Leader 12-18
Power
20 hp[B] hp
Production
1915-1921
Engine
2-cylinder
Transmission
Gear
Weight
5000 lbs [2268 kg]
Drive
2WD
Introduction
Leader 12-18 Agricultural Tractor
The Leader 12-18 is a standard-tread tractor manufactured by Leader, a division of Dayton-Dick, in Quincy, Illinois, USA. Produced between 1915 and 1921, this machine represents early 20th-century agricultural mechanization, designed for general field work and pulling implements.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 368 cubic inches (6.0 liters). It utilizes a Kingston-Bennett carburetor and operates on kerosene fuel. The engine is rated at 750 RPM and is started via a manual hand crank. It delivers a claimed 12 hp (8.9 kW) at the drawbar and 18 hp (13.4 kW) at the belt, providing sufficient power to operate 2 to 3 14-inch plows.
Transmission and Mechanical Features
The drivetrain consists of a gear-type transmission offering 3 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. The tractor features a two-wheel-drive configuration with manual steering. The operator operates the machine from an open station, reflecting the standard design practices of the era.
Dimensions and Build
The Leader 12-18 has a total length of 114 inches (289 cm), a width of 64 inches (162 cm), and a height of 72 inches (182 cm). It has a substantial dry weight of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). The machine is equipped with steel agricultural wheels, measuring 38x6 in the front and 55x16 in the rear, which provide the necessary traction for field operations.
Conclusion
The Leader 12-18 was a robust, entry-level tractor for its time, marketed at an original price of $890 in 1917. Its mechanical simplicity and ability to handle multiple plows made it a functional tool for farmers of that period, and it remains a notable example of early American agricultural engineering.
Production Information of Leader, 12-18
- Original price was $890 in 1917
- Standard-tread tractor
- Built in Quincy, Illinois, USA
| Manufacturer | Leader (a part of Dayton-Dick) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Leader, 12-18
| Length | 114 inches [289 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5000 lbs [2268 kg] |
| Width | 64 inches [162 cm] |
| Height | 72 inches [182 cm] |
| Ag front | 38x6 (steel) |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 55x16 (steel) |
Engine Specifications of Leader, 12-18
- Leader
- Liquid-cooled
- Kerosene
- 2-cylinder
| Fuel system | Kingston-Bennett carburetor |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 368 ci [6.0 L] |
| Rated RPM | 750 |
| Bore/Stroke | 6.25x6.00 inches [159 x 152 mm] |
| Starter type | Hand crank |
Transmission Information of Leader, 12-18
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Leader, 12-18
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Leader, 12-18
| Drawbar (claimed) | 12 hp [8.9 kW] |
|---|---|
| Belt (claimed) | 18 hp [13.4 kW] |
| Plows | 2-3 (14-inch) |
Where it sits
With 20 hp[B] HP, the Leader 12-18 sits between 9-15 (16 HP) and 15-25 (27 HP) in Leader's range. Its power puts it in the 14th percentile of 1910s models in our database (158 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Leader 12-18 have?
The Leader 12-18 delivers 20 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Leader 12-18 produced?
The Leader 12-18 was produced in 1915-1921.
What engine does the Leader 12-18 have?
The Leader 12-18 is powered by a 2-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Leader 12-18 use?
The Leader 12-18 uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the Leader 12-18 weigh?
The Leader 12-18 weighs 5000 lbs [2268 kg].
Is the Leader 12-18 4WD?
The Leader 12-18 is available in 2WD.