Traction Booster Question

I'm use to the Ferguson style 3 point hitch and draft control arrangement type tractors - like my handy dandy MF50 diesel. As the plow encounters a hard pull, it pivots around the hitch points on the lower lift arms, putting pressure on the top link, which presses a control rod (inside a large coil spring to resist the pivoting) and if there is enough force, it momentary/slightly lifts the plow - depending in the draft control setting until you pass the difficult plowing. That's how think I understand it. I suppose via the top link, force is applied to keep the front end on the ground too and when the plow tries to lift, traction is increased too.

Is the traction booster on an Allis Chalmers kind of the same thing - just different wording and no down pressure in the front end?

Would I be correct in assuming that with a WD45 (that's the model on my radar) when the pull gets difficult, i.e. the draft increases, and via whatever mechanism is incorporated in the snap coupler arrangement, the hydraulics begins to lift the plow and with it forces the rear wheels down and increases traction? And because there is no top link, like a Ferguson system, if the pull is really hard and the traction booster tries to lift enough to really mash the rear wheels to the ground increasing traction, but with it the front end can come up a bit?

Or have I got it all wrong?

Help me understand the traction booster and how it operates and how it compares to the Ferguson system.

I gather the two cylinder Deere's and Farmalls had no draft control and therefore would rely on shear weight of the tractor for traction?

This traction booster and snap coupler arrangement sounds like a pretty slickery design.

Thanks!
Bill

You've got it. The draft sensor is in the lower linkage at the snap coupler bell under the tractor. When a load is sensed, it lifts with the upper lift arms. It is basically a 3 point hitch upside down. It is a pretty slickery system.

AaronSEIA

The Allis-Chalmers "Traction-Booster" system operates from the actual pull point underneath the belly of the tractor. There is a big coil spring inside a framework that becomes compressed under heavy loads and thru linkage activates the hydraulic pump which slowly lifts the lift arms putting downward pressure on the rear wheels. You need enough front end weight to keep the nose down. I've never run a Ford/MF system, but they aren't really the same as the A-C system. The A-C system truly is by direct draft or pull and is adjustable to how much traction assist you want under different conditions as you go across a field. The Traction Booster gauge was an aid in setting the system for maximum performance. The A-C system was then designed for semi-mounted and pull type implements which I believe was unique to them.

In really difficult plowing, it may be necessary to steer with the brakes, but the front will not come up very far..

We, had ALL four tires loaded and use a weight on the front (about 50 lbs) and always pull a 4x14 Semi-Mounted AC plow..

Yep, sometimes we steer with the brakes, with the Hydraulic lever all the way down (still in 2nd gear)..

I have removed all the spacer washers from the Main Spring mount, to compress the draft spring More, which helps keep the front down better (in most circumstances).

I LIKE steering with the brakes, myself..!!

Ron..

Thanks everyone for your replies! Very helpful info.

Bill