Introduction
Samson 12-25 Tractor (1917-1918)
The Samson 12-25 is a vintage tractor produced between 1917 and 1918, representing a significant period of industrial consolidation in the early American agricultural sector. Following the acquisition of the Samson Tractor Company by General Motors, this model incorporated a GM-sourced engine into the existing Sieve Grip platform.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 4-cylinder gasoline engine manufactured by General Motors, featuring a displacement of 426 cubic inches (7.0 liters). In terms of output, the machine was rated at 12 horsepower (8.9 kW) at the drawbar for traction tasks and 25 horsepower (18.6 kW) at the belt for stationary equipment operation.
Mechanical Design and Transmission
The Samson 12-25 utilizes a three-wheeled chassis configuration. Its mobility is managed by a simplistic transmission system consisting of one forward gear and one reverse gear. The tractor is equipped with distinctive steel wheels characterized by an open tread pattern, designed for the soil conditions of the era. The machine has a total operating weight of 5,800 lbs (2,630 kg).
Production History
A total of 140 units were manufactured. Initial production took place in Pontiac, Michigan, before operations were consolidated in Janesville, Wisconsin. At the time of its release in 1917, the tractor carried an original retail price of $1,750.
Conclusion
Due to its limited production run and historical association with General Motors, the Samson 12-25 is recognized as a rare collectible in the field of early 20th-century agricultural machinery, serving as a technical bridge between the Sieve Grip design and GM automotive engineering.
Production Information of Samson, 12-25
- The 12/25 model was created after Geneal Motors bought the Samson Tractor company and fitted the Sieve Grip with a GM engine. These models are often referred to as "GMC Samson". Two were built in Pontiac, Michigan. Eventually, all production was consolidated in Wisconsin. The Sieve Grip was a three-wheeled tractor with distinctive steel wheels that had an open tread pattern.
- Built in Janesville, Wisconsin
| Manufacturer | Samson |
|---|---|
| Original price | $1,750 (1917) |
| Total built | 140 |
Dimension and Tires Information of Samson, 12-25
| Weight | 5,800 lbs [2630 kg] |
|---|
Engine Specifications of Samson, 12-25
- General Motors
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Displacement | 426 ci [7.0 L] |
|---|
Transmission Information of Samson, 12-25
Transmission variants 1
| Gears | 1 forward and reverse |
|---|
Power Information of Samson, 12-25
| Drawbar (claimed) | 12 hp [8.9 kW] |
|---|---|
| Belt (claimed) | 25 hp [18.6 kW] |
Where it sits
With 27 hp[B] HP, the Samson 12-25 sits between M (21 HP) and S25 (31 HP) in Samson's range. Its power puts it in the 47th percentile of 1910s models in our database (158 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Samson 12-25 have?
The Samson 12-25 delivers 27 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Samson 12-25 produced?
The Samson 12-25 was produced in 1917-1918.
What engine does the Samson 12-25 have?
The Samson 12-25 is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
How much does the Samson 12-25 weigh?
The Samson 12-25 weighs 5,800 lbs [2630 kg].