Introduction
International Harvester Farmall M: Technical Overview
The International Harvester Farmall M is a row-crop tractor produced in Rock Island, Illinois, between 1939 and 1954. As a central model in the McCormick-Deering line, it was designed to serve as a versatile utility tractor for mid-to-large scale agricultural operations, bridging the gap between smaller row-crop machines and heavy-duty tractors.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by the International Harvester C248, a liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder vertical I-head gasoline engine. With a displacement of 247.7 cubic inches (4.1 liters) and a compression ratio of 5.65:1, it achieves a rated speed of 1450 RPM, delivering 38 horsepower. The engine utilizes a 1-3-4-2 firing order and requires a coolant capacity of 24 quarts (22.7 liters).
Transmission and Mechanical Systems
The Farmall M features a sliding gear transmission providing five forward gears and one reverse gear. It is a two-wheel drive machine equipped with manual steering and mechanical contracting band brakes. The rear axle is supported by 2.75-inch diameter bars, and the rear tread is adjustable from 52 to 88 inches to accommodate various row widths.
Hydraulics and Power Take-Off
The tractor is equipped with a rear power take-off (PTO) operating at 540 RPM. Hydraulic capabilities are provided by the optional Lift-All system, which features a transmission-driven pump. The system pressure was rated at 500 psi for early production models, later increased to 800 psi to handle more demanding implements.
Dimensions and Weight
With a wheelbase of 88.5 inches and a total length of 133 inches, the Farmall M maintains a stable footprint for field work. The base shipping weight is 4,858 lbs, which can be increased to 6,770 lbs when ballasted. The operator station is an open-platform design, consistent with tractors of this era.
Conclusion
The Farmall M represents a significant period in agricultural engineering, characterized by its durable construction and mechanical simplicity. With over 270,000 units produced, it remains a highly regarded machine for collectors and historical farming enthusiasts due to its reliable performance and parts availability.
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Production Information of Farmall, M
- The M was also available in the MV high-clearance "vegetable version" and the MD diesel. The Farmall M was the row-crop version of the McCormick-Deering W-6. In the late 1950s, the M continued production at Doncaster after it had ceased at the Farmall Works, these are often referred to as a model BM.
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Rock Island, Illinois, USA
| Manufacturer | Farmall (a part of International Harvester) |
|---|---|
| Original price | $1,440 (1946 ) |
| Total built | 270,140 |
| Total built(optional) | $2,600 (1952 ) |
Dimension and Tires Information of Farmall, M
| Bar rear axle | 2.75 inch diameter [69 mm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 88.5 inches [224 cm] |
| Shipping weight | 4858 lbs [2203 kg] |
| Height | 78.3 inches [198 cm] |
| Length | 133 inches [337 cm] |
| Front tread | 9.125 inches [23 cm] |
| Ballasted weight | 6770 lbs [3070 kg] |
| Width | 84 inches [213 cm] |
| Rear tread | 52 to 88 inches [132 to 223 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 10-38 |
| Ag rear | 51x8 (steel) |
| Ag rear | 11-38 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 12-38 |
| Ag front | 22.50x4 (steel) |
Engine Specifications of Farmall, M
- International Harvester C248
- Liquid-cooled vertical I-head
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Intake valve clearance | 0.017 inches [0.432 mm] |
|---|---|
| Intake valve clearance(optional) | 0.020 inches (Distributer) [0.508 mm] |
| Rated RPM | 1450 |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.017 inches [0.432 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 8 qts [7.6 L] |
| Coolant capacity | 24 qts [22.7 L] |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Displacement | 247.7 ci [4.1 L] |
| Compression | 5.65:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.875x5.25 inches [98 x 133 mm] |
| Point gap | 0.013 inches (Magneto) [0.330 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 24 qts [22.7 L] |
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Transmission Information of Farmall, M
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Sliding gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Farmall, M
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Mechanical contracting band brakes
Power Information of Farmall, M
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.375) |
|---|
Hydraulics Specifications of Farmall, M
| Type | Lift-All |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 500 psi (early) [34.5 bar] |
| Pressure(optional) | 800 psi (late) [55.2 bar] |
Optional. Transmission-driven pump.
Where it sits
With 38 hp[P] HP, the Farmall M sits between F-30 (33 HP) and Super M (51 HP) in Farmall's range. Its power puts it in the 58th percentile of 1930s models in our database (235 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Farmall M have?
The Farmall M delivers 38 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Farmall M produced?
The Farmall M was produced in 1939-1954.
What engine does the Farmall M have?
The Farmall M is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Farmall M use?
The Farmall M uses a Sliding gear transmission.
How much does the Farmall M weigh?
The Farmall M weighs 4858 lbs [2203 kg].
Is the Farmall M 4WD?
The Farmall M is available in 2WD.