TRACTOR TRIVIA and other interesting stuff 6/7/2024

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Truck-Farm tractors

 

Truck farming refers to the practice of growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers on a small scale for sale in local or regional markets. The term "truck" in truck farming comes from the old English word "truckle," which means "small-scale" or "barter." This type of farming often focuses on producing a diverse range of crops on a relatively small plot of land.

Farm tractors are too large for truck farming and prior to compact tractors geared to the truck farm a walk behind garden tractor or a hose or mule was the only practical way to tend to these crops.

American made “truck farm tractors” include the Massey Harris Pony. John Deere L, the Allis Chalmers G and the Farmall Cub.

They were light weight, tall enough to be used for cultivation of crops, and affordable. The farmer could get the job done with relative ease and use the tractor to maintain their lawn and driveway also.

John Deere was the first manufacturer to venture into the compact tractor market. In 1936 the experimental Modey “Y” tractor was constructed using readily available parts to construct the prototypes. Only 24 Model “Y” tractors were built and their original power plant was a Novo two-cylinder engine coupled to a Ford Model A transmission. The Novo engine proved unsatisfactory during field trials and was replaced by a Hercules NXA engine. The Model Y was an experimental tractor and all were recalled to the factory. Most people would tell you that the first vertical cylinder John Deere was built in 1961 but now you know better!

Based on the success of the Model “Y” development of the Model 62, powered by the same 2-cylinder ten horse power Hercules engine began. Although there were many differences from the earlier model the twin tube frame was retained. The cast front and rear wheels are different and the fenders are more rounded. The transmission is mounted to the front of the rear axle instead of the rear of the engine. Another feature that appears only on the Model 62 is the large JD logo that is cast into the rear axle housing and the cast shield below the radiator. In 1937 the Model 62 sold for $ 450 and only 78 were built.

The Model 62 with slight modifications became the Model “L” later in 1937 retaining the Hercules engine until 1940 when a 14 horse power John Deere engine replaced it. With only a few minor changes the Model ”L” remained in production until 1946 with over 12,500 being built. In 1947 it was replaced by the Model “M”.

The Massey-Harris Pony was manufactured from 1947 until 1957. About 28,000 of these tractors were built during the 10 year production run. The Pony was by far the most popular model of the Massey Harris four horse line, which included the Pacer, Colt and Mustang. This tractor was designed to compete with the John Deere L, the Allis Chalmers G and the Farmall Cub.

Your local AGCO dealer can still order parts for these Massey-Harris tractors and plenty of aftermarket options are available.

Engine parts are particularly easy to source, since the tractor used a Continental 1.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine – the same engine used in the popular Allis Chalmers Model G.

The Farmall Cub was International Harvester Corporation’s smallest tractor and was introduced in 1947, the "Cub." With a 60 cu. in. four-cylinder engine and a 69-inch wheelbase, the Cub was aimed at small farms that had previously continued to rely on horse-drawn equipment. Production of the "Farmall Cub" commenced at the newly acquired Farmall Works, Louisville, Kentucky plant (formerly the wartime Curtiss-Wright Aircraft factory in Louisville) which was expanded, remodeled, and re-equipped. Selling for $545.00 in 1947, the Cub proved extremely popular, and the original design continued in production without significant alteration until 1979. 245,000 Cub tractors were produced between 1947 and 1979

The Model “G” is a small open concept tractor that was made by the Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company. At the time of its introduction the Model G was unique for its rear-mounted, Continental N62 four-cylinder engine. The Model G was designed for small farms and vegetable gardeners, and a line of implements specifically designed for it, including ploughs, planters, and cultivators. The design of the Model G allowed for a great view of the belly-mounted implements.

The Model G was manufactured solely in the factory in Gadsden, Alabama, from 1948 to 1955. 29,976 units were built, which is less than Allis-Chalmers had originally hoped for. The Model G weighed 1,285 pounds, and was rated at 10 drawbar horsepower. The engine had a displacement of 62 cubic inches and was rated at 1800 RPM. The transmission was a non-synchronized three-speed with reverse. An additional 'creeper' forward gear was standard equipment as well.

[ebinmaine 67,439]

At some point or another my maternal grandfather had an IHC cub. I never got to see it but I understand from relatives he liked it quite a lot.

 

I've been around farms and tractors of what most of you would call small scale, all my life. Never had the usage for any machinery until we got a hold of Wheel Horse tractors just the last few years. I don't think I had ever heard of an Allis Chalmers G model until this website. Something about the configuration of those just fascinates me.

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8 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

I don't think I had ever heard of an Allis Chalmers G model until this website

I plan to do a post on the Allis-Chalmers G and several very similar open frame rear engine tractors in the near future. Here are a couple photos of a very nicely built Mini-G that had a lot of Wheel Horse parts in the build.