International Harvester McCormick WD9 – Built from 1940 – 1953 or 1954, the 9-series of McCormick tractors were marketed as both McCormick and McCormick-Deering.  They cost about $3,300 new.  The letter D indicated that this was a diesel tractor.  There was also a DR which was a diesel tractor designed for use in rice farming.  The gas model of this tractor was the W9 and there was also an I9 industrial model.

Reading More >>

Early John Deere tractors with 2-cylinder engines, from the letter-series (Models A, B, D, GP, H, etc.) through the first two number series (60, 70, etc. and 620,730, etc.) were known as “Popping Johnnies” or “Poppin’ Johnnies” because of the unique sound of their exhaust.  Even today, the sound of these engines is distinctive and easily recognizable.  The John Deere Model 430 shown here was the second smallest of the final series of John Deere tractors with 2-cylinder engines (Models […]

Reading More >>

McCormick Farmall Model B – The Farmall Model B, manufactured by International Harvester from 1939 – 1947, was nearly identical to the Model A.  On both, the steering column was offset from the engine center line.  On the Model A, this was accomplished by keeping the seat and steering wheel centered between the wheels and offsetting the engine to the left.  On the Model B, the engine was left centered between the wheels and the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and […]

Reading More >>

Another old 2-cylinder John Deere tractor.  The Model H was built between 1939 and 1947 and was considered a smaller (but not the smallest) Deere tractor of that time.  It did have the smallest of the horizontal 2-cylinder engines of any Deere tractor.  The Model H cost about $600 when new.

Reading More >>

In the area where I grew up, farm equipment by John Deere and International Harvester was the most common.  At the same time, other manufacturers were also represented including Allis Chalmers.  The Model CA shown here was manufactured from 1950 – 1958.

Reading More >>

For my friends and contacts who prefer red to green (sort of like preferring Nikon to Canon, oh well), a McCormick Farmall Model A.  These small tractors were manufactured by International Harvester from 1939 – 1947.  Steering was offset from center (if you could see the other side of the tractor, the steering column runs along side the tractor).

Reading More >>

Another 1932-35 vintage John Deere Model GP to go along with the photo posted last night.  This one with rubber tires instead of steel wheels.

Reading More >>