20 replies to this topic

[olcowhand]

Anyone out there own GT's made by Shaw Manufacturing?  They built all their equipment in Galesburg Kansas.  They were bought out by Bush Hog in the early 60's.  Bush Hog then went on to build their line of GT's.  Shaw made a LOT of different things, from gas powered bicycles & retro kits, 2 wheel tractors, lawn tractors, & to the Du-All tractors like in pics below.  

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 
• 

[NUTNDUN]

I have heard of them but never seen any. That is good stuff, thank you for posting the pics.

[Bill56]

That's one of my "I Wish I Had One" tractors! I would be happy just to actually get the chance to see one, and take some pictures of it!!!

I just got my GT book out. There's a picture of a 1938 Shaw RD8. It's cool! It has cast iron wheels, with attached steel rims... front and rear!!

Ag tires on the rear and single rib fronts!

Edited by Bill56, March 09, 2010 - 11:09 AM.
additional information

[massey driver]

Thats the first time hearing of them.Looks like they were a useful tractor in there time.Like I try to let kids and grandkids know,you'll never know everything,there's always stuff you'll never know about.Through out life you'll be amazed at what you'll learn,and stuff you'll see,that you never knew about. Thanks for posting and giving us more education on other tractors that we never knew existed.Larry

[NUTNDUN]

Going to as many shows possible really helps. It is amazing some of the things you see at shows. Granted some stuff or a lot of stuff are a dime a dozen but there is usually always at least a couple that you have never seen before.

[mjodrey]

I also have heard of them but never seen one.

[olcowhand]

Not 4 wheeled GT's, but interesting just the same.  Here are a couple pics of Shaw 2 wheel tractors.

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[NUTNDUN]

Here is a shaw that is on craigslist about an hour away from me. I am thinking about it LOL

[olcowhand]

NUTNDUN said:

Here is a shaw that is on craigslist about an hour away from me. I am thinking about it LOL

That's a pretty good deal for such a rare tractor!

[Bolens 1000]

Never heard of that brand before.
They look to be great tractors /collectors items
Thanks for posting these pictures, I always enjoy looking at old iron, especially when I learn something new.

[tweidman]

"Needs work" is an understatement

[Bill56]

olcowhand said:

That's a pretty good deal for such a rare tractor!

:ditto:

[olcowhand]

tweidman said:

"Needs work" is an understatement

  Todd....that's a gem!  Shoulda seen one I saw at a show!

[Brent]

This is the front hood of my pride and joy. It sat behind my pap's barn for 30 years burried in a pile of scrap metal, and after begging him for years we pulled it out, and got it running. It needs rear wheels, we used wheels off of an '84 chevy blazer.

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[nra1ifer]

When I saw this thread, the mention of Galesburg, KS rang a bell and I thought I remembered that Galesburg was somehow related to Speedex:
"The SPEEDEX Tractor Corporation was founded in 1935 by Harold Pond, who is considered the developer of the first four wheel riding garden tractor in America. Harold Pond was associated in the late 1920's with Stanley W. Shaw of the Shaw Mfg. Co. in Galesburg, Kansas, who fabricated walk behind garden tractors and outdoor power equipment from reclaimed motorcycle and automobile parts. Harold Pond, Elmer Pond and Glen Heilman all worked for Shaw at one time. These three dispersed to Ohio and Indiana to form their own companies and develop their own tractors. Harold Pond developed the Speedex line of tractors in Ravenna, Ohio. Harold's brother Elmer and his son Ceicel developed the Wheel Horse line of tractors in the South Bend, Indiana area. Harold's brother-in-law Glen Heilman developed the Garden-All line of tractors in Mishawaka, Indiana. Glen was married to Harold's wife's sister. These three, who grew up in Galesburg, Kansas, were responsible for many innovations in the Lawn & Garden Tractor Industry.

While Harold was working for Shaw he was assigned the territories of Ohio and Pennsylvania. During that time he developed the SPEEDEX walk behind tractor. In 1935 he founded SPEEDEX Tractor Co. and began making a riding tractor called the Model B SPEEDEX. It had tiller steering, a Briggs & Stratton Model ZZ air cooled engine, and the tractor utilized a Ford Model A transmission and a Ford Model T rear axle which was narrowed to suit the tractor.............."

Sounds like a few people were responsible for some of the BEST garden tractors lines ever made!