Dad had a power equipment shop in Painesville, Ohio. It was Leonard Power Equipment. He ran it from the 40's up to 2003 when he suddenly passed away as a result of a minor medical procedure gone bad. He bought this Bantam as a test, and sold it to ___ Wyman, of Wyman Realtors in 1956, the same year that I was born. Dad later picked up a a Simplicity franchise and this tractor was traded in on a Simplicity 725 in 1959. Instead of selling it, he kept it for me and I have had it ever since. Here I am at work with it in about 1961.
Last year it was due for a makeover. The engine was finally ready for a .010 oversize piston due to slight tapering of the bore. With a fresh piston, rings, gaskets, a touch up of the valves, and a renewed ignition coil, she is as good as new. Always starts on the first pull too. I went thru the transmission installing fresh seals and a few slightly worn bushings. Lastly it got a new drive belt, the first in 53 years, and fresh powder coat in original AC orange.
This has appeared in many home movies of our birthday parties. Dozens of neighborhood kids have had rides.
I'm saving it for grandchildren should I ever have any. Many kids have learned to drive on this little tractor
Thank you for your kind comments.
Bob
