Farmall F-20

[ghanson]

I have a picture of my Dad on a new Farmall F-20. It has steel rears and rubber front tires. What year were they produced with these wheels?

 

[DeltaRed]

All years. Tire/wheel choices were optional on all years. And a lot of steel wheels were cut down to accept rims for rubber tires.Fronts,rears,or any combination.

 

[redforlife]

As delta red said.

I might add that rubber tires got more popular as time and production went on. Some mixed it up by having rubber fronts and steel rears. Alot of conversions also happened after these tractors were sold and in use. Some guys sprung for rubber on the front, but not the back. Could have came that way, or fronts converted later on. Those that preferred steel on the back, weren't as particular about what was on the front. The fronts weren't all that much different as far as an operational stand point. Running steel or rubber on the front was about the same. Some guys felt the rubber fronts made for an easier (cushioned) ride for the radiators. Wasn't as much jarring. Not sure that it mattered much on an F-20, however they were made out of caste iron and bolted solid to the frame.

There was a lot of possible wheel variations on the F-20s. Factor in the possibility of conversions, and it's near impossible to pin point down a year, without the serial number.

There was some differences other than wheels though. If you can post the pic, viewers might be able to narrow it down to within a couple three years. Mainly if it was an early or late production F-20.

 

[DeltaRed]

If the SN tag is gone,the serial number is stamped on the top of left frame rail just behind the clutch houseing.

 

[ghanson]

Hopefully, pic might get approximate year

 

[Loren in Iowa]

Your Dad's F20 appears to be an F12.

 

[3LFarms]

(quoted from post at 17:46:15 08/11/22) Your Dad's F20 appears to be an F12.

And it looks like the tractor is painted red, which if it came painted red, would make it a 1937 to 39 model.

 

[Mark Poss]

F-12 or F-14 certainly not an F-20

 

[ghanson]

Thats Dad, never buy anything big enough!

 

[redforlife]

What Loren said, X2. F-12, and not F-20.

Appears to be painted red, which would make it a later production F-12 (roughly the last couple of years). That is, IF, the paint is factory paint. Which it likely would be if your dad bought the tractor new. But note that, when International Harvester first crossed over to red paint, many dealerships painted the used gray trade ins red. Not sure if this was by choice to enhance used tractor sales, or if it was a requirement set by the company. Either way, some gray trade ins were painted red at the dealerships before re-sale. Might be a factor if your dad bought this thing used when it wasn't very old.

 

[cleddy]

I bought a late Red F-20 with steel wheels on the back and rubber tires on the front. They have cast centers like a more modern tractor. It had a loader on it and I have no reason to think they had been changed. The steering wheel looks to be off a M and someone put a Hydraulic belly pump on it for the loader. It also has foot brakes. Interesting Tractor. Cleddy

 

[ihplowboy]

F12 and F14 have bar axles.
Jim