TRACTOR TRIVIA and other interesting stuff 2/8/2024

[953 nut 55,175]

The Haas Atomic Tractor

                                                                                                                                                                            

 

Hundreds of tractor brands have come and gone over the years but one of the most elusive is the Haas tractor.

Only a few hundred Haas Model A, B and D tractors were produced between 1949 and 1951.

 

As World War two approached manufacturing in the United States transitioned to support of the war effort. Ed Haas, the owner of Metal Parts Corp., a machine shop and foundry, began manufacturing aluminum aircraft cylinder heads for Warner Aircraft and Continental Motors for use in the P-51 Mustang fighter.

 

As World War II came to an end, Haas kept his plant busy by subcontracting to other firms. He also began producing a line of bacon griddles, electric mixers, aluminum skillets, deep fryers and other cookware under the Star Glow brand.

 With the experience gained manufacturing aircraft engines, as well as parts for International Harvester, Allis-Chalmers, Case and Massey-Harris, Haas saw an opportunity to manufacture his own line of tractors.

In 1949 the Haas Atomic A was introduced to America. The Model B was basically the same tractor with an additional transmission, thus giving it twice the speeds.

A and B tractors were powered by a Haas Model 6-12 air-cooled engine rated at 12-1/2 hp at 2,400 rpm, internal parts of that engine were identical to Ford Model A parts still available today. A Borg-Warner T-96 transmission similar to those used in wartime jeeps, Fords and Studebakers indicated that the transmissions, like the tractor’s jeep wheels, were war surplus. A considerable amount of brass was used in the steering arms, final drive gears and the hand crank, suggesting use of war surplus (brass shell casings) for those parts as well.

Both the Model A and B tractors had Ross steering, adjustable axles, pulley drive and a swinging drawbar as standard equipment. A starter/ generator and the pulley were factory options.

The larger Haas Model D competed with Ford, Ferguson and other low profile 3-point hitch tractors. The “D” used the Continental F-140 (140-cubic-inch) gasoline engine. It was also offered in a kerosene version with a 162-cubic-inch engine The tractor featured a Rockford clutch, B.F. Avery transmission and Ross steering. Weighing about 3,000 pounds, the Model D was among the first to feature a live hydraulic system and 3-point hitch, with a lifting capacity of 1,500 pounds.

No one knows how many Haas tractors were shipped overseas, although some Model D’s are known to be in Germany and Asia. Many Haas tractors were use in orchards and truck farms in Michigan and the upper Midwest. Some Haas Atomic A’s were used as factory mules to move heavy loads in the plant where they had been built.

    

[8ntruck 6,998]

This company any relation to the current Haas that makes machine tools and factory automation?  Also is the principle for the Haas F1 team.

[953 nut 55,175]

5 hours ago, 8ntruck said:

This company any relation to the current Haas that makes machine tools and factory automation?  Also is the principle for the Haas F1 team.

That question crossed my mind too. Haas Automation was formed in1987 and Gene Haas is co-owner of Stuart-Haas racing in NASCAR. Doesn't seem to be any relationship.