Introduction
ATC 500 Crawler Tractor
The ATC 500 is an agricultural crawler tractor produced between 1954 and 1957 in Churubusco, Indiana, USA. Part of the 400 series, this machine was designed for specialized field operations requiring the traction and stability provided by a tracked undercarriage.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Continental GD-157 diesel engine. This 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled unit features a displacement of 157 cubic inches (2.6 liters) and produces a gross power output of 42.5 hp (31.7 kW). It operates at a rated speed of 1850 RPM and delivers 110 lb-ft (149.2 Nm) of torque at 1200 RPM. The engine is supported by a 12-volt electric starter system.
Transmission and Drive
The ATC 500 utilizes a gear-type transmission providing 3 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. As a crawler tractor, it relies on a tracked drive system, utilizing 13-inch tracks to distribute its operating weight, which ranges from 6,335 to 8,440 pounds depending on configuration.
Hydraulics and Operator Station
The hydraulic system is of the open-center type, featuring a pump flow capacity of 11 gallons per minute (41.6 liters per minute) at a pressure of 1000 psi (69.0 bar). The operator station is an open design, prioritizing visibility and functional access to controls.
Conclusion
The ATC 500 is a robust crawler tractor suited for agricultural tasks where high tractive effort and ground flotation are prioritized over speed. Its simple mechanical architecture and reliable Continental diesel engine make it a representative example of mid-1950s crawler technology.
Production Information of ATC, 500
- Agricultural Crawler tractor
- Built in Churubusco, Indiana, USA
| Manufacturer | ATC |
|---|
Engine Specifications of ATC, 500
- Continental GD-157
- Liquid-cooled
- 4-cylinder
- Diesel
| Rated RPM | 1850 |
|---|---|
| Starter | Electric |
| Displacement | 157 ci [2.6 L] |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.375x4.375 inches [86 x 111 mm] |
| Power (gross) | 38 hp [28.3 kW] |
| Torque RPM | 1200 |
| Torque | 110 lb-ft [149.2 Nm] |
| Coolant capacity | 14 qts [13.2 L] |
| Oil capacity | 8 qts [7.6 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of ATC, 500
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of ATC, 500
- Open operator station.
| Drive | Crawler |
|---|
Power Information of ATC, 500
| Engine (gross) | 42.5 hp [31.7 kW] |
|---|
Hydraulics Specifications of ATC, 500
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 1000 psi [69.0 bar] |
| Pump flow | 11 gpm [41.6 lpm] |
Where it sits
Its power puts it in the 60th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the ATC 500 have?
The ATC 500 delivers 42 HP.
What years was the ATC 500 produced?
The ATC 500 was produced in 1954-1957.
What engine does the ATC 500 have?
The ATC 500 is powered by a Diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the ATC 500 use?
The ATC 500 uses a Gear transmission.