The above vehicle is what known in tractor collecting as a “doodlebug.” It is a homemade tractor, usually put together by a backyard mechanic during hard economic times, such as the depression or the post-war era. In its most common form the mechanic started with a car or light truck frame, which was then shortened. A second transmission was installed behind the original transmission, and a heavy duty differential and rear axle were substituted for the originals. To complete the project, a set of large truck tires or tractor tires were mounted on the rear rims. In this case, they started with heavy wooden-spoked truck wheels and installed cleats where the tires would usually be mounted. If you look closely, you can see the curved steel beam from a farm plow in front of the right rear tire. This particular doodlebug appeared to have been used as a plow tractor. With regard to the driver’s chair it was common to replace the original seat with something more comfortable . . . in some cases they used an armchair! This photo comes courtesy of JoAnne Matsumura of Issaquah and was featured in the June 7, 1978 issues of the Seattle Times. The tractor description was provided by Mike Intlekofer of the Newcastle Historical Society.
