1911-1918

The 15-30 OilPull gave way to the 18-35 model in 1918. It was basically the same tractor with a new horsepower rating. Low tension ignition was retained, but high tension magneto and spark plugs were available as a customer installed option. The development of reliable high tension magnetos provided a much simpler ignition system than the complicated mechanical igniters. This 16,000 pound model was built only in 1918.

For 1918 only, the same basic tractor was offered as the 18-35 “F” OilPull. The slightly higher rating more accurately reflected the tractor’s actual output, and to Rumely’s credit, the OilPull was consistently underrated by the company. This conservatism was actually a sales builder, since users were always delighted to find their tractor would do substantially more work than had been advertised. Although the 18-35 was virtually identical to the 15-30, this model could be optionally equipped with jump spark ignition in lieu of the standard make-and-break igniter system. The Rumely file photo shows a Model F operating in zero weather, using low-grade fuel. The usual practice in all types of weather was to first start on gasoline, and after the engine had warmed up slightly the switch was made to kerosene fuel. Rumely’s induced draft cooling system made temperature regulation virtually automatic. The entire system was so designed and so proportioned that at idle or light loads very little draft was created, thus delivering less air movement over the radiator sections. Under heavier loads, considerably increased air movement gave the required cooling. The use of an oil coolant gave the somewhat higher jacket temperatures which were a part of the OilPull success story. The 18-35 listed at $3,000, a substantial sum for a farmer in the mid-teens.

Engine: Rumely Oilpull

Cylinders: 2

CID: 942

Fuel: Kerosene/Gasoline

Belt PTO HP: 35

Weight: 16,000 lbs

1911: 5001-5680

1912: 5681-6738

1913: 6739-7487

1914: 7500-7856

1915: None-Built

1916: 7857-8084

1917: 8085-8591

1918: 8903-9177