Despite the sweltering heat, some restoration work has been continuing (in-between ice creams). The Baldwin tractor’s huge gearbox has been examined. Although initially thought to require minimal attention, closer inspection has revealed a number of problems. These include parts which rotate but should not, and parts which should rotate, but are doing so. After a certain amount of sole searching, it was decided to remove the gearbox lid and see what lurked beneath. What lurks beneath was an extraordinary amount of grease, and some huge gears. The input shaft – removed when the photos were taken – has two very poorly bearings. The large crown wheels provide forward and reverse, and are engaged using sliding dogs. The two smaller straight-cut gears outboard of the crown wheels appear to provide the high and low speeds, again using sliding dogs. It currently appears that this next shaft will also need to be removed, as the crown wheels wobble to an alarming extent on the shaft. It is not currently known (unless you do…) exactly what bearings these use. Only time, and an inordinate quantity of degreaser, will tell. If you work for Gunk and fancy a sponsorship deal, this may be your chance to shine.
