The Little-Known Blue Tractor

As might be imagined, Blue tractors were painted (what else?) blue, with cream-colored wheels and implements. Similar to an Allis-Chalmers Model G, the tractor’s engine is at the rear and there is a high-arched front end. The operator sits just ahead of the engine and behind twin arches that go forward to the front axle and wheels. Implements are mounted beneath the arch, giving the driver an unobstructed view of the work being done.

The Blue tractor is powered by an International C60 4-cylinder, water-cooled engine, the same power plant used in the popular Farmall Cub tractors. Although the last Nebraska test of the Cub in 1956 yielded just 9.87 hp, Blue claimed 16.8 hp for its G-1000, which was never tested at Nebraska.

Power is transmitted to the 2-speed transaxle via a 3-speed transmission, giving the G-1000 six forward and two reverse speeds. The thing is 12 feet, 7 inches long, about 5 feet high and weighs 1,850 pounds. Wheel tread is adjustable from 40 to 60 inches. My tractor is equipped with the optional 12.4-by-24 turf tires in the rear and 23-by-8.50-12-inch flotation front tires. Also available were 8.3-by-24 or 9.5-by-24 ag tires with 4.00-by-12, 3-rib front tires.

Available implements included a 12-inch moldboard plow for $250, a single-row cultivator at $239, and a 60-inch, 3-spindle rotary mower for $450 (which required an auxiliary mower drive with an electric clutch, for another $156). Three pull-behind implements were offered: a 6-1/2-foot single disc harrow for $296, a 5-foot spike tooth harrow, $171.50, and a 5-foot spring tooth harrow, $224. For an additional $20, you could get an adapter assembly that allowed use of Allis-Chalmers Model G implements with the Blue tractor.