAKE!!  So they did know some of their machines short comings and did do something about it on newer models!! This machine also has the special equipment long life tapered roller bearing lower track wheels (rollers). I am collecting stuff this week for another trip on saterday for another attempt to get her going!  It has a Carco winch the same as the one on my DGH and a 12 Ft angle blade by WELDCO of Vancouver B.C. with Hydreco Hydraulic system.

[Blake Malkamaki]

Sounds like a great tractor to get! The OC-15 and the OC-18 came with the air assist. Though I'm not sure if it was an option or standard equipment.

One interesting point about the OC-15 -- it was the very first (and one of the only) tractors to pull its own weight. My gramps did it at the Nebraska Tests!

Blake

[Robert Barbour]

I think the air assist steering was optional on the early models but soon became standard equipment. In the service manual it listed as special equipment, but the manual is a typed temporary instruction manual. In the later published parts manual the air assist steering is in the main body of the manual not in the accessary section. Yes I do think this is a good tractor to get, but it is out in the bush with a track off. The track adjustors are seized and the tracks very loose.  So it needs some work but has potential!

[Robert Barbour]

Got it running Saturday and everything except the generator works, including the air assist steering, is that setup really nice!! finger tip steering. Got the track back on and it moved out to the road. Next week I will have it moved home!

[Blake Malkamaki]

Sounds like great news Robert. Was it easy to start? Continue to keep us posted!:o

[Robert Barbour]

The first trip down I took a battery with me but found out this machine uses two 12 volt batteries. Lights and charging system is 12 volts but starting is on 24 volts. This time armed with 2 batteries it started right up with a little ether. With only 12 volts it was not turning fast enough.  Next weekend I will see if can do a little WORK!