Idaho Sagebrush Harvester

The picture was taken in 1982 after crashing my 1953 Vincent Rapide. It earned the nickname "Idaho Sagebrush Harvester" and I earned the IVMC's "Comatose Guidance Award".

This bike has been apart since 1985, so watch for pictures as it comes back together.



Im not so sure which pains me more, to see what I looked like 26 years ago or what I did to the machine... ;)

Ferguson engine is back!

With cracked block repaired, new crankshaft (old one was irreparable, worn to >+.50"). I'll have to get a picture to post this weekend.

work was done by Farmland Tractor Supply; they had a very reasonable turn around time.

I've been deeply tied up by moving, so the "projects" have not received much attention of late. Power company is starting next week with a 700' trench to bring in electric power; which I've been without since the property was acquired in '99.

Mystery of the safety switch

Purpose of:



T0 keep engine from starting under all circumstances?

Mystery of the 3-Way Valve

Manual has instructions about the 3-Way Valve but this seems to be all there is:



wondering if that is because there is a seperate control for the external hydraulic system?

Alton Generators

Well, had to bookmark this; the weakest link in the old m/c was the Lucas dynamo. apparently the market has risen to the occasion.



I've had good service from the Vincent's Miller electrics, but the Lucas E3N on the Matchless was a never ending source of aggrevation; even worthy of spending £295.00 to replace it!


Alton Generator link

Start this sequence of posts from the bottom

I hope if you've found this series of entries you might be able to help me make sense of what I've got here. If you would like to tell me to go buy the book, I'd be delighted to; and if you would be so kind as to tell me where and which ones, I'd be ever so grateful. thank you.

Right side

On the right side:



I find the raise/lower control I'm familiar with from the Ferguson, and two additional hydraulic controls which I assume are for the aux lines. Here's a top view:



But I'm baffled as to the purpose and use of the little knob with three settings; this control seems likely and obvious that it's purpose is as it says, rate of change control;




But as to the purpose of this item, haven't a clue.



by the way, I had the CASE shop look at the 3-pt and they said it works in extended mode but not in draft mode. I have no idea what that means. They also said $3-6K to repair it. I know what that means!