Summary
Sunshine Model "A" tractor manufactured by H.V. McKay, of Sunshine, Victoria, about 1918.
Patented in 1916, the tractor was originally designed as the propulsion unit for a self-propelled stripper harvester, that could be disconnected and also used as an independent tractor or stationary power source. The tractor is equipped with by a transverse-mounted (sideways) 4-cylinder, four-stroke 27 h.p. petrol/kerosene engine made by the Continental Motors Corporation, of Detroit, U.S.A., and with a gearbox with three forward and one reverse speed. The unique cylindrical radiator with an internal 4-blade fan was rebuilt when the tractor was restored for the Museum, based in the original paternt drawings. A prototype or experimental version of the Model "A" tractor was tested in Australia's first competitive tractor trails held at the State Research Farm, Werribee, in Septmeber 1918 and was also exhibited at the Royal Melbourne Show.
It is uncertain how many model "A" tractors were made; a company publication in 1949 suggested that "quite a number were sold, including one which was exported to Egypt...". One other example is known to survive in Queensland. H.V. McKay also manufactured a model "O" tractor with a more conventional longitudinally-mounted engine and front radiator.
This example was acquired by the Science Museum of Victoria in 1980, in a disassembled, incomplete and unrestored condition. Subsequently restored to operating condition for the museum by Stephan Gaal and Greg Ross of Janeve Model Engineering, during 1985-1987.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Manufacturer
H.V. McKay Pty Ltd, Sunshine, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1918
Patented in 1916 and manufactured probably before 1920. The prototype Model 'A' was tested in Australia's first offical tractor trials held in September 1918 at Werribee. -
Manufacturer of Component
Continental Motors Corporation, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America, 1916
The tractor is powered by a 4-cylinder, four-stroke 27 h.p. petrol/kerosene engine manufactured by the Continental Motor Corporation, United States of America. -
Restorer
Mr Stephan Gaal - Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Association, Oakleigh South, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1985-1987
Restored by Stephan Gaal and Greg Ross of Janeve Model Engineering, Oakleigh, South, during 1986-1987. -
Restorer
Mr Greg Ross - Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Association, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1985-1987
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Model Name or Number
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Brand Names
"Sunshine" (Tractors) , Continental (Internal Combustion Engines)
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Classification
Agriculture & rural life, Internal combustion power, Tractors
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
3655 mm (Length), 1752 mm (Width), 2667 mm (Height), 2100 kg (Weight)
12 ft long x 5 ft 9 in wide x 8 ft 9 in high (to top of canopy). Original specification 2 tons 1 cwt (2,082 kg).
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Other Dimensions
2360 mm (Length), 1740 mm (Width)
Wheelbase x Track Dimensions. 7 ft 9 in long x 5 ft 8½ in wide rear / 5 ft 5½ in wide front
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Other Dimensions
5.5 in (Length), 4.125 in (Width), 4.125 in (Outside Diameter)
Bore & Stroke
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References
See Rural Science Research Files for further details.
[Journal] Land and Transport., Nov 1917, pp.16-20 Pages
[Article] Hallett, Martin L. 1988. 'The Sunshine Model "A" Tractor'. Journal of AESA. Vol.17 (No.1): pp.13-15., 1988, pp.13-15 Pages
[Book] Quick, Graeme R. 1990. Australian Tractors - Indigenous Tractors and Self-Propelled Machines in Rural Australia., Ch.16, pp.93-96 Pages
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Keywords
Agriculture, Exports, Harvesting Equipment, Industrial Design, Innovation & Design, Stripper Harvesters, Tractors