1909-1910

Yet another progression in the OilPull design was a prototype which although still crude, shows considerable improvement in design over the early tractors. The radiator has now been refined to nearly its final state, and the tractor now includes side fenders and a useable operators platform. Given the designs of 1908-1910 generally, this prototype might have been built by almost any company, but once again, the rear wheel design is identical to that used in the “Kerosene Annie” version yet to come. Quite possibly the same chassis might have been used for several different prototypes, saving the need for a great deal of new work on each experimental model. Only conjecture will do — no information accompanies any of the photographs, and time has effectively clouded the background of the OilPull experiments, save for occasional newspaper and magazine articles.

With the appearance of “Kerosene Annie,” the Rumely OilPull was close at hand. “Kerosene Annie” was a nickname given, probably because of the tractor’s ability to successfully use kerosene fuel. This success can be attributed largely to John A. Secor. The carburetor used in the final OilPull design carried the “Secor-Higgins” name, again giving tribute to Secor, and Wm. H. Higgins the Rumely factory superintendent. A close comparison of this tractor with the preceding versions shows that design changes were less dramatic than at first. Noticeable though, is the modified exhaust stack, somewhat higher, and somewhat smaller in area than before. Added has been a rather unrefined canopy consisting of a pipe framework over which is attached a canvas cover. Neither the Rumely nor the OilPull slogans are to be found on this tractor, giving this writer the opinion that “Kerosene Annie” as shown here was not yet a production model. This opinion is reinforced by the simple fact that the Rumely people were not at all shy about using an ample supply of decals to mark their products.

Fuel: Kerosene

Carburetor: Secor

Weight: 26,000 lbs

Total Produdced: 100