Rare Sight in the Midwest: The Yuba Ball Tread

By James N. Boblenz
Published on January 1, 2007
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The Yuba’s trademark “Y” is painted on the tractor’s radiator.
The Yuba’s trademark “Y” is painted on the tractor’s radiator.
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A right-side view of this Yuba Ball Tread Model M 25-40 shows how low the driver’s seat is, a design consideration for a tractor used in orchards and vineyards.
A right-side view of this Yuba Ball Tread Model M 25-40 shows how low the driver’s seat is, a design consideration for a tractor used in orchards and vineyards.
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A rear shot showing the low profile of this orchard tractor.
A rear shot showing the low profile of this orchard tractor.
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The Yuba’s tiller wheel with cable steering
The Yuba’s tiller wheel with cable steering
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A right-side view of the split-block engine shows the air cleaner and carburetor.
A right-side view of the split-block engine shows the air cleaner and carburetor.
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A right-side view showing engine mount, hand crank and the cranking gear box.
A right-side view showing engine mount, hand crank and the cranking gear box.
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Tom Burer, Fairfield, Ohio, with his Yuba Ball Tread.
Tom Burer, Fairfield, Ohio, with his Yuba Ball Tread.

When was the last time you saw a tractor powered by full-track drivers and a wide, single-front steering wheel? Once in a blue moon? Never?

Visitors to an Ohio show were treated to a special exhibit last summer, when a rare Yuba Ball Tread Model M 25-40 was shown at a display of rare and unique tractors and farm equipment hosted by the Miami Valley Steam Threshers Association at Plain City, Ohio.

The 1920 Yuba tractor was parked right smack dab in the middle of the feature tent. No tractor could park in front of or behind it. It stood alone. It was in good company though. Also in the feature tent: a pair of Love orchard tractors, several Hubers, a Minneapolis Universal tractor equipped with a sickle-bar mowing machine and a 1913 International Harvester high-wheel truck.

Several rare and unique tractors were parked outside because they were too large to fit under the tent: a 30-60 Titan and a 30-60 Mogul, both manufactured by International Harvester; two Lanz diesel tractors (shotgun shells are used to start these old boys); a 22-44 Minneapolis Threshing Co. cross-motor; a Graham-Bradley; the oldest known Ohio-owned Huber (a 15-30 gas tractor); and an Agra-Util tractor. Nearby, a 40-by-80-foot tent was filled with horse-drawn wagons and equipment.

Go east, young man

The Yuba Ball Tread is owned by Tom Burer, Fairfield, Ohio. Tom bought the tractor at an auction put on by the Heidrick Museum in California in the fall of 2005. Purchased on Tom’s behalf by his son, Bobby, the Yuba tractor was in a sad state of repair. Many parts were worn or missing, and the tracks were in poor condition. Some track roller balls were missing; others were worn. Many of the shoes were completely worn through and there were no known replacements readily available. But Tom got lucky. At the same auction, another Yuba parts tractor was sold with two good, complete sets of tracks. Bobby was able to buy the complete tracks with good pads and nearly new roller bearings.

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