Another in the two-for-one series, this 1946 (?) Jeep CJ-2A 4×4 by Willys-Overland may be Shawnee Red (orange), or it may have changed color at some point, but the big thing is the trencher attached to the back. And, it’s hard to see here, but dual rear wheels add to the cool factor. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Lockport, New York, and they’re asking $6,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to T.J. for the tip!
Here are the dual rear wheels. I’m not a Jeep fanatic, other than really liking the early CJs, but I’ve written about a couple of these models with built-in trenchers or backhoe attachments over the years. Our own Jamie Palmer wrote about a somewhat similar yellow Jeep trencher a decade ago here on Barn Finds, and I found one a few months later here. Even further back, in March 2017, I found one with a backhoe attachment that would have been incredibly fun at car shows. And, of course, for digging… I can’t imagine having a use for a trench digger, but a backhoe is another story.
We don’t know if this is a factory piece or not, but Jeep did offer a variety of features in its quest to appeal to farmers and ranchers after WWII to keep sales on track. In fact, the 1945 through 1949 Willys-Overland CJ-2As were sometimes called AgriJeeps or Universal Jeeps. There are a ton of cool ads here about the “farming Jeeps.” This one also appears to have a hole digger as well. Three-in-one. In case you were wondering about all that weight on the back of this small Jeep, there’s a huge counterweight in front to somewhat balance it out, along with the dual rear tires for stability. “Say, how does that trench attachment work, SG?” It’s funny you should ask, here’s one on YouTube.
This photo was in a Motor Trend article about these unusual rigs, and it’s wearing an Auburn Machine Works Jeep-A-Trench. It looks almost exactly like the one on the orange CJ-2A for sale in the craigslist ad, doesn’t it? Here’s a fun Gulf Oil maintenance sheet. The Jeep shown on craigslist has a PTO along with a governor, and the tires look like new, but we don’t know how old they are.
I don’t see a heated latte holder here, Willys-Overland really missed the boat! Kidding, of course, this one is all business. I’m assuming that’s some rust on the floors, but there are no detailed photos. The seller does mention that the “tub and frame” are in excellent condition. It sure looks nice in the photos. This Jeep is exactly 80 years old now, and unless it was in storage for the last 75 years, it’ll have some rust, at least surface rust. The steering wheel could use some help, and you can see in the photo of the steering wheel that the gauge cluster and gauges, in general, need help. The CJ-2A came standard with only a driver’s seat, since they were meant mainly for farming and ranching chores, not for joy rides.
The engine should be an L4 134 Willys Go-Devil, an L-head 134-cu.in. inline-four with 60 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by a BorgWarner T-90 3-speed manual and a Dana 18 transfer case, this one currently isn’t running, but it turns over. There is also no title, but again, you aren’t going to jump in this one and drive it to the store. If I had invested wisely, or more wisely than I did, I would buy this CJ-2A and bring it back to its former glory. Would any of you have use for a “farm and ranch” Jeep like this one?
Awesome find and article Scotty. When I woke up this morning I was hoping to see a Willys Jeep CJ dually trencher. Finally… here it is!
I dig it!
This would be great to drive to your local Cars ‘n Coffee – as long as it wasn’t more than a couple blocks from your house. Otherwise, avoid the freeways and pack a lunch!
Too cool. Love Jeeps.
I watched one of those big 10ton Vac trucks create a ditch in a Park for a waterline we had to run one time when I worked for the Municipality. Was amazed at the efficiency and tidiness.
Very interesting. I’ve never seen one before. Good write-up SG.
Well,,,, 4am already? Nah, just catching up after another all dayer( power outage)I don’t mean to be the big expert, but by golly, I know my beans on this one. 1st, I don’t think Toledo offered any kind of Jeep attachment, that was all aftermarket, much like the skid steers of today. Whole industries sprang up outfitting Jeeps with every imaginable contraption. Welders, grader blades, and trenchers. 2nd, the chain is driven by the PTO, but I think it also has a hydraulic lift, you can see the pump on the motor, that unit weighs a ton, and dual wheels are needed. That large wheel on the left side may also be a lift, but this Jeep has hydraulics. One of my many jobs, was a yardman/delivery for Case trenchers so I found about trenchers. in a hurry. This particular trencher is a pretty big one, capable of at least a 4-6 foot trench. Saved a lot of digging, they did. They are subject to extreme abuse, rocks mostly, and a wide variety of chains are used for different ground. Then, there’s the “rock wheel”, that goes through anything. Typically, if used for just trenching, it has no road miles, but a slew of engine hours, and this motor took it in stride. Great find, I’m sure the trencher is pretty rare, and easily(?) removed for other PTO duties. Seeing what a “real” trencher is, this is a pretty weak example of one, they haven’t changed much but like I say, it saved many a back.
A friend of our family,Herb had an old Jeep that had a plow
attachment on it.He plowed the lot next to our house.This was
around 1960.
Funny,the memories that come back from features like this.
My dad bought a 1948 in 1975 and up until then it was used as a plow in Iowa
I had one, the trencher was made in
Auburn, Ne. used it for 20 some years very handy
It’s a good thing it’s orange. If you fall into your own trench, they’ll be able to find you.
6k no paperwork. good luck. great for around the property.
Used one like this in 1962 – “gopher digger” working for the pipeline gas company on Cape Cod. had to take up and replace the sod, but saved a lot of digging !
Hey SG.. lots of good information in your article. I really don’t know much about the jeep other than when I saw it and the fact that it’s complete with an excellent frame, tub and tires and that all the components are there. I really was and am just interested in restoring the jeep but just can’t separate it. There has to be someone out there who would like to restore this old girl. My son and I are nearly complete on another 47 CJ2A that we did a frame-off so I have a handle on what just that parts cost to restore something like this and more specifically what’s on this old trencher, she’s all there. Gotta be someone out there who needs her, willing to trade!!!!!