Introduction
Massey-Harris 444 Row-Crop Tractor
The Massey-Harris 444 is a row-crop tractor produced between 1956 and 1958 at the manufacturer's facility in Racine, Wisconsin, USA. Part of the post-war Massey-Harris lineup, this model was designed as a versatile power unit for mid-century agricultural operations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 277 cubic-inch (4.5 L) liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder gasoline engine. It features a bore and stroke of 4.00 by 5.50 inches and operates at a rated speed of 1500 RPM. This engine configuration delivers approximately 53 horsepower, providing the necessary torque for standard field implements of the era.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The drivetrain utilizes a gear-type transmission providing 10 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds, organized into two distinct ranges. This configuration allows operators to select appropriate ground speeds for various tasks, from heavy tillage to light transport. The tractor is configured as a two-wheel-drive unit.
Power Take-Off and Hydraulics
Equipped with an independent rear Power Take-Off (PTO), the 444 offers a standard 540 RPM operation. The independent system allows the PTO to be engaged or disengaged regardless of the tractor's forward motion, enhancing efficiency when operating implements such as mowers or balers.
Chassis and Handling
The operator station is of the open-platform design. Steering is primarily manual, with power steering available as an optional feature. Braking is managed by differential mechanical shoe brakes, allowing for tighter turning radii by independently braking the rear wheels. The tractor features an 88.125-inch wheelbase and weighs 6500 lbs (2948 kg) in its standard operating configuration, which can be increased to 9489 lbs (4304 kg) with ballast.
Conclusion
With a total production of 7,131 units, the Massey-Harris 444 served as a reliable row-crop solution during the late 1950s. Its combination of an independent PTO, a versatile gear range, and substantial ballasting capability made it a capable machine for general farming duties.
Production Information of Massey-Harris, 444
- Original price was $3,650 in 1958
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Racine, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | Massey-Harris |
|---|---|
| Total built | 7,131 |
Dimension and Tires Information of Massey-Harris, 444
| Wheelbase | 88.125 inches [223 cm] |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | 6500 lbs [2948 kg] |
| Ballasted weight | 9489 lbs [4304 kg] |
| Ag front | 6.50-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 13-38 |
Engine Specifications of Massey-Harris, 444
- Massey-Harris
- Liquid-cooled
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 22 qts [20.8 L] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 277 ci [4.5 L] |
| Rated RPM | 1500 |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00x5.50 inches [102 x 140 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 23 qts [21.8 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of Massey-Harris, 444
Transmission variants 1
- Five gears, plus reverse, in two ranges.
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 10 forward and 2 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Massey-Harris, 444
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Differential mechanical shoe brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|---|
| Steering(optional) | Power optional |
Power Information of Massey-Harris, 444
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
| Engine RPM | 542@1500 |
Where it sits
With 53 hp[P] HP, the Massey-Harris 444 sits just above 333 (41 HP) in Massey-Harris's range. Its power puts it in the 78th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Massey-Harris 444 have?
The Massey-Harris 444 delivers 53 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Massey-Harris 444 produced?
The Massey-Harris 444 was produced in 1956-1958.
What engine does the Massey-Harris 444 have?
The Massey-Harris 444 is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Massey-Harris 444 use?
The Massey-Harris 444 uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the Massey-Harris 444 weigh?
The Massey-Harris 444 weighs 6500 lbs [2948 kg].
Is the Massey-Harris 444 4WD?
The Massey-Harris 444 is available in 2WD.