Those who plied their knowledge about old iron to the Tractor-Spotting quiz published in the August 2003 issue of Farm Collector will find the answers to those head scratchers below. Use the information provided for each tractor type on future tractor-spotting expeditions, and keep those eyes peeled for tractors and equipment lurking in the countryside.
A. Unstyled John Deere Model A
Deere introduced its Model A in 1933, and by the time production ended in 1952 almost 269,000 of the popular row-crop tractors had been built (total doesn’t include the AN, AW, ANH, or ANW models). The A was one of the first production tractors with a hydraulic power-lift Originally designated as a two-plow machine, the horsepower was increased several times, from 16.2 to 20.48, and finally 26.7 drawbar hp, which called for a two- to three-plow rating. A careful examination of the quiz tractor reveals an open fanshaft, which was used on only the first 4,800 tractors, making an ‘open fanshaft A’ – a not item among collectors.
B. Styled John Deere Model D
First introduced in 1923, the John Deere Model D continued in production until 1953, albeit with many changes and improvements. The Model D was styled by Henry Dreyfuss in 1939, receiving a new hood, grille and fenders, giving it a more-modern look. The spoked front wheels shown on our tractor quiz were used until late 1944, when disk wheels were adopted. The Model D was a three-plow tractor and was famous for its reliability and the lugging power of its 501-cubic-inch, two-cylinder engine. Nearly 159,000 John Deere Model D tractors were built from 1923 to 1953.
C. Farmall M
International Harvester introduced the all-new, two-plow Model H, and three-plow Farmall Model M tractor on August 9, 1939. The two models were similar, so if you guessed it was a Farmall H, don’t feel bad. The Model M’s classic styling was designed by Raymond Loewy, and it could be equipped with a ‘Lift-All’ pump to operate hydraulic cylinders for raising implements. A diesel-engine version of the Model M, called the j Model MD, was available in 1941 and high-crop models were built as well. By the time it was -replaced by the Super Model M in 1952, almost 300,000 Farmall Ms had been sold, with many still on active farm duty.
D. Ford-Ferguson 9N or 2N
After Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson made their famous ‘handshake’ agreement, the Ford tractor with Ferguson System was introduced in 1939. A small, lightweight machine, the tractor derived its ability to pull two plows from the unique draft control and hydraulic lift developed by Ferguson. The hitch transferred the weight of the implement to the tractor’s rear wheels, increasing traction, while the front end was held firmly on the ground. Ford terminated the agreement with Ferguson in 1947 after almost 300,000 Ford-Ferguson tractors had been sold. The later Ford 8N is identical in profile to the Ford-Ferguson 9N and 2N tractor, while the Ferguson TO20 is similar, so if you guessed the quiz tractor to be a Ford-Ferguson, a Ford 9N, 2N 8N or a Ferguson, you did well.
E. Oliver Cletrac HG
This little crawler was introduced in 1939, by the Cleveland Tractor Co. and originally carried only the Cletrac name. In 1944, the Oliver Co. bought the Cleveland firm and the machine became the Oliver Cletrac HG. In 1951, Oliver gave the HG a little more power and named it the Oliver OC-3, but the appearance remained almost identical. Powered by a Hercules engine, the tractors were available with tread widths of 31, 42, 60, and 68 inches for different row-crop or industrial applications. Rated as a two-plow tractor, the HG/OC-3 could be equipped with a front-mounted cultivator and a rear-mounted mower.
F. Farmall F-14
In 1932, IH introduced the Farmall F-12, a one-plow, two-row machine aimed at weaning the small farmer away from his team of horses. It was rated at 12.31 drawbar hp, and IH sold more than 123,000 F-12 units before the model was replaced by the F-14 in 1938. If you guessed the quiz tractor is an F-12, it’s okay, because the two are almost identical. The main F-14 difference is a higher steering wheel support, which causes the steering shaft to angle down from the wheel to the radiator. The F-12’s shaft was parallel with the hood top. The F-14 was made only during 1938 and 1939, making it the shortest-lived Farmall ever made, although more than 27,000 were built.,
G. Allis-Chalmers G
This little tractor was introduced in 1948 and marketed to small-acreage farmers, or as a second tractor on large operations. However, truck farmers, nurserymen and other specialty crop growers soon discovered the G was ideal for them. The rear-mounted engine, a Continental N-62, provided traction to the rear wheels, while giving the driver a clear view of the implement, which was mounted | near the front wheels, beneath the curved frame. Especially useful for close cultivation in narrow rows of vegetables, many Allis-Chalmers Model Gs are still used by truck farmers. Production ended in 1955 after almost 30,000 units were sold.
H. Oliver Row-Crop 60
The sleek, streamlined Oliver Row-Crop Model 60 joined the larger Oliver tractors in 1940 to attract small-acreage farmers. Rated as a one-or two-plow machine, the Row-Crop 60 could cultivate two rows. The 120.6-cubic-inch, high compression engine put out 18.76 belt and 16.92 drawbar hp at the Nebraska Tractor Tests. A power lift, electric starter and lights, and fenders were optional. Later versions of the 60 included a standard tread model and a row crop with a wide, adjustable front axle. About 25,000 Oliver Row-Crop 60s were built before being replaced by the Model 66 in 1949.
