The Farmall A tractor, manufactured by Farmall, a division of International Harvester, holds a significant place in agricultural history. Produced in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and later in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, from 1939 to 1947, the Farmall A tractor became an essential tool on farms across the country. With its reliable performance, versatile features, and commitment to innovation, the Farmall A tractor made a lasting impact on the agricultural sector.

At the heart of the Farmall A tractor is a robust 1.9 L (113.0 cu·in) four-cylinder gasoline or kerosene engine. This engine provided farmers with ample power and torque, ensuring it could handle a wide range of farming tasks. The engine’s durability and efficiency allowed for extended operation without compromising performance, making the Farmall A a reliable workhorse on the farm.

The Farmall A tractor comes equipped with a sliding gear transmission featuring four forward gears and one reverse gear. This transmission design allowed for smooth and precise gear changes, enabling operators to adapt to various terrain and farming requirements effectively.

Features Of Farmall A Tractor

The Farmall A tractor played a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity during its era. Its power, efficiency, and versatility allowed farmers to tackle a wide range of tasks, including plowing, planting, cultivating, and harvesting. With its dependable performance, the Farmall A tractor helped farmers maximize their efficiency, reduce labor requirements, and increase overall productivity on the farm.

Engine

The Farmall A row-crop tractor featured the impressive International Harvester C113 engine, a powerhouse that contributed to its exceptional performance on the field. This engine boasted a displacement of 1.9 liters (1,852 cm2 or 113.0 cu·in) and operated on either gasoline or kerosene. With a cylinder bore of 76.0 mm (2.99 in) and a piston stroke of 102.0 mm (4.02 in), the C113 engine offered a well-balanced combination of power and efficiency for agricultural tasks. One notable specification of the engine is its compression ratio of 6.0:1, which optimized fuel combustion and enhanced overall efficiency.

This simplicity in design contributed to easy maintenance and reduced potential points of failure, ultimately enhancing the engine’s durability and longevity. The Farmall A’s C113 engine provided farmers with ample power and torque for various farming applications. The engine’s optimal displacement, combined with its well-matched cylinder bore and piston stroke, resulted in efficient combustion and robust performance. The engine’s compatibility with both gasoline and kerosene fuel options offered additional flexibility to farmers, ensuring they could utilize readily available fuel sources.

Transmission

The Farmall A tractor is equipped with a sliding gear transmission system, which offers a reliable and efficient means of transferring power from the engine to the wheels. This transmission design incorporates four forward gears and one reverse gear, providing operators with a range of speed options to suit different farming tasks and field conditions.

The sliding gear transmission of the Farmall A tractor allows for smooth and precise gear changes, enabling operators to optimize their speed and power output as needed.  In terms of speed capabilities, the Farmall A tractor is capable of reaching a maximum forward speed of 16.1 km/h (10 mph), the tractor’s reverse gear allows for a speed of 4.6 km/h (2.9 mph), enabling easy maneuvering and backing up in confined spaces or when performing specific tasks that require backward movement.

List Of Serial Number

The serial number of the tractor can be found on the seat upper bracket of the tractor.

The serial number of the tractor is written adjacent to the year of its manufacture:

• 1939 – FAA501
• 1940 – FAA6744
• 1941 – FAA41500
• 1942 – FAA80739
• 1944 – FAA96390
• 1945 – FAA113218
• 1946 – FAA146700
• 1947 – FAA182964 (Chicago)
• Final – FAA198298 (Chicago)
• 1947 – FAA200001 (Louisville)
• Final – FAA220829 (Louisville)

Other Mechanical Features

The Farmall A comes with a manual steering system that provides ease of maneuverability, granting operators control over the tractor’s direction. The Farmall A tractor incorporates mechanical contracting band brakes, ensuring reliable stopping power when needed. With an open operator station, farmers had excellent visibility and easy access to controls, allowing them to work efficiently and comfortably. Furthermore, the tractor’s 37.9-liter (10 US gal.; 8.3 Imp. gal) fuel tank provided sufficient capacity to minimize downtime for refueling.

Pros and Cons

Here are some factual pros and cons considering the overall Farmall A tractor.

Pros Of Farmall A Tractor

• Farmall A tractor’s International Harvester C113 engine showcased exceptional specifications that translated into tangible benefits for farmers.
• The Farmall A tractor is a versatile machine suitable for various row-crop farming operations. It can handle tasks such as plowing, planting, cultivating, and harvesting, making it adaptable to different stages of the farming process.
• Built by Farmall, a division of International Harvester, the Farmall A tractor is known for its robust construction and durability. It is designed to withstand the demands of agricultural work, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
• The Farmall A tractor is known for its fuel efficiency, allowing farmers to optimize their fuel consumption and reduce operational costs.

Cons Of Farmall A Tractor

• While the Farmall A tractor is suitable for many row-crop tasks, it may have limitations when it comes to heavy-duty or more demanding applications.
• As an older tractor model, the availability of specific parts for the Farmall A tractor may be limited or require sourcing from specialized suppliers. This could potentially lead to longer lead times for repairs and maintenance.

Price Of Farmall A Tractor

The original price of the Farmall A tractor was $750 in 1947. The price of a used tractor can depend upon the condition of its engine and other mechanical components.

Conclusion

The Farmall A tractor, manufactured by Farmall (a division of International Harvester), holds a significant place in agricultural history. With its versatility, durability, and ease of maintenance, it has been a reliable workhorse for farmers. The tractor’s compact size and maneuverability make it suitable for navigating tight spaces, while its fuel efficiency helps reduce operational costs. However, it’s important to consider the Farmall A’s limitations in terms of power, modern features, operator comfort, and the availability of specific parts. Overall, the Farmall A tractor remains a trusted choice for farmers seeking a dependable and adaptable machine for their row-crop operations.