Ken Majeski of Ellsworth, Wis., has always enjoyed tinkering with antique steam engines. So much so that he was able to piece together a 15-hp machine from assorted parts that includes the front and rear ends plus a boiler that were manufactured between 1904 and 1916.

“That was a worthy, time-consuming project that inspired me to get another machine,” Majeski says. “In 2008, when a friend, Scott Kannel, found and sent some photos of a 1909 30-hp Case located in Colorado, I drove there with my pickup and a trailer and paid $7,000. It had hauled ore and then was used to square up nine tenders at a sawmill.

“The smokestack and boiler were junk, the governor was missing, the front wheel bearings and countless other parts were completely worn out, and the front axle was bent in several places. I tore it apart and had Jeff Lund Machinery in New Ulm, Minn., build a new boiler. Since there was a waiting list, that project evolved over six years. In the meantime, I cleaned and sandblasted everything, added a new crankshaft, countershaft, water tank, and redid the toolbox and platform.”

During the restoration process, Majeski had to replace the bull pinion that operates the back wheel at a cost of $600. That procedure meant boring a hole on the inside key to hold it in place on the shaft.

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In 2015, he was able to get the machine running again. Maintenance must be done daily, which normally requires tightening the bearings, shims and wedges. When first produced, Case engines were rated by boiler horsepower. Later, that figure was changed from 9 hp to 30 hp on the belt. There is no transmission, so by just reversing the engine, it will move into reverse gear.

“Caution is needed when operating these tractors, and you must be aware of your surroundings. One time, some sparks flew out of the engine, accidentally went through the threshing machine, and set the straw pile on fire,” Majeski says. “At another show, hot cinders got too close to a Model A roadster and burned part of the roof.”

The J.I. Case Threshing Company in Racine, Wis., was the largest producer of steam engines in the U.S. Coined with the nickname “Old Reliable,” this machine came off the assembly line in seven sizes, ranging from 30 to 110 hp. Owners praised the engines for their simplicity, stability of construction, snappy performance while on the road, economical operation and constant power. Today, only three of these units are left in the Badger State.

Farm show favorite

Majeski’s Case steam engine goes to various shows each year, including Hungry Hollow in Rice Lake, Wis.; Pioneer Days in Eau Claire, Wis.; Edgar Steam Show in Edgar, Wis.; White Pine in McGrath, Minn.; and the Badger Steam and Gas Show in Baraboo, Wis. Normally it works in the sawmill or on the thresher. Boiler time averages around 120 hours each year.

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“I certainly got a bargain on that rig, because recently an original model sold for $82,000,” Majeski notes. “This is my favorite tractor. It’s so easy to handle. You can pull them around with a truck versus relying on a semi to haul everywhere. There is plenty of power for its size, and while running, it truly barks. It always brings a smile for me, along with plenty of other folks.”

To have your favorite tractor featured, email or send in a photo of yourself with your tractor, along with a 300-word write-up about the tractor, to: [email protected] or Wisconsin Agriculturist, P.O. Box 236, Brandon, WI 53919.