Maxwell Steel wheels

[jahaze]

I mentioned this on the general list as well, but I thought I'd see if anyone here has ever heard of Maxwell Steel wheels? They were made as an attachment for a rubber tired tractor, kind of like complex wheel weights. When you needed extra traction you would open up the spikes and be able to pull right through (like a giant sunflower). The wheels were designed by someone in Marshfield, Wisconsin (Mr. Maxwell). There was a set on e-bay about a month ago and since I have an affinity for things on steel, I bought them and brought them home last weekend (I'll post a photo later on). I vaguely remember seeing an ad for them in one of my books/magazines, but I can't find it now. The pair I have were supposed to have come from Mr. Maxwells nephew, and may be the only set in existance. Has anyone else ever seen/heard anything about these?

[GeorgeBest]

So where's the picture?

Would have asked you sooner, but its been about a month since I was last on this forum.

[GeorgeBest]

I looked up the patent (#2032293) for the Maxwell Wheel. The patent was applied for in 1934 and approved in Feb of 1936.

It was a complete wheel meant for driving on roads or hard surfaces by retracting the lugs. When traction was needed the spikes could be cranked out.

I can email the .pdf file of the patent document to anyone requesting it. It is too large to have it as an attachment in this forum.

Use this email address: george@irontrader.com

George

[jahaze]

Thanks George, I need to get around to posting the photo, I'll try to get that done this weekend. I'd like to see that patent info, I'll be sending you a seperate e-mail

Enjoy, Joe

[jahaze]

I guess I had to wait until things thawed out a little. Here's some pictures of what I have. Has anyone ever seen such a thing?

[GeorgeBest]

Joe,

Thanks for posting the pictures! Pretty interesting.

They appear to be a traction aid device that would bolt on like extension rims. I've never seen anything like them.

Wonder what they would fit on.

[jahaze]

George,

I think they are pretty universal, but I suspect they would bolt right up to a ford 8N, etc. I really don't know what to do with them, but I thought they would make a nice conversation piece at a show. I am fairly certain they are a 1-off version, but I'm certain I saw an old advertisement for them in one of my magazines, but ever since I bought them, I haven't been able to find it. I think Antique Power did a piece on aftermarket items for ford tractors a few years ago and an old add for these were shown. I'll find it one of these days.

[DaveErnst]

I think that guy Gary Brewer on Smokstak was trying to sell a couple of those a while ago. Interesting pictures, thanks.