Introduction
Leader GU 16-32 Crawler Tractor
The Leader GU 16-32 is an agricultural crawler tractor produced between 1920 and 1923 by Leader, a division of Dayton-Dick, in Quincy, Illinois, USA. Designed for heavy-duty field operations, this machine represents early 20th-century tractor engineering, characterized by its crawler drive system and kerosene-fueled powerplant.
Engine and Powertrain
The tractor is equipped with a 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 510 cubic inches (8.4 liters). It utilizes a Stromberg carburetor and is designed to run on kerosene. The engine operates at a rated speed of 800 RPM and is started manually using a hand crank. This configuration provides a claimed belt power of 32 hp (23.9 kW).
Transmission and Drive
Power is transmitted to the ground via a crawler drive system, which provides increased traction compared to wheeled tractors of the same era. The transmission is a manual gear type offering two forward speeds and one reverse gear. Steering is manual, requiring direct operator input to navigate the tracks.
Performance and Capacity
With a drawbar power output of 16 hp (11.9 kW), the GU 16-32 was capable of pulling a 3-4 bottom 14-inch plow configuration. The machine has a total weight of 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg), which contributes to its stability and traction during tillage operations. It features an open operator station.
Conclusion
The Leader GU 16-32 served as a specialized tool for farmers requiring high traction and pulling capacity in the early 1920s. Its design reflects the transition toward mechanized agriculture, relying on a robust crawler chassis and a high-displacement engine to perform demanding soil cultivation tasks.
Production Information of Leader, GU 16-32
- Original price was $2,775 in 1921
- Agricultural Crawler tractor
- Built in Quincy, Illinois, USA
| Manufacturer | Leader (a part of Dayton-Dick) |
|---|
Engine Specifications of Leader, GU 16-32
- Climax
- Liquid-cooled
- Kerosene
- 4-cylinder
| Fuel system | Stromberg carburetor |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 510 ci [8.4 L] |
| Rated RPM | 800 |
| Bore/Stroke | 5.00x6.50 inches [127 x 165 mm] |
| Starter type | Hand crank |
Transmission Information of Leader, GU 16-32
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 2 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Leader, GU 16-32
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
| Drive | Crawler |
|---|
Power Information of Leader, GU 16-32
| Drawbar (claimed) | 16 hp [11.9 kW] |
|---|---|
| Belt (claimed) | 32 hp [23.9 kW] |
| Plows | 3-4 (14-inch) |
Where it sits
With 35 hp[B] HP, the Leader GU 16-32 sits between D (31 HP) and C 18-36 (40 HP) in Leader's range. Its power puts it in the 60th percentile of 1920s models in our database (181 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Leader GU 16-32 have?
The Leader GU 16-32 delivers 35 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Leader GU 16-32 produced?
The Leader GU 16-32 was produced in 1920-1923.
What engine does the Leader GU 16-32 have?
The Leader GU 16-32 is powered by a 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Leader GU 16-32 use?
The Leader GU 16-32 uses a Gear transmission.