The Toro Company has a long, ninety-nine year old history of producing tractors designed specifically for golf course maintenance purposes. Early Toro golf tractors used automotive parts in their design, primarily from the Ford Model A. This Toro, for sale here on Craigslist in Vermont for $2,500, looks to be an early example of a “General.” Although the seller gives no details to help further identify this old fairway cruiser, I believe it is a Model B.
Information on these old tractors is a bit tough to come by. The owner lists this General as a 1932 model making it a very early machine. It was around 1930 that Toro began manufacturing tractors using Ford Model A parts, similar to the approach many farmers used to build a “Handy Henry” out of an old Model T, or by using a “Doodlebug” conversion kit. I’m now wondering how many times I’ve driven past an old farm, glimpsed a tractor like this parked in some weeds, and mistakenly identified it as a Doodlebug?
The engine appears original, looking to be a 4 cylinder Ford Model A “L-Head” that the seller claims “runs good.” Later model Toro Generals used Ford N series motors. It’s difficult to tell from the photos but I’m curious about the DIY wooden panel behind the motor. Was it fabricated to replace the original metal firewall or simply put in place to mount some wires for the 12V conversion? I love the swivel design of the seat and the vintage wheels with “Toro” painted on them in white lettering. I would think wheels like these are very desirable to collectors, especially since later model Generals featured wheels with a center hub cap.
Valuing these old tractors is difficult as there are extremely few available for sale. This one looks to be in pretty good condition for its age with no visible signs of rust or neglect. Is the seller’s asking price of $2,500 in line with what these machines are worth? It looks to be fairly complete, perhaps missing a pair of head lamps, although I’m not sure these early models even offered them. To view a well documented restoration of a similar vintage Toro Bullet tractor, check out this photo album on Flickr, thanks to a gentleman named Chris Stempert. Are there any vintage tractor experts out there who can shed some more light on these machines?
Very cool old machine and well worth the price I would think but the transport is going to be the killer if you don’t live in New England.
If I still lived out in the country it would have a spot in my garage.
Love the pictures of the restoration of the other unit but just wondering, why in the world today paint it green? Red is the Toro color and always have been as far as I know.
Worthington made similar golf course tractors. Running gear was originally sourced from Model T’s transitioning to Model A parts. The company was purchased by Jacobsen…
Looks good enough to run into town with,,,and I bet some did. Appears to be an “over-center” manual dump, wheelies, when loaded, I’m sure are no problem and I’m sure the wood is original. Dash-“board”, floor-“board”, they literally were wood. Great find.
Bought one of these at an auction one time and people asked “What are you going to do with that?” I said what Toro dealer wouldn’t want that to sit out in front of his business? Had 3 guys come up at the same time later and we had my own auction. Doubled my money and never touched it. It had the cast grill shell with Toro emblazed in it and besides, I had an open bottom trailer and didn’t realize that it wouldn’t fit on it as the tracks were too far apart. Neccesity breeds action and action breeds money…………..
Is that the type of tractor that Arnold Palmer was on in his tv commercials for Pennzoil?
Ha! Good one, you’re sharp, yes, although the tractor in the commercial is a bit newer ( ’49-’50?) Blooper alert, it may still run, but it doesn’t charge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lETaNG6d62A
Never heard of these, but I can absolutely vouch for their lawnmowers! I had one and they are tough as nails!
At the least the head is a Model B. Has the 3 bolt water pump with the outlet cast into it.
Dang….now you’ll have me looking at the old tractor like stuff lying around !
I am sort of a Toro expert. This is the Toro model B (nothing to to with the Ford model A or B drive trains used) The model B had a longer frame than the model A. The Model B was equipped with the Dump Body. Behind the Ford gearbox was a reduction box that limited the top speed to about 15 MPH. These tractors were used hard and when the original engines failed they were replaced with low mileage Ford Model A junk yard engines. Mine has been dated by Toro as a 37. This is a few years later.
Hi Rob. I’m working with my son on a Toro General Model B for an FFA restoration project. It is almost complete – might need just a few parts. Do you know of any salvage yards that might have parts? Thanks,
Mike Shultz
Mike. A little late for a reply. These were made in such small numbers finding one in a wrecking yard would be the needle in a haystack. Most golf courses kept junk yards of parts tractors and equipment. It might be a place to start.
Hi, looking for info on the type of wedges used on the duel wheels, please email me. Thanks, phil
Sorry I missed your note. I am not sure on the wedges except Ford Parts are found on most models.
Hi Phil, I am late on this but can help you with photos of the wheel hardware. Can you help[ me with the driveshaft drum brake pictures? All I have is the drum and nothing else.
Thanks in advance, Bill
Here are those photos Bill!
what do you know of the model c—-war years—-needing pto assbembly for sicklebar———-
I don’t know what the war years production was. I know of a 1942. Some companies just assembled from remaining parts. These tractors could be used in the military, However Toro relied on engines and trans from Ford and it was unlikely those would be available.
Do you happen to know the color scheme of this tractor? I currently own a 1944 Toro model B general and I’m having trouble finding the color scheme. I’m restoring my tractor and can’t seem to find it. Thanks
Toro did not have a company color until 1950. Silver was a popular pre-war color. A dark green was used until someone in marketing didn’t want a grass color. If the mower was going to a municipality it might be ordered in Yellow.
I found 1 about 2 months ago it is in great condition i dont know much about it besides the brakes dont work it has a plate on engine that says Continental Motor Corp’N F 227 4230 34147 if anyone knows any info on this i would love to hear about it you can reach me at greenefarmer@gmail.com
IS it a Toro? Worthington used Continental engines so did Jacobson. Jacobson tractors were painted orange Worthington was mostly blue.
I have what I believe is a Bullet model, that I would like to sell. Not sure of the year. Been in inside storage for years. Will probably start right up with no issues.$1500, Upstate New York