Introduction
McCormick-Deering W-4 Standard-Tread Tractor
The McCormick-Deering W-4 is a standard-tread tractor produced by International Harvester in Rock Island, Illinois, between 1939 and 1952. As the fixed-tread counterpart to the Farmall H, this machine was designed for general agricultural tasks, offering a balance of reliability and mechanical simplicity.
Engine and Performance
The W-4 is powered by a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder vertical I-head engine, liquid-cooled for consistent operation. It generates approximately 27 horsepower at a rated engine speed of 1650 RPM. The engine uses an oil bath air cleaner and requires a 6-quart oil capacity for lubrication, with a compression ratio of 5.9:1.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The tractor utilizes a sliding gear transmission featuring 5 forward gears and 1 reverse gear, managed by a dry disc clutch. Power is transferred to the ground via a two-wheel drive system, with steering controlled manually. Braking is handled by differential mechanical external contracting band brakes, providing standard stopping capabilities for the era.
PTO and Electrical
The machine is equipped with a transmission-driven rear PTO operating at 540 RPM at an engine speed of 1650 RPM. The electrical system operates on a 6-volt architecture, utilizing a generator for charging the battery. The system features a positive ground configuration.
Dimensions and Weight
With a wheelbase of 66.75 inches and a total length of 114 inches, the W-4 maintains a compact footprint suitable for varied field work. The tractor has a shipping weight of 3,050 lbs and provides a front axle clearance of 15.125 inches. It is typically configured with 5.50-16 or 6.00-16 front tires and 12-26 or 13-26 rear agricultural tires.
Conclusion
With 24,377 units produced, the McCormick-Deering W-4 remains a significant model for collectors and enthusiasts of mid-20th-century agricultural machinery. Its straightforward design and standard-tread configuration make it a representative example of the utility tractors manufactured by International Harvester during the 1940s.
Production Information of McCormick-Deering, W-4
- Standard-tread tractor
- The W-4 is the "regular" or standard-tread version of the Farmall H.
- Built in Rock Island, Illinois, USA
| Manufacturer | McCormick-Deering (a part of International Harvester) |
|---|---|
| Original price | $1,900 |
| Total built | 24,377 |
Dimension and Tires Information of McCormick-Deering, W-4
| Clearance (front axle) | 15.125 inches [38 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 66.75 inches [169 cm] |
| Height (hood) | 51.9 inches [131 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 62.75 inches [159 cm] |
| Length | 114 inches [289 cm] |
| Front tread | 45.875 inches [116 cm] |
| Shipping weight | 3050 lbs [1383 kg] |
| Width | 65.25 inches [165 cm] |
| Rear tread | 52 inches [132 cm] |
| Ag front | 5.50-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag front | 22-inch steel |
| Ag front(optional) | 13-26 |
| Ag front(optional) | 6.00-16 |
| Ag rear | 40-inch steel |
| Ag rear | 12-26 |
Engine Specifications of McCormick-Deering, W-4
- Liquid-cooled vertical I-head
- 4-cylinder
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.017 inches (hot) [0.432 mm] |
|---|---|
| Intake valve clearance | 0.017 inches (hot) [0.432 mm] |
| Compression | 5.9:1 |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Idle RPM | 400-1815 |
| Displacement | 152.1 ci [2.5 L] |
| Oil capacity | 6 qts [5.7 L] |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Rated RPM | 1650 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.375x4.25 inches [86 x 108 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.023 inches [0.584 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 18 qts [17.0 L] |
| Starter volts | 6 |
Transmission Information of McCormick-Deering, W-4
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Sliding gear |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 24 qts [22.7 L] |
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of McCormick-Deering, W-4
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Differential mechanical external contracting band brakes
Power Information of McCormick-Deering, W-4
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
| Engine RPM | 540@1650 |
Electrical System of McCormick-Deering, W-4
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Charging system | Generator |
| Charging amps | 11 |
Where it sits
With 27 hp[B] HP, the McCormick-Deering W-4 sits just below W-6 (40 HP) in McCormick-Deering's range. Its power puts it in the 35th percentile of 1930s models in our database (235 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the McCormick-Deering W-4 have?
The McCormick-Deering W-4 delivers 27 hp[B] HP.
What years was the McCormick-Deering W-4 produced?
The McCormick-Deering W-4 was produced in 1939-1952.
What engine does the McCormick-Deering W-4 have?
The McCormick-Deering W-4 is powered by a 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the McCormick-Deering W-4 use?
The McCormick-Deering W-4 uses a Sliding gear transmission.
How much does the McCormick-Deering W-4 weigh?
The McCormick-Deering W-4 weighs 3050 lbs [1383 kg].
Is the McCormick-Deering W-4 4WD?
The McCormick-Deering W-4 is available in 2WD.