Extra Treadplates

[58vintage]

Morning all,

I've picked up a pair of the little extra teadplates for my FPM, the ones that I believe cover the brake drum trumpets. They have come pre drilled to take the mounting bolts but I cannot for the life of me work out where to bolt them on. I'm starting to think they may have been drilled in the wrong place. Does anyone know where and what way round they mount.
Thanks,
James.

[henk]

James,

These are mine and they fitted perfectly at my New Major.

[oehrick]

Something else to keep an eye out for - would make a useful addition to mine also - thanks Henk for showing me something else I never realised I really need

[58vintage]

Thanks Henk,

Mine is missing some holes then. Mine have the drain holes in the "bend" and the holes in the bottom short piece of metal but not the ones in the vertical piece.

[Brian]

The plates were only fitted to the early Majors up to 1955 so the Power Major would possibly not have the mounting holes.

[58vintage]

Ahh thanks for that info Brian.
I wonder if I can utilise the holes that the main treadplates bolt into?
After all this prepwork and paint I wouldn't mind protecting the brake trumpets from my flipper feet.
Just as a thought does anyone know why they were deleted? Not a popular option, or they changed the casting or something on the FPM?

[Brian]

Cost! Makes building the tractor a bit cheaper and more profit for FMC.

[henk]

Mine came without them and I fitted them later.
I have no regreds about them. I'm short en I use them offen to rest my feet and makes standing up while driving easy.
Mounting from te back of the tractor is also saver as you will not slip of the braking axle.

[county654]

Was it common in the early days to be driving a tractor in a standing position?
I have seen it in the US, a guy was driving in a hayfield with a windrower. The seats were not very much plasure driving all day at higer speeds

[henk]

It's nice to strech your legs a while when driving a long time.