Gard'n Mast'r Garden Tractors

 Searching the web for information about Gard'n Mast'r garden tractors leads to the conclusion that these are rare collectables indeed. There certainly isn't much online about them and the Gardenall Tractor company that built them seems to have been sucked into one of those memory holes that nothing ever escapes from. What you mainly find are request for information about them posted on various collector chat rooms that begin like, " Has anyone ever heard of a Gard'n ....".  In keeping with tradition no information was posted on these examples that were on display at the Steam Expo. last November so I can't relay that either.

Books.google.com has posted a couple of classified ads that supply a little bit of insight. On page 271 of the July, 1949 issue of Popular Mechanics magazine an ad for the company's two wheel walk behind tractors appeared. It illustrates the sickle bar mower attachment that was offered in 30", 32" and 36" width versions. It goes on to say that four models of the tractor were offered with prices starting at $159.50 . The April, 1952  issue also carried an ad for Gardenall products on the bottom of page 308 right next to an add for the amazing " Electro-Tube, a powerful, precision aerial intensifier", a gizmo that looks like something George Jetson would have on the radio antenna of his flying saucer. The Gardenall copy states that five models of the 2 wheel tractor were available ranging from 2 to 4 1/2 hp, " A model for every possible requirement." An eight horsepower Gard'n Mast'r is also illustrated. The company offered a line of attachments for "every year round need." according to the advertisement.

The most information about these tractors that I was able to find comes from a sales brochure provided by oldirongardentractors.com  that gives details about the 8 hp Gard'n Mast'r and the 6 hp Model JR. In addition to the walk behind tractors the company manufactured a respectable number of accessories for use with these riding tractors. The list included 8" plows for the JR and a 10" plow for the Model G, a furrower frame and shovels for both, 36 and 42 inch disc harrows, cultivators, a right angle power takeoff for both models, sickle bar mowers, tow behind gang mowers with 3 20" wheel powered mowers, a dump trailer and utility scraper blades.

The Gard'n Mast'r was available with a choice of engines. A Brigg & Stratton model 23 with a 3" bore and 3 1/4 " stroke displacing 22.97cu. in. producing 8 hp at 2900 rpm. or a Wisconsin AEN with identical displacement but a claimed 8 1/2 hp at the same rpm. The transmission provided three forward speeds: low 2.54 mph, second 4.10 mph, high 6.5 mph, reverse 2.35 mph.

Specifications for the Model JR: Engine: Wisconsin Mod. AKN - 6 hp. Transmission: 3 forward speed plus reverse. Clutch: Hand operated Rockford disc type. Wheel base: 54". Tread width: 26". Weight: 700 pounds. Color: Jade Green with red trim.

All three of these tractors have a Gard'n Mast'r decal on the hood but provide no further information.