What the Heck is THIS?

[Cam3512]

I drive by it all the time.  It sits outside a small barn, and clearly has been there a LONG time.

[dguzzi]

Looks like an old lumber saw or power unit for one, or maybe a pump.

[s1120]

Interesting for sure..  Back in the day a lot of the tractor builders used to make engines to use for different non tractor applications. A lot would use the front tin from the tractor. I think thats what the power unit is... now what it is on.....  Really hard to make out from that pic. Looks cool though.

[guzzisteve]

That is a stationary belt machine. They used to run a belt to power mills, elevators, and other farm machinery. We had a belt actuated generator on the farm in the tool shed. Our shop was run w/belts for everything, I still use the grinding wheel.

[oldbike54]

 Yeah , a portable power unit , and a fairly small one . Saw an enormous version running at a tractor show , there was also a portable tractor dynamometer based on the same basic design .

 Dusty

[John A]

I restored one on a wood chipper, that sucker will chip some wood. No safety devices, it'll either chip something up or stall the engine. 40 horse Continental, also used in tractors

[Roebling3]

As said: A so called small traction engine. From its era it was originally equipped w/steel wheels, (IOW pre-pneumatic tires), upgraded to what may be early 30's Ford wire wheels. Likely had a single cylinder, water cooled*, 4 stroke 'make & break' engine. The flat rim wheels, at the tow bar end, were the drivers for one or 2 belts, ~ 4" wide. Working engine speed around 40 - 70 rpm. *No pump or radiator; just a cast iron tray of water. Some fair grounds will have a few on display. There are often gatherings, especially after harvests in the fall, where they saw, chop corn, thrash, split or just make nice sounds, chuffing.
BTW: The earliest traction engines were steam driven; Some as big as a locomotive.
At a gathering you'll see small ones, restored; including polished brass, grand paint jobs w/striping, even gold/silver leaf. R3~
Any early Guzzi twin w/exposed valve gear and ankle polisher would fit right in.  R3~

[cliffrod]

Lots of power plants of all kinds and other similar cool equipment at Denton Farm Park in NC https://dentonfarmpark.com it's worth seeing.  He's even got one steam engine there with flywheels approx 20' in diameter...

If you're looking for a good ride before the summer heat takes over, Hop on your Guzzi and go to Denton for the AMCA Southern Nationals in May http://www.amcasouthernnationalmeet.com swap meet, camping, all kinds of old bikes.  It's a good time.

[mjptexas]

That is a stationary belt machine. They used to run a belt to power mills, elevators, and other farm machinery. We had a belt actuated generator on the farm in the tool shed. Our shop was run w/belts for everything, I still use the grinding wheel.

This.

[Cam3512]

Thanks guys.