6" Tasker Steam Tractor

On behalf of the owner, we are pleased to offer for sale this beautifully built 6" Tasker "Little Giant" steam tractor.

Not to be confused with the more common single-cylinder engines, this is a particularly rare 3-speed, chain-driven compound engine, built to drawings supplied by A.N. Engineering.

The design of sprung axles driven through gearing presented a significant challenge for manufacturers of road steam engines. Maintaining consistent gear mesh as the centres moved with the suspension inevitably placed limitations on the design. Taskers overcame this by adopting a system similar to that used on their steam wagons, with the chassis rails mounted directly to the boiler and a chain drive transmitting power to the rear axle. The result is a somewhat quirky-looking engine, but one which benefits from a genuinely smooth ride, longer spring travel and greater flexibility than its geared counterparts.

We believe only a couple of these have been built, making this a rare opportunity for anyone looking for something a little different on the rally field. In terms of size, it sits between a 6" Burrell GMT and a 6" Garrett 4CD. Like the prototype, it is an impressively powerful engine, while the 3-speed gearbox gives it an excellent turn of speed on the road.

Built by a prolific model engineer and road steam builder, the Tasker is presented in excellent condition, having only been completed last year. It has subsequently enjoyed a season of running-in and is now offered at that ideal point of being virtually new, while having had all the new-engine niggles sorted.

The boiler is fully CE approved and as per the normal arrangement fed through a crank-driven pump and steam injector.

We have been fortunate enough to have handled a number of this builder's engines over the years, and they have consistently impressed us with both the quality of workmanship and, importantly, how well they perform on the road.

The engine will be on display at the Isle of Wight Steam Fair at the end of the month before coming to our premises in Suffolk, where we would be pleased to arrange viewings and steaming's for prospective purchasers.

As with all our ready-to-rally engines, it will be supplied with a full set of firing irons, coal, oil and a day's tuition to get the new owner up and running. Where possible, we are happy to consider steam and vintage vehicles in part exchange. UK delivery and worldwide export can also be arranged if required.

For further information or to arrange a viewing, please do not hesitate to contact us.

*Thanks to Full Regulator Photography for use of their excellent pictures*