Introduction
Cockshutt 540 Utility Tractor
The Cockshutt 540 is a utility tractor manufactured in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, between 1958 and 1962. Part of the 550 series, this machine was designed for general agricultural tasks, offering a balance of mechanical simplicity and operational versatility.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Continental F162 liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of 162 cubic inches (2.7 L). It produces 34 horsepower, providing sufficient power for standard field and farmstead operations. Early models utilized a 6-volt starter system, which was updated to 12 volts in later production units.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The drivetrain features a two-wheel drive configuration. Power is transmitted through an unsynchronized gear transmission providing 6 forward and 2 reverse gears, allowing the operator to select appropriate speeds for varying field conditions.
Hydraulics and Implements
For implement operation, the tractor is equipped with a live rear PTO spinning at 540 RPM. It includes a Type I rear hitch, which serves as the standard attachment point for various trailed and mounted implements. The tractor is configured with an open operator station and utilizes 11x28 rear agricultural tires to maintain traction.
Conclusion
With 2,500 units produced during its four-year manufacturing span, the Cockshutt 540 is a representative example of North American utility tractors from the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its combination of a standard Continental engine and straightforward mechanical design makes it a functional machine for small-scale agricultural applications and a subject of interest for vintage equipment collectors.
Production Information of Cockshutt, 540
- Utility tractor
- Built in Brantford, Ontario, Canada
| Manufacturer | Cockshutt |
|---|---|
| Original price | $3,000 (1962) |
| Total built | 2,500 |
Dimension and Tires Information of Cockshutt, 540
| Ag rear | 11x28 |
|---|
Engine Specifications of Cockshutt, 540
- Continental F162
- Liquid-cooled
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Displacement | 162 ci [2.7 L] |
|---|---|
| Starter volts | 6 (early) |
Transmission Information of Cockshutt, 540
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Cockshutt, 540
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Cockshutt, 540
| Rear PTO | Live |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Three-Point Hitch of Cockshutt, 540
| Rear Type | I |
|---|
Where it sits
With 34 hp[B] HP, the Cockshutt 540 sits just below 550 (46 HP) in Cockshutt's range. Its power puts it in the 44th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Cockshutt 540 have?
The Cockshutt 540 delivers 34 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Cockshutt 540 produced?
The Cockshutt 540 was produced in 1958-1962.
What engine does the Cockshutt 540 have?
The Cockshutt 540 is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Cockshutt 540 use?
The Cockshutt 540 uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.
Is the Cockshutt 540 4WD?
The Cockshutt 540 is available in 2WD.