Introduction
Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop
The Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop is a classic agricultural tractor produced between 1947 and 1953 in Racine, Wisconsin, USA. As a row-crop machine, it was engineered for versatility in field operations, serving as a primary workhorse on mid-century American farms with a total production run of approximately 84,000 units.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled vertical I-head engine with a displacement of 259.4 cubic inches (4.3 L). Rated at 1350 RPM, the engine delivers 45 horsepower. While most units utilized standard fuel configurations, a rare LP-gas variant was produced in 1952, limited to 460 units. The engine includes an oil bath air cleaner and utilizes a 6-volt electric starter system.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The drivetrain features a two-wheel-drive configuration paired with an unsynchronized gear transmission. This setup provides 5 forward gears and 1 reverse gear, managed by a dry disc clutch. This mechanical arrangement was standard for the era, prioritizing simplicity and ease of field maintenance.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system operates at a pressure of 1050 psi (72.4 bar) with a total flow capacity of 7.5 gpm (28.4 lpm) and a system capacity of 1.75 gallons (6.6 L). The rear PTO is rated at 534 RPM. Notably, late production models of the Massey 44 introduced a live PTO, which allowed for independent operation of driven implements.
Dimensions and Handling
The 44 Row-Crop has a wheelbase of 87.75 inches (222 cm) and an overall length of 135.3 inches (343 cm). It features manual steering and differential mechanical drum brakes for operator control. The rear tread width is adjustable between 51.25 and 88.375 inches (130 to 224 cm), allowing the tractor to be configured for different row spacings.
Conclusion
The Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop is a durable, utility-focused tractor designed for mid-century crop cultivation. Its combination of adjustable tread widths, mechanical simplicity, and the availability of a live PTO on later models made it a highly functional tool for general farming tasks during its production era.
Production Information of Massey-Harris, 44 Row-Crop
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Racine, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | Massey-Harris |
|---|---|
| Total built | 84,000 |
Dimension and Tires Information of Massey-Harris, 44 Row-Crop
| Wheelbase | 87.75 inches [222 cm] |
|---|---|
| Front tread | 6 inches [15 cm] |
| Height | 80 inches [203 cm] |
| Length | 135.3 inches [343 cm] |
| Rear tread | 51.25 to 88.375 inches [130 to 224 cm] |
| Width | 79 inches [200 cm] |
| Ag front | 5.50-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 13-38 |
| Ag rear | 11-38 |
| Ag rear | 12-38 |
Engine Specifications of Massey-Harris, 44 Row-Crop
- Massey-Harris
- Liquid-cooled vertical I-head
- Only 460 model Massey Harris model 44 tractors were built with the LP-gas engine, all of them in 1952.
- LP gas
- 4-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 23 qts [21.8 L] |
|---|---|
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Rated RPM | 1350 |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Starter | Electric |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.875x5.50 inches [98 x 140 mm] |
| Displacement | 259.4 ci [4.3 L] |
| Oil capacity | 8 qts [7.6 L] |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of Massey-Harris, 44 Row-Crop
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 52 qts [49.2 L] |
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of Massey-Harris, 44 Row-Crop
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Differential mechanical drum brakes
Power Information of Massey-Harris, 44 Row-Crop
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO(optional) | Live |
| Rear PTO Type | 534 |
Live PTO available on late models of the Massey 44.
Hydraulics Specifications of Massey-Harris, 44 Row-Crop
| Capacity | 1.75 gal [6.6 L] |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 1050 psi [72.4 bar] |
| Total flow | 7.5 gpm [28.4 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of Massey-Harris, 44 Row-Crop
| Type | Massey Hitch-All |
|---|
Electrical System of Massey-Harris, 44 Row-Crop
| Charging system | Generator |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Batteries | 1 (gas) |
| Batteries(optional) | 2 (diesel) |
Where it sits
With 45 HP, the Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop sits just above 44 Special (40 HP) in Massey-Harris's range. Its power puts it in the 73th percentile of 1940s models in our database (263 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop have?
The Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop delivers 45 HP.
What years was the Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop produced?
The Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop was produced in 1947-1953.
What engine does the Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop have?
The Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop is powered by a Only 460 model Massey Harris model 44 tractors were built with the LP-gas engine, all of them in 1952., 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop use?
The Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.
Is the Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop 4WD?
The Massey-Harris 44 Row-Crop is available in 2WD.