Posted by JW in Wa on Wednesday, September 04, 2002 at 0:14AM :
In Reply to: CHECK OUT THIS FARM/GARDEN DODGE!!! posted by John Eickhof on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 at 10:05PM :
It's actually a Worthington "Golf" Chief. Worthington made several versions of these tractors / mowers using early Ford (thru late 30's) and Dodge (39 thru 47) truck components. This one is all Dodge truck (with the exception of the frame) right down to the hubcaps. It was originally one of three purchased from a dealer in Seattle by the State of Oregon, to use pulling gang mowers along the hiways. They were most popular as golf course mowers. During WWII, Worthington made a Dodge "airstrip" model. These were mostly exported for mowing landing strips overseas, with may account for the lack of the Worthington Dodge tractors that are seen. I know of a few others, but most are not in this kind of condition. This little tractor will do 45-50 mph flat out. I understand Oregon got rid of them shortly after the purchase as several mishaps caused them to be labled as unsafe on sloped terrain. After driving this thing around, I agree. Worthington was bought out by the Jacobsen Mowers in the late 40's. They continued to manufacture similar versions of these tractors / mowers into the 60's. I'm sure they contracted with WARD's and other outlets to produce their brands.