The Farmall HV, a high-clearance tractor produced by International Harvester from 1942 to 1953, is a historical and sought-after collector’s item. With its unique design and significance in post-war American agriculture, it represents a bygone era of farming technology and holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts.
| Farmall HV (High-Clearance Tractor) Specs |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Farmall (a part of International Harvester) |
| Type | High-Clearance tractor |
| Total Built | 863 |
| Variants | H (row-crop), HV (high-crop), W-4 (standard tread), I-4 (industrial), O-4 (orchard) |
| Power |
|---|
| Drawbar (claimed) | 19 horsepower (14.2 kW) |
| Belt (claimed) | 24 horsepower (17.9 kW) |
| Liquid-cooled |
|---|
| Displacement | 152.1 cubic inches (2.5 liters) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.375×4.25 inches (86×108 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 5.9:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1650 |
| Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Oil Capacity | 6 quarts (5.7 liters) |
| Coolant Capacity | 16.5 quarts (15.6 liters) |
| Sparkplug Gap | 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) |
| Point Gap | 0.013 inches (0.330 mm) |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.017 inches (0.432 mm) |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.017 inches (0.432 mm) |
| Liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
|---|
| Displacement | 152.1 cubic inches (2.5 liters) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.375×4.25 inches (86×108 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 4.75:1 |
| Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Oil Capacity | 6 quarts (5.7 liters) |
| Coolant Capacity | 16.5 quarts (15.6 liters) |
| Liquid-cooled |
|---|
| Displacement | 152.1 cubic inches (2.5 liters) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.375×4.25 inches (86×108 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 4.5:1 |
| Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Oil Capacity | 6 quarts (5.7 liters) |
| Coolant Capacity | 16.5 quarts (15.6 liters) |
| Transmission |
|---|
| Type | Sliding gear |
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
| Tires |
|---|
| Ag front | 6.00×20 |
| Ag rear | 9.00×36 |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 91 inches (231 cm) |
| Length | 146 inches (370 cm) |
| Width | 86 inches (218 cm) |
| Height | 87.25 inches (221 cm) |
| Weight | 4775 pounds (2165 kg) |
| Capacity |
|---|
| Fuel | 17.5 gallons (66.2 liters) |
| Auxiliary fuel | 0.875 gallons (3.3 liters) |
| Hydraulic system | 6 gallons (22.7 liters) |
| Hydraulics |
|---|
| Capacity | 6 gallons (22.7 liters) |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear RPM | 540 |
| HV Serial Numbers |
|---|
| 1939 | 501 |
| 1940 | 10653 |
| 1941 | 52387 |
| 1942 | 93237 |
| 1943 | 122091 |
| 1944 | 150251 |
| 1945 | 186123 |
| 1946 | 214820 |
| 1947 | 241143 |
| 1948 | 268991 |
| 1949 | 300876 |
| 1950 | 327975 |
| 1951 | 351923 |
| 1952 | 375861 |
| 1953 | 390500 |
Farmall HV Overview
The Farmall HV, produced from 1942 to 1953, is a classic tractor that holds a special place in the history of agriculture and has become a sought-after collector’s item today. As a vintage model, it offers a glimpse into the tractor technology of its era and holds several unique aspects that collectors appreciate.
Historical Significance:
The Farmall HV was part of the Farmall series by International Harvester, and it played a crucial role in American agriculture during and after World War II. These high-clearance tractors were designed to navigate fields with tall crops, making them especially valuable for tasks like cultivating and harvesting crops like cotton, sugar cane, and more. Their robust construction and dependable engines made them a staple on farms across the country.
Collectors’ Appeal:
Today, the Farmall HV has gained collectors’ attention for several reasons:
Nostalgia: Many collectors have a deep appreciation for vintage tractors, especially those that represent a specific period in agricultural history. The Farmall HV embodies the post-war farming era.
Rarity: With a limited production run of only 863 units, the HV is relatively rare compared to some other tractor models, making it a coveted collector’s item.
Design and Styling: Collectors appreciate the classic design elements, including the high-clearance chassis, distinctive paint scheme, and the Farmall logo on the grille.
Restoration Projects: Some collectors enjoy restoring vintage tractors to their former glory, and the Farmall HV provides an excellent canvas for restoration projects.
Overview Specifications (Considering Technology of the Time):
Power: With a drawbar horsepower of 19 and belt horsepower of 24, the HV had sufficient power for its era to handle various field operations.
Engine: The 4-cylinder C-152 engine was liquid-cooled and featured a vertical I-head design. It had a displacement of 2.5 liters, which was typical for tractors of that time.
Transmission: The sliding gear transmission with 5 forward and 1 reverse gears was standard for tractors of this period. It provided reliable power transfer to the wheels.
Steering: Manual steering was common during this era, and it required physical effort from the operator.
Hydraulics: The tractor featured hydraulic systems with a capacity of 6 gallons, a significant advancement for the time, allowing for easier operation of implements.
Tires: The high-clearance design included large agricultural tires suitable for navigating tall crops.
Aspects of Tractor Technology of the Time:
Simplicity: Tractors from the 1940s and 1950s were known for their straightforward and rugged designs, focusing on durability and ease of maintenance.
Mechanical Controls: The HV featured mechanical controls for various functions, including throttle, clutch, and gear shifting.
Basic Instrumentation: Tractors of this era typically had basic instrument panels, often limited to essential gauges like an oil pressure gauge and ammeter.
Manual Labor: Operators had to rely on their physical strength for tasks like steering and controlling implements, which required a good deal of effort.
Versatility: Tractors like the Farmall HV were designed to be versatile workhorses, capable of handling a wide range of agricultural tasks.
In summary, the Farmall HV is a historical model that represents a bygone era in farming technology. Its appeal to collectors lies in its rarity, design, and the opportunity it offers for restoration. As a classic piece of agricultural machinery, it stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation of farming equipment from the mid-20th century.
