44 or A

[MH-JD]

I have Massey 44 and 1941 jOHN Deere A neither tractor running which way should i go. Dont have money for stroking whould want some extra horsepower.Both on press steel wheels wanting to pull 4500 maybe 5000 sometimes What tractor and set-up should i go with. BANG FOR THE BUCK
 

[toot]

Massey
 

[north puller]

Both in their work clothes, the massey has 10 more hp then the jd. That should tell you right there.

Best bang for buck would be rebuild the massey to a 277 with custom pistons (extreme tractor parts shows massey pistons on their website). Check what your pulls will allow you to run for fuel, then pick your compression ratio. I would aim for 10:1 - 12:1. Freshen up the valves if needed and go. It will take a stroked A to keep up.
 

[RichB]

Another vote for Massey,Not that there is anything wrong with a JD,But a massey 44 is a snotty puller without being stroked,and very light weight to boot 4500 is easy.A few pull in my area and they always do well.
 

[6pack]

Massey 44 hands down
 

[MH-JD]

I heard that you can put in 3020 gas pistons in a 44. Can you bore the block and sleeve it that big without problems. Thanks
 

[H. DeBruhl]

Massey Harris 44 with out a doubt! I can pull mine from 4500lb through 7000lb no problem. 13.6-38"s and it will spin out every time. Found it pulls best from 5500 to 7k with one set of wheel weights and weights on rear and middle bars.

Hope this helps
 

[MH-JD]

Do you mind saying what you have done to it.
 

[north puller]

Sorry. Don't know for sure what is required to make that work.
 

[Kevin Lent]

Either tractor will work well, just because you can't stroke it doesn't mean the A won't be a good puller. Horse power isn't everything its putting it to the track.
 

[H. DeBruhl]

Sure... New rings, valve guides, two new valves, hotter coil. Had to have the head surfaced to remove light rust where old head gasket was bad. New filter, oil etc... Just a normal service really. Had been stuck for years, would guess 20ish. Runs reg pump gas, 45 degree tires. Around here we pull on mostly clay tracks. Biggest thing I think is I have found the best balance point and let it chug it out in first gear.

Send me an email if you would like to see a video or two, or if you need more info.
 

[MH55]

4020 pistons gets you 4.25 bore... Can go to 4.625 and still be very reliable. there's a 4.5 inch piston thats fits real well also. Out of an International gas V8, don't remember exact application at this time. Have to check my notes... 5" can be done if you want to spend the money.

What kind of class/rules you looking to fit?

Will take a well built A to keep up with a mild 44. 44 is comparable to a G in size from factory HP... Just wieghs 1000-1500lbs less... 9 bolt wheels without special hubs or adapters. Easy to balance. Tough rearend will take abuse.
 

[OldMoIron]

Im finding that there is not alot of aftermarket parts for a 44. Regrinds and measuremnts, and those take $$$$. Not alot of off the shelve parts.