Introduction
Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor: The Versatile Power Unit
The Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor, manufactured between 1951 and 1963 in Hopkins, Minnesota, was a specialized agricultural power unit. Distinct from conventional tractors of its era, it served as a mobile base designed to drive a modular range of equipment, including harvesters, forage harvesters, hay balers, and corn pickers.
Engine and Performance
The machine is powered by the Minneapolis-Moline V206-4, a 4-cylinder, 3.4-liter liquid-cooled gasoline engine. It produces 48 horsepower at a rated speed of 1550 RPM. The engine features an oil bath air cleaner and requires a coolant capacity of 18 liters to maintain operating temperatures during sustained heavy use.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The Uni-Tractor features a unique mechanical continuously-variable transmission (CVT). This system integrates a three-speed gearbox—comprising three forward ranges and one reverse—with a variable sheave pulley and belt mechanism to provide infinite speed adjustment within those ranges. The drive system is a 3x2 2WD configuration, complemented by power steering for improved maneuverability.
Dimensions and Chassis
With a wheelbase of 104.25 inches (264 cm) and a total weight of 3885 lbs (1762 kg), the unit provides a stable platform for various attachments. It is equipped with 10-24 front and 7.50-18 rear agricultural tires. The operator station is of an open-platform design, and braking is handled by mechanical expanding shoe brakes.
Conclusion
Often nicknamed the 'Minneapolis-Moline Motorcycle' due to its unique configuration, the Uni-Tractor was an innovative tool carrier designed for farmers who required a single power source to operate multiple specialized harvest implements, representing a significant shift in mid-century agricultural equipment versatility.
Production Information of Minneapolis-Moline, Uni-Tractor
- The Uni-Tractor was nicknamed the the "Minneapolis-Moline Motorcycle". The machine was a power unit used to drive other machinery, including the Uni-Harvester combine, the Uni-Foragor forage harvester, the Uni-Baler hay baler, and the Uni-Picker corn picker.
- Original price was $3,900 in 1962
- Tool Carrier tractor
- Built in Hopkins, Minnesota, USA
| Manufacturer | Minneapolis-Moline |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Minneapolis-Moline, Uni-Tractor
| Wheelbase | 104.25 inches [264 cm] |
|---|---|
| Front tread | 83.25 inches [211 cm] |
| Weight | 3885 lbs [1762 kg] |
| Ground clearance | 11 inches [27 cm] |
| Ag front | 10-24 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 7.50-18 |
Engine Specifications of Minneapolis-Moline, Uni-Tractor
- Minneapolis-Moline V206-4
- Liquid-cooled
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 19 qts [18.0 L] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 206 ci [3.4 L] |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.625x5.00 inches [92 x 127 mm] |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Rated RPM | 1550 |
| Power | 48 hp [35.8 kW] |
Transmission Information of Minneapolis-Moline, Uni-Tractor
Transmission variants 1
- The Uni-Tractor transmission mated a three-speed (one reverse) gearbox to a mechanical continuously-variable transmission using a belt and variable sheave pulleys.
| Type | Mechanical CVT |
|---|---|
| Gears | Infinite forward and infinite (1-range) reverse (3-range) |
| Oil capacity | 10 qts [9.5 L] |
Mechanical Specs of Minneapolis-Moline, Uni-Tractor
- Open operator station.
- Mechanical expanding shoe brakes
| Drive | 3x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Steering | Power |
Power Information of Minneapolis-Moline, Uni-Tractor
| Engine | 48 hp [35.8 kW] |
|---|
Electrical System of Minneapolis-Moline, Uni-Tractor
| Charging system | Generator |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 6 |
Where it sits
With 48 HP, the Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor sits between UTU (47 HP) and 445 (51 HP) in Minneapolis-Moline's range. Its power puts it in the 71th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor have?
The Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor delivers 48 HP.
What years was the Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor produced?
The Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor was produced in 1951-1963.
What engine does the Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor have?
The Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor use?
The Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor uses a Mechanical CVT transmission.
How much does the Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor weigh?
The Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor weighs 3885 lbs [1762 kg].
Is the Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor 4WD?
The Minneapolis-Moline Uni-Tractor is available in 2WD.