While browsing vintage bike photos, an image of a unique machine caught my eye, leading me to delve into the story of the “TRAG”. More than just an oddity, the TRAG is a testament to simple engineering and its potential to address real-world needs, particularly as a versatile 3 Wheel Mini Bike designed for developing nations. This story deserves to be shared, and hopefully, others will find the history of this fascinating vehicle as compelling as I do. Perhaps some readers might even have their own TRAG stories or information to add!
The man pictured is Earl Miner, the mind behind the TRAG. Here’s a closer look at this remarkable invention:
The TRAG, short for TRansportation-AGriculture, is essentially a quarter-ton mini-truck envisioned for transportation and agricultural tasks in developing countries. Developed by Earl Miner starting in the 1960s, the TRAG is rooted in his work on front-wheel drive modular motorcycles. The core principle was simplicity: to create an engine-powered vehicle that was as basic as possible, yet highly practical, efficient, and robust enough to withstand harsh conditions. Its ingenious design allowed for quick conversion from a pickup truck configuration to a cultivator tractor, and even adaptable from a two-wheeled format for trails to a stable 3 wheeler. Crucially, the TRAG was engineered for production with minimal capital investment and using unskilled labor. Fabrication centers were established in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) by Earl Miner in the mid-1980s, and in Peru by Rod Miner, extending its reach. Today, TRAGs have found their way into over 40 countries across the globe, proving its enduring utility.
At its heart, the TRAG 3 wheel mini bike is powered by an 8 HP industrial Briggs & Stratton engine, featuring a built-in six-to-one speed reduction. While kerosene and diesel engines have also been utilized, the emphasis remained on readily available and maintainable power sources. Power is delivered to the front driving wheel through a straightforward ‘V’-belt mechanism. By manually adjusting a quick-change drive chain, operators could select from a total of six different speeds, enhancing its versatility for various tasks and terrains.
While a typical midwestern farm family might rely on a half-ton pickup truck for a multitude of tasks, from hauling supplies to recreational use, transportation in many agricultural regions of the developing world is far more basic. Often, it’s limited to manual carrying – people walking. Even the ox-cart, while seemingly common in imagery, is not as prevalent as one might assume. Essential goods like water, wood, food, and materials are frequently carried over long distances on people’s heads and backs, often disproportionately by women and children, sometimes at the expense of education. Earl Miner believed a simple machine, produced with the support of The United Methodist Church in Missouri, could revolutionize this.
The inspiration struck when Miner heard a pastor from Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), Mr. Arthur Kononuhwa, speak about the critical need for basic transportation in his homeland. As a United Methodist layman and a professional inventor and product designer, Miner had already conceived and tested a simple machine he felt could meet this very need. Through collaboration with Mr. Kononuhwa and Bishop Dodge from Africa, Miner refined his design, sending a prototype to Africa for field testing by the Kononuhwas. This project then became an official initiative of the Office of Creative Ministries of the United Methodist Churches of Missouri, highlighting its mission-driven purpose.
A key feature of the TRAG 3 wheel mini bike is its modularity. The front drive unit can be easily detached from the two-wheeled trailer by simply removing a pin, allowing for compatibility with a wide array of towed implements. Speed capabilities range from a slow crawl, ideal for cultivation, to up to 30 mph for transport. Despite lacking shock absorbers or springs, the TRAG achieves a relatively smooth ride by utilizing low-pressure tires (6 to 8 lbs). It features a friction brake on the drive unit and simple ‘scrub’ brakes on the rear wheels, again prioritizing simplicity and ease of maintenance. Every design choice was made to ensure the unit was as uncomplicated as possible, recognizing the limited mechanical expertise in many of its intended operating environments. Even electric and recoil starters were intentionally omitted in favor of a basic rope start. Lights are powered by a generator, eliminating the need for a battery. The air-cooled engine is positioned ‘up front’ for easy access for maintenance and to minimize dirt accumulation, all contributing to the TRAG’s robust and user-friendly design as a truly impactful 3 wheel mini bike.
