Farmall Super C Running A Ski Tow-Line

Dan Bear Kelley · Nov 30, 2008

I stumbled across a rather nice story of the Clark Hill Ski Area (which is no more). It seems the main ski tow-line was powered by a 1953 Farmall Super C (which reportedly is still working). They even include a picture of the tractor.
<A HREF="http://www.coloradoskihistory.com/lost/clarkhill.html">http://www.coloradoskihistory.com/lost/clarkhill.html</A>

El Toro · Dec 1, 2008

Here's the tractor. Hal

Bob M · Dec 1, 2008

Hey Dan Bear - that brings back fond memories!

The ski hill where I grew up in late 50’s and early ‘60’s powered their rope tows with a variety of tractors and power units. Tractors included a John Deere A, a Farmall H, a Ford Jubilee and a home-built “doodlebug” tractor of unknown heritage. A cut-down Jeep was also employed briefly. An IHC U-6 and an enormous Minneapolis-Moline 6 cylinder power unit (both salvaged from area sawmills) were also used.

When T-bar lifts replaced the rope tows the U-6 was redeployed to power the new bunny lift T-bar. The “big” T-bar was however powered by a new Chrysler hemi industrial power unit - essentially a detuned Dodge truck engine. (The hemi’s exhaust bark when the lift was fully loaded was a wonder to behold!)

The U-6 and hemi soldiered into the early 70’s until electric motors finally replaced the gas engines.

The lifts today are all identical electric-powered quad chairs. Somewhat sadly these lack the "character" of the early home-built rope tows. I don't miss the sore arms, ruined gloves/jackets, etc. from the rope tows however!

Farmall Super C Running A Ski Tow-Line

Dan Bear Kelley

Member

El Toro

Well-known Member

Bob M

Well-known Member

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