Introduction
Massey-Harris 44 Special Agricultural Tractor
Produced between 1953 and 1955 in Racine, Wisconsin, the Massey-Harris 44 Special is a row-crop tractor designed for medium-duty agricultural operations. This model succeeded the standard 44 series, offering refined engine configurations and versatile design options for various farming environments.
Engine and Performance
The 44 Special is powered by a 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, vertical I-head engine with a displacement of 259.4 cubic inches (4.3 liters). It features an oil bath air cleaner and was available in multiple fuel variants, including LP gas. The engine produces 40 horsepower, with rated performance optimized at 1350 to 1500 RPM, depending on the configuration.
Transmission and PTO
The tractor utilizes an unsynchronized gear transmission providing 5 forward speeds and 1 reverse gear, coupled with an 11-inch dry disc clutch. It is equipped with a live rear PTO, providing 534 RPM at an engine speed of 1350 RPM, which allows for consistent operation of mounted implements.
Hydraulics and Mechanical Control
The hydraulic system provides a total flow of 7.5 gallons per minute (28.4 liters per minute) at a system pressure of 1050 psi (72.4 bar), with a reservoir capacity of 1.75 gallons (6.6 liters). Steering is managed through a manual worm-and-sector system, and braking is handled by differential mechanical drum brakes.
Dimensions and Configuration
With a wheelbase of 88 inches (223 cm) and an overall length of 135.3 inches (343 cm), the 44 Special offers a stable footprint for row-crop operations. It features an open operator station and was manufactured in diverse configurations including standard, row-crop, cane, and rice versions to accommodate different terrain requirements.
Conclusion
The Massey-Harris 44 Special serves as a robust utility tractor suited for general field work and row-crop maintenance. Its mechanical simplicity and varied configuration options made it a versatile choice for mid-century agricultural operations requiring reliable power and consistent hydraulic performance.
Production Information of Massey-Harris, 44 Special
- The Massey Harris 44 Special offered a bored-out gasoline engine, increasing displacement over the 44. The diesel, distillate, and LP-gas engines remained the same. The 44 Special was available in row-crop, standard, cane (high-crop), and rice configurations.
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Racine, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | Massey-Harris |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Massey-Harris, 44 Special
| Wheelbase | 88 inches [223 cm] |
|---|---|
| Height | 80 inches [203 cm] |
| Length | 135.3 inches [343 cm] |
| Width | 79 inches [200 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.50x16 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 13-38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 12-38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 9.00x10 |
| Ag rear | 11-38 |
Engine Specifications of Massey-Harris, 44 Special
- Massey-Harris
- Liquid-cooled vertical I-head
- LP gas
- 4-cylinder
| Oil capacity | 8 qts [7.6 L] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 259.4 ci [4.3 L] |
| Rated RPM | 1350 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.875x5.50 inches [98 x 140 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 22 qts [20.8 L] |
| Rated RPM | 1500 |
| Rated RPM | 1350 |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
Transmission Information of Massey-Harris, 44 Special
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | 11-inch dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of Massey-Harris, 44 Special
- Differential mechanical drum brakes
- Open operator station.
| Steering | Manual worm-and-sector |
|---|
Power Information of Massey-Harris, 44 Special
| Rear PTO | Live |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 534 |
| Engine RPM | 534@1350 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Massey-Harris, 44 Special
| 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 Special
| Type | Massey Hitch-All |
|---|
Where it sits
With 40 HP, the Massey-Harris 44 Special sits just below 44 Row-Crop (45 HP) in Massey-Harris's range. Its power puts it in the 55th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Massey-Harris 44 Special have?
The Massey-Harris 44 Special delivers 40 HP.
What years was the Massey-Harris 44 Special produced?
The Massey-Harris 44 Special was produced in 1953-1955.
What engine does the Massey-Harris 44 Special have?
The Massey-Harris 44 Special is powered by a LP gas, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Massey-Harris 44 Special use?
The Massey-Harris 44 Special uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.