Introduction
Leader B Utility Tractor
The Leader B is a vintage utility tractor produced between 1945 and 1946 by the Leader Tractor Company in Auburn, Ohio, USA. Designed for general agricultural tasks, this two-wheel-drive machine represents the post-war mechanical engineering standards of the era.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder Hercules IXB gasoline engine. With a displacement of 133 cubic inches (2.2 liters), it delivers 31 horsepower at a rated engine speed of 1800 RPM. Fuel delivery is managed by a Zenith carburetor, and the engine is started using an electric starter system.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The powertrain features a mechanical dry disc clutch coupled with a gear-type transmission, providing 3 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a chain-based final drive system. Steering is manual, and the tractor is equipped with mechanical contracting band brakes for stopping power.
Implement Operation and Dimensions
The Leader B includes a rear Power Take-Off (PTO) running at 540 RPM. The tractor has a wheelbase of 70 inches (177 cm) and a total length of 111 inches (281 cm). It offers adjustable tread widths, with the front tread ranging from 48 to 68 inches and the rear tread from 48 to 64.5 inches, allowing for adaptation to different row spacings. The machine weighs approximately 2500 lbs (1134 kg) and provides 19 inches (48 cm) of ground clearance.
Conclusion
The Leader B is a straightforward, mechanically driven utility tractor. Its design, characterized by a simple manual transmission and essential hydraulic or mechanical controls, makes it a suitable candidate for light agricultural work or for collectors focused on mid-1940s American tractor history.
Production Information of Leader, B
- Utility tractor
- Built in Auburn, Ohio, USA
| Manufacturer | Leader (a part of Leader Tractor Company) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Leader, B
| Rear tread | 48 to 64.5 inches [121 to 163 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 70 inches [177 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 19 inches [48 cm] |
| Weight | 2500 lbs [1134 kg] |
| Length | 111 inches [281 cm] |
| Front tread | 48 to 68 inches [121 to 172 cm] |
| Height | 61 inches [154 cm] |
| Ag front | 5x15 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 9x24 |
Engine Specifications of Leader, B
- Hercules IXB
- Liquid-cooled
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Power | 31 hp [23.1 kW] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 133 ci [2.2 L] |
| Fuel system | Zenith carburetor |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.25x4.00 inches [83 x 102 mm] |
| Starter type | Electric |
| Rated RPM | 1800 |
Transmission Information of Leader, B
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | Mechanical dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of Leader, B
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Mechanical contracting band brakes
- Manual steering
| Final drives | Chain |
|---|
Power Information of Leader, B
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Where it sits
Its power puts it in the 45th percentile of 1940s models in our database (263 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Leader B have?
The Leader B delivers 31 HP.
What years was the Leader B produced?
The Leader B was produced in 1945-1946.
What engine does the Leader B have?
The Leader B is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Leader B use?
The Leader B uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the Leader B weigh?
The Leader B weighs 2500 lbs [1134 kg].
Is the Leader B 4WD?
The Leader B is available in 2WD.