Farmall

Farmall

From 1924 to 1963, the International Harvester Farmall tractors were the largest-selling row-crop tractors. While the original Farmalls were slate blue in color, in the summer of 1936, the company switched to using red; however, a very few Farmall tractors were painted white in 1950 for a special promotion. While most of these tractors were built before the company's Rock Island, Illinois, plant closed in 1985, Case revived the Farmall brand name.

Farmall made several different types of tractors including:

• All-purpose: These tractors were useful for many different jobs around farms, including plowing, harvesting, and harrowing.
• Industrial: A heavier front end made these tractors ideal for working with a front-end scoop and other equipment attached to the front of the tractor.
• Utility: These smaller tractors were ideal for mowing and other small tasks around the farm.
• Wheatland: These full-size tractors were often used for field work.

There are a number of different factors to consider when shopping for an antique, full-size tractor, including:

• Tires: See whether the original type of tire is on the tractor and what condition the tires are in.
• Block: Examine the block for signs of cracking, and look at the crankcase for signs of oil or antifreeze.
• Hydraulics: Ensure that any hydraulics on the machine, like a three-point hitch, are working.
• Oil Pressure: The pressure should be higher when it is running than when it the tractor is cold.
• Compression: Listen to the machine for any unusual knocks or sounds, or run a compression test.
• Oil Filter: Many oil filters have a date written on them, and they should be replaced often.

The original Farmalls came with wrenches, a grease gun, and a spark plug tool. In fact, the only daily maintenance that you need to do on the original Farmall tractors is to keep them well-greased. Before starting the tractor, apply three squirts from a grease gun to the rear axle, steering column, universal joint, and both front axles. You should also use the grease gun to apply 10 squirts to the clutch relief bearing.

The very first Farmalls had 22 horsepower. It was not until they produced their row-crop tractor in 1932 that horsepower increased to 1931 and a variety of horsepower options were available, ranging from 14 to 33. Throughout the 1940s, horsepower ranged from 12 to 38 depending on the model chosen, and in the 1950s, horsepower ranged from 12 to 50. Before the end of the 1960s, horsepower finally reached 110 before maxing out at 167 in 1974.