Hole in front casting on W-serires

[Redturbo]

Other than starting the engine with hand crank via the hole in the nose. What is the purpose of the hole? The hole is about 2.5", then has 4 bolt holes around it. Thanks for any info. Didnt even notice that I spelt series wrong, sorry.
 

[steve il]

probably to mount engine driven hydraulic pumps for loaders or other things.
 

[rustred]

other than the crank or mounting an external hyd. pump there, have never figured what else it was there for. have always kinda wondered also because of the 4 holes there.
 

[heavyhaulertoo]

I don't think the engineer's worried about hydralic on the front in 1940 but it sure is handy now
 

[TJV]

they may have thought about hydraulic pump if a w series has the same casting as an Industrial series just my guess i have never checked parts compatability between w's and i's.
 

[Redturbo]

Our Super W6 has had a farmer mounted hyd pump on the front since the early 70's, I just replaced it this fall. I was just curious why they would go to the effort of making the flat mount with threaded holes was all. The W series never gets the love the "M" gets. Nobody writes books about them, makes toys, etc. Info is hard to find out on these tractors.
 

[rustred]

well the super 6 has far more collectable value than the m's or super m's. there was only about 12 1/2 thousand supers made from 1952-54. the w6 was one of the best tractors ihc built, and the design was used right to the 560's.
 

[sflem849]

It certainly is strange. Why would they machine it flat and drill and tap the holes just for the hand crank??? If it was just for the crank all they would have to do is machine the big hole. Or they could make a hokey PITA like on the Ms so it can rust up solid.
 

[gene bender]

The flat spot and the four holes is for mounting a hy pump.
 

[Redturbo]

Was this a factory pump or dealer installed?