Keep The "Oilpull" A-Rolling Along
by Jim RomeoMeet some tractor Collectors With A Passion For Rumelys
When it comes to Rumleys, the Chris and Rod Epping list about about every serial number for Advance-Rumely Gas Tractors, Steam Engines, Combines, Separators, and other products on their web site at http://members.tripod.com/Rumelypull/RumelySN.html.
The Eppings live near Funk, (South Central) Nebraska. The father and son team collect Rumely, Aultman Taylor, Case, Minneapolis, Avery, Advance, International, and other old pre-1940 tractors. They also like antique stationary engines including Otto, Gade, Moguls, and many other old engines and sideshafts.
The M. Rumely Company has an interesting history. It was formed in 1853 by Meinrad Rumely and his brother Jacob. Meinrad (born in Baden, Germany in 1823). Interestingly, Meinrad left Germany in 1848 after being pistol whipped in the German army because he wasn't standing right in line for inspection.
The company produced mostly steel threshers until they introduced their first portable steam engine in 1872. The company produced all steam tactors until 1909 just before the onslaught of the internal combustion engine came into being.
The "Kerosene Annie" was one of their first prototypes that later turned into the 25-45 model B. The B preceded the bigger model E 30-60 and later F 15-30 single tractor.
The Rumely name changed slightly when the company merged with Advance in 1911 to form the Advance Rumely Co. The company then made tractors in three sets - heavy weights, light weights, and super light weights. In June 1, 1931, Allis-Chalmers bought the company out.
One tractor that the Eppings admire is the Rumely "Oilpull" tractor. This work horse is the subject of many songs and slogans that the Eppings point out on their web site.
A U.S. Army marching song began with the following ballad:
Over Hill, over dale,
Up and down the dusty trail,
Keep the
"Oilpull" a-rolling along,
In and out, hear them shout,
To the right, and
turn about.
Keep the "Oilpull" a-rolling along.
The company later used the following verse as part of their early advertising:
Bring along those heavy loads that others dare not pull,
And I will
show you how to do it with a smile and an old Oilpull.
And after I've
convinced you,
You'll be asking me to tell,
Why the Oilpull is still a
pull'n and the rest are shot to Hell
We spoke to the Eppings to learn about their experiences as tractor collectors and enthusiasts.
How long have you been involved in collecting and restoring old tractors and what advice would you have for someone just getting into it?
We've been going for about 35 years now. A new person getting into it should have plenty of money! Things have got expensive and hard to find so the hobby can get costly. But it is a fun hobby for anyone interested in the history of agriculture and mechanics.
So how long have you been in the tractor business?
Over 35 years
What made you get into it?
We live on a farm and like machinary, so once my dad saw some old engines at a sale, and we've been hooked ever since.
Can you give me some examples of your best old tractor finds?
We find stuff in the usual old farm places, and have pulled some engines out of elevators. Most of the stuff we've got has been from other collectors.
What is it about tractors that brings so many collectors?
I think that antique tractor collecting has become "in-style," and a lot of non-farm people like to have an old tractor. Tractors for us are just part of our own history, and I think there are quite a few who feel this way.
Do you specialize in any one particular type of tractor?
We like Rumelys a lot, but we really like anything pre-1930. It pretty much has to have steel wheels.
Can you give us some examples of restorations that you've worked on? What advice would you give to other collectors about restoring tractors?
We are working on a F Rumely that will take about 5 years to complete. We've
done a lot of restorations from G Rumelys to Moguls to Otto engines to an old
John Deere E. Restorations take a lot of time, know how, and patience. You must
be able to do most of the work yourself to keep it afordable.
Go back to the list of articles