Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T

Name: Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T
Brand: Sears lawn tractors

Power

5 hp

Production

1939-1940

Engine

Gasoline, 1-cylinder 2-valve

Transmission

Belt-driven sliding gear

Drive

2WD

Under 15 HP 1930s 1940s

Introduction

David Bradley Handiman R-T Garden Tractor

The Handiman R-T is a compact garden tractor produced between 1939 and 1940. Distributed by Sears and manufactured by David Bradley in Bradley, Illinois, this machine represented a transition from the two-wheel walking tractor platform to a four-wheel riding configuration.

Engine and Powertrain

The tractor is powered by a Briggs & Stratton Z engine, a 376 cc (23 ci) single-cylinder, air-cooled, L-head unit. It delivers 5 hp (3.7 kW) at a rated speed of 3200 RPM. The fuel system utilizes a carburetor, and the engine is protected by an oil bath air cleaner. Starting is achieved via a manual hand-crank mechanism.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Power is transmitted through a belt-driven sliding gear transmission, offering two forward gears and one reverse gear. Engagement is controlled by a mechanical belt idler clutch. Sears provided an option to swap the engine and transmission pulleys, allowing for a approximately 20% increase in ground speed for transport or light tasks.

Chassis and Dimensions

The Handiman R-T features a two-wheel drive configuration with manual steering. The operator station is open and equipped with a simple steel pan seat. With a wheelbase of 57.25 inches (145 cm) and a ground clearance of 18 inches (45 cm), the tractor is designed for maneuvering in garden environments. The front and rear treads are adjustable to 27, 31.5, or 36 inches to suit various row widths.

Conclusion

"The Handiman R-T was marketed as an affordable entry-level solution for small-scale cultivation, retailing for $355 in 1940. Given its mechanical simplicity and historical lineage derived from two-wheel walking tractors, it remains a notable example of early American garden tractor design for collectors and vintage machinery enthusiasts."

Introduction

Production Information of Sears lawn tractors, Handiman R-T

The production information of the tractor (Handiman R-T) includes details about its manufacturing.

Original price was $355 in 1940

Built in Bradley, Illinois, USA

The Sears Handiman Riding Tractor (R-T) was based on the Handiman two-wheel walking tractors. Sears model numbers included 917.5151, 917.5154, and 917.5155

Garden tractor


Distributor	Sears
Manufacturer	David Bradley

Dimension and Tires Information of Sears lawn tractors, Handiman R-T

This section sums up the dimension and tires information of the tractor.


Wheelbase	57.25 inches [145 cm]
Rear tread	27/31.5/36 inches [68/80/91 cm]
Ground clearance	18 inches [45 cm]
Front tread	27/31.5/36 inches [68/80/91 cm]


Ag front	4.00x8
Ag rear	6.00x22

Engine Specifications of Sears lawn tractors, Handiman R-T

Get the specifications for the engine and if different options are available.

Briggs & Stratton Z

Air-cooled horizontal-shaft L-head

Gasoline

1-cylinder 2-valve


Exhaust valve clearance	0.015 inches [0.381 mm]
Fuel system	Carburetor
Air cleaner	Oil bath
Starter type	Hand-crank
Rated RPM	3200
Displacement	376 cc [23 ci]
Power	5 hp [3.7 kW]
Bore/Stroke	3.00x3.25 inches [76 x 83 mm]
Intake valve clearance	0.008 inches [0.203 mm]
Sparkplug gap	0.025 inches [0.635 mm]
Oil capacity	2.5 qts [2.4 L]

Transmission Information of Sears lawn tractors, Handiman R-TY

Discover all variants of transmission available for this tractor model.

Transmission variants 1

Sears advertised the ability to swap the engine and transmission pulleys, giving about 20% faster speeds.


Type	Belt-driven sliding gear
Gears	2 forward and 1 reverse
Clutch	Mechanical belt idler

Mechanical Specs of Sears lawn tractors, Handiman R-TY

This section summarizes all mechanical information such as the brake system and other specifications.

Two-wheel drive

Open operator station with steel pan seat.


Steering	Manual

Power Information of Sears lawn tractors, Handiman R-TY

Discover the power specifications and options available for this tractor model but also PTO (Power Take-off) information.

No data available

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T have?

The Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T delivers 5 HP.

What years was the Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T produced?

The Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T was produced in 1939-1940.

What engine does the Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T have?

The Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder 2-valve engine.

What transmission does the Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T use?

The Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T uses a Belt-driven sliding gear transmission.

Is the Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T 4WD?

The Sears lawn tractors Handiman R-T is available in 2WD.

More Sears lawn tractors models

Suburban5 HP · 1959 - 1961 Tri-Cut5 HP · 1957 - 1959 6256 HP · 1979 Custom 66 HP · 1965 - 1967 Custom 6006 HP · 1964 Custom 6006 HP · 1966 - 1967 Suburban 6006 HP · 1964 - 1965 7257 HP · 1979

View all 68 Sears lawn tractors models →

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