Introduction
Wallis Bear (1910-1914)
The Wallis Bear is a historical agricultural tractor produced between 1910 and 1914 by Wallis, a division of the J.I. Case Plow Works. Manufactured in Cleveland, Ohio, this machine represents an early era of tractor development, characterized by its substantial weight and distinct three-wheel configuration.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled gasoline engine with a displacement of 1480 cubic inches (24.3 liters). It features a 7.5-inch bore and 9.0-inch stroke, operating at a rated speed of 650 RPM. The engine is started via a hand-crank mechanism. The machine provides a claimed drawbar power of 30 hp (22.4 kW) and a belt power of 50 hp (37.3 kW), with the capacity to pull up to 10 plows.
Transmission and Drive
The Wallis Bear utilizes a gear-type transmission providing 3 forward speeds and 1 reverse gear. It is configured with a 3x2 2WD drive system. Steering is facilitated by a mechanical power assist system, which was a notable feature for the period to handle the tractor's 16,000 lbs (7,257 kg) mass.
Operator Station
The tractor features an open operator station design, providing basic visibility and control for the operator. An optional canopy was available to provide protection from the elements during operation.
Conclusion
The Wallis Bear is a rare piece of agricultural history. Due to its limited production run—estimated at only nine or ten units around 1912—and the conflicting historical documentation surrounding the model, it remains a highly collectible and significant artifact for those interested in the evolution of early 20th-century heavy-duty farm machinery.
Production Information of Wallis, Bear
- Information on the Wallis Bear is limited and conflicting. It appears the Bear name may have been used on a variety of Wallis tractors going back to 1902, with a claim of 40 to 80 belt horsepower. The basic three-wheel configuration is the same. One Wallis Bear survives today, from a nine or ten tractor production run that occured around 1912.
| Manufacturer | Wallis (a part of J.I. Case Plow Works) |
|---|---|
| Factories | Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
| Factories(optional) | Racine, Wisconsin, USA |
Dimension and Tires Information of Wallis, Bear
| Weight | 16000 lbs [7257 kg] |
|---|
Engine Specifications of Wallis, Bear
- Wallis
- The 7.5-inch bore engine is found on the only known remaining Wallis Bear tractor.
- Liquid-cooled
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Bore/Stroke | 7.50x9.00 inches [190 x 229 mm] |
|---|---|
| Rated RPM | 650 |
| Displacement | 1480 ci [24.3 L] |
| Starter type | Hand-crank |
Transmission Information of Wallis, Bear
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Wallis, Bear
- Open operator station, optional canopy.
| Drive | 3x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Steering | Mechanical power assist |
Power Information of Wallis, Bear
| Drawbar (claimed) | 30 hp [22.4 kW] |
|---|---|
| Belt (claimed) | 50 hp [37.3 kW] |
| Plows | 10 |
Where it sits
With 55 hp[B] HP, the Wallis Bear sits between Cub Junior (33 HP) and Cub (57 HP) in Wallis's range. Its power puts it in the 88th percentile of 1910s models in our database (158 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Wallis Bear have?
The Wallis Bear delivers 55 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Wallis Bear produced?
The Wallis Bear was produced in 1910-1914.
What engine does the Wallis Bear have?
The Wallis Bear is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Wallis Bear use?
The Wallis Bear uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the Wallis Bear weigh?
The Wallis Bear weighs 16000 lbs [7257 kg].
Is the Wallis Bear 4WD?
The Wallis Bear is available in 2WD.