The Farmall Super M, a legendary row-crop tractor from the early 1950s, epitomizes the pinnacle of agricultural innovation of its time. Renowned for its robust performance and enduring reliability, the Super M remains a cherished collector’s item today, celebrated for its iconic design and historical significance. With its powerful engine, rugged mechanical features, and versatile functionality, this enduring icon of farming history continues to captivate enthusiasts and historians alike, serving as a timeless symbol of the ingenuity and perseverance of the American farming tradition.
| Farmall Super M (1952 – 1954) Specifications |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Farmall (a part of International Harvester) |
| Type | Row-Crop Tractor |
| Production Factories | Rock Island, Illinois, USA; Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
| Total Built | 57,092 (Rock Island |
| Original Price (1954) | $2,500 |
| Variants | Super M (gear with spark engine), Super M-TA (TA with spark engine), Super MD (gear with diesel engine), Super MD-TA (TA with diesel engine), Super MV (high-crop) |
| Power |
|---|
| Drawbar | 44.23 hp / 33.0 kW |
| Belt | 47.07 hp / 35.1 kW |
| Mechanical Specifications |
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| Drive | Two-wheel drive |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Differential mechanical dry disc |
| Operator Station | Open |
| Engine Details |
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| Gasoline Engine | International Harvester C264, 4.3L 4-cyl |
| Displacement | 264 ci (4.3 L) |
| Compression | 5.9:1 |
| Air Cleaner | Oil bath |
| Rated RPM | 1450 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
| LP Gas Engine | International Harvester C264, 4.3L 4-cyl |
| Displacement | 264 ci (4.3 L) |
| Compression | 6.75:1 |
| Air Cleaner | Oil bath |
| Rated RPM | 1450 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
| Transmission |
|---|
| Type | Sliding gear |
| Gears | 5 forward, 1 reverse |
| Clutch | 12-inch dry disc |
| Oil Capacity | 52 qts (49.2 L) |
| Hydraulics |
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| Type | IH Lift-All |
| Power Take-off (PTO) | Rear transmission |
| Rear PTO RPM | 540 |
| Belt Pulley |
|---|
| Diameter | 11 inches |
| Width | 7.5 inches |
| RPM | 899 |
| Electrical |
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| Ground | Positive |
| Charging System | Generator |
| Battery Volts | 6 |
| Tires |
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| Ag Front | 6.00-16 |
| Ag Rear | 12-38 |
| Dimensions and Weight |
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| Wheelbase | 89.25 inches |
| Length | 134.6 inches |
| Width | 84.5 inches |
| Height (steering wheel) | 79 inches |
| Weight | 5603 lbs |
| Ground Clearance (frame) | 15.5 inches |
| Clearance (rear axle) | 26.25 inches |
Farmall Super M Overview
As a tractor expert examining the Farmall Super M, it’s essential to contextualize its significance within agricultural history, its relevance as a collector’s item today, and its technological aspects relative to its era.
Historical Significance
The Farmall Super M holds a significant place in agricultural history as a versatile and powerful row-crop tractor introduced in the early 1950s. During this period, the mechanization of farming was rapidly evolving, and the Super M represented a leap forward in agricultural productivity. Its production figures and widespread adoption testify to its importance in post-war American farming.
Modern Relevance and Collector’s Appeal
Today, the Farmall Super M is revered among collectors and enthusiasts for its historical significance, iconic design, and lasting durability. As a collector’s item, it represents a tangible link to a bygone era of farming when these machines were at the forefront of agricultural innovation. Restored Super M tractors are prized possessions, often showcased at agricultural shows, museums, and vintage tractor rallies, capturing the imagination of enthusiasts and historians alike.
Overview Specifications
Power and Performance: With its robust engine delivering around 44 horsepower, the Super M was a workhorse on the farm, capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from plowing and cultivating to hauling and mowing.
Mechanical Design: Its simple yet rugged mechanical design, featuring manual steering, dry disc brakes, and a sliding-gear transmission, reflected the state-of-the-art tractor technology of the time. These features made it reliable and easy to maintain, crucial factors for farmers dependent on their equipment.
Engine Technology: The Super M’s gasoline and LP gas engines were advanced for their time, offering sufficient power while maintaining fuel efficiency. The use of an oil bath air cleaner ensured clean airflow to the engine, enhancing its longevity and performance.
Hydraulics and PTO: The inclusion of hydraulics and a power take-off (PTO) system provided additional functionality, allowing implements to be easily attached and operated, further increasing the tractor’s versatility.
Technological Aspects
When considering the Farmall Super M within the context of tractor technology of the 1950s, several key aspects stand out:
Mechanical Simplicity: The Super M embodied the ethos of simplicity and durability, with its straightforward mechanical components engineered for reliability and ease of repair.
Manual Controls: Manual steering and mechanical brakes were standard features, reflecting the reliance on human power and mechanical linkages prevalent in tractor design at the time.
Basic Instrumentation: Instrumentation on the Super M was minimal, with basic gauges for monitoring engine parameters and minimal electrical components, reflecting the technology available during its production era.
Evolution of Power: The Super M represented an evolution in tractor power, offering significantly higher horsepower compared to earlier models, enabling farmers to tackle larger fields and more demanding tasks with greater efficiency.
In summary, the Farmall Super M is not only a historical artifact but also a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its era. Its enduring appeal as a collector’s item underscores its status as an icon of agricultural heritage, while its technological aspects provide insights into the evolution of tractor design and functionality during the mid-20th century.
