Sears New Economy
Power
unknown hp
Production
1938-1939
Engine
Gasoline, 4-cylinder
Transmission
Ford
Drive
2WD
Introduction
Sears New Economy Tractor (1938-1939)
The Sears New Economy is a row-crop tractor produced between 1938 and 1939 by the Peru Wheel Company in Peru, Illinois. Distributed by Sears, this machine is recognized for its historical flexibility, as it was designed to accommodate the Ford Model A automobile engine, with the option for buyers to purchase the tractor chassis without a power plant for custom installation.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is typically powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder inline gasoline engine derived from the Ford Model A. It features a displacement of 201 cubic inches (3.3 liters) and operates at a rated speed of 2200 RPM. The engine utilizes an oil bath air cleaner and an electric starter. Given its design, the tractor was capable of handling two 14-inch plows for standard agricultural row-crop tasks.
Transmission and Chassis
The drivetrain consists of a Ford-sourced transmission providing three forward gears and one reverse gear. The machine is configured as a two-wheel drive vehicle with a wheelbase of 90 inches (228 cm). Steering is manual, and the operator operates from an open-air station, which was the standard design configuration for the era.
Conclusion
The Sears New Economy represents a specific era of American agricultural mechanization where customizability and repurposing automotive technology were common practices. It serves today primarily as a historical piece for collectors interested in early 20th-century row-crop equipment and the influence of Sears in the farm machinery market.
Production Information of Sears, New Economy
- Original price was $550 in 1939
- Built in Peru, Illinois, USA
- Row-Crop tractor
| Distributor | Sears |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Peru Wheel |
Dimension and Tires Information of Sears, New Economy
| Wheelbase | 90 inches [228 cm] |
|---|
Engine Specifications of Sears, New Economy
- Ford
- The Sears New Economy Tractor used the engine from a Ford Model A automobile. The tractor was available to order without an engine, so the buyer could install their own.
- Liquid-cooled inline
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
|---|---|
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Displacement | 201 ci [3.3 L] |
| Starter type | Electric |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Compression | 4.11:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.876x4.25 inches [98 x 108 mm] |
Transmission Information of Sears, New Economy
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Ford |
|---|---|
| Type | Gear |
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Sears, New Economy
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Sears, New Economy
| Plows | 2 |
|---|
Fourteen-inch plows.
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Sears New Economy have?
The Sears New Economy delivers unknown HP.
What years was the Sears New Economy produced?
The Sears New Economy was produced in 1938-1939.
What engine does the Sears New Economy have?
The Sears New Economy is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Sears New Economy use?
The Sears New Economy uses a Ford transmission.
Is the Sears New Economy 4WD?
The Sears New Economy is available in 2WD.