Introduction
International Harvester Farmall Super MD
The International Harvester Farmall Super MD is a row-crop tractor produced between 1952 and 1954 in Rock Island, Illinois. Part of the MD series, this model was designed to provide reliable power for mid-century agricultural operations, offering a 52 horsepower output.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an International Harvester 4-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 264 cubic inches (4.3 liters). It features a liquid-cooling system with a capacity of 28 quarts (26.5 liters) and operates at a rated engine speed of 1450 RPM. The engine employs a 1-3-4-2 firing order and a 16.5:1 compression ratio, utilizing a 12-volt starter system.
Transmission and Drive
The Super MD is equipped with a two-wheel-drive configuration and offers two primary transmission options. The standard configuration is a gear-driven transmission with 5 forward and 1 reverse speeds, utilizing a dry disc clutch. An optional 'Torque Amplifier' transmission provides a partial power shift capability, expanding the range to 10 forward and 2 reverse speeds for enhanced operational flexibility.
Hydraulics and Implements
The machine features the IH Lift-All hydraulic system for implement control and is compatible with the IH Fast Hitch system, which facilitates the rapid attachment and detachment of various agricultural implements. A rear power take-off (PTO) rated at 540 RPM is standard, allowing for the operation of driven equipment.
Dimensions and Chassis
The tractor is built on a 95.75-inch (243 cm) wheelbase. It offers adjustable tread widths to accommodate different row-crop spacings: the rear tread is adjustable from 52 to 88 inches (132 to 223 cm), while the front tread varies by configuration. The unit is fitted with 6.00x16 front tires and 13.00x38 rear tires. Mechanical differential disc brakes provide the necessary stopping power, and the operator station is of the open-platform design.
Conclusion
The International Harvester Farmall Super MD remains a significant example of American agricultural engineering from the early 1950s. With its durable diesel engine and available Torque Amplifier transmission, it provided farmers of that era with a versatile and robust platform for diverse field duties.
Production Information of Farmall, Super MD
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Rock Island, Illinois, USA
| Manufacturer | Farmall (a part of International Harvester) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | 89 (Super MDV) |
| Total built | 5,199 |
Dimension and Tires Information of Farmall, Super MD
| Front tread | 57 to 81 inches [144 to 205 cm (wide-front)] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 95.75 inches (tricycle) [243 cm] |
| Width | 84.5 inches [214 cm] |
| Width(optional) | 145.125 inches (wide) [368 cm] |
| Width(optional) | 99.75 inches (wide) [253 cm] |
| Clearance (rear axle) | 26.25 inches [66 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 79 inches [200 cm] |
| Length | 141.125 inches (tricycle) [358 cm] |
| Rear tread | 52 to 88 inches [132 to 223 cm] |
| Front tread | 8.625/12.25/13.625/17.50 inches [21/31/34/44 cm (tricycle)] |
| Bar rear axle | 2.75 inch diameter [69 mm] |
| Ground clearance | 18.5 inches (frame) [46 cm] |
Width to ends of rear axles.
| Ag front | 6.00x16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 13.00x38 |
Engine Specifications of Farmall, Super MD
- International Harvester
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 4-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 28 qts [26.5 L] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 264 ci [4.3 L] |
| Rated RPM | 1450 |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00x5.25 inches [102 x 133 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Compression | 16.5:1 |
Transmission Information of Farmall, Super MD
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Transmission variants 2
- The Torque Amplifier first became available in 1954 on the Super MD-TA.
| Transmission | International Harvester Torque Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | 10 forward and 2 reverse |
- 5-speed gear
- 10-speed partial power shift
Mechanical Specs of Farmall, Super MD
- Two-wheel drive
- Differential mechanical disc brakes
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Farmall, Super MD
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
|---|
Hydraulics Specifications of Farmall, Super MD
| Type | IH Lift-All |
|---|
Three-Point Hitch of Farmall, Super MD
| Type | IH Fast Hitch |
|---|
Electrical System of Farmall, Super MD
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Batteries | 2 |
| Battery volts | 6 |
Where it sits
With 52 hp[P] HP, the Farmall Super MD sits between Super M (51 HP) and AM-7 (54 HP) in Farmall's range. Its power puts it in the 77th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Farmall Super MD have?
The Farmall Super MD delivers 52 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Farmall Super MD produced?
The Farmall Super MD was produced in 1952-1954.
What engine does the Farmall Super MD have?
The Farmall Super MD is powered by a Diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Farmall Super MD use?
The Farmall Super MD uses a Gear transmission.
Is the Farmall Super MD 4WD?
The Farmall Super MD is available in 2WD.