Massey Harris

[rusty6]

I wonder if anybody can tell for sure what model and year this old Massey tractor might be. The original decals are gone but somebody painted "44S" on the hood so I'm guessing a mid fifties 44 Special. I didn't take a picture of the complete tractor.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

From what I can find the 44G1SF indicates a 44 special.

If the serial is 52135, it's a 1953, last year they were made.

 

[rusty6]

(quoted from post at 12:37:22 06/12/23) From what I can find the 44G1SF indicates a 44 special.

If the serial is 52135, it's a 1953, last year they were made.

Ok, thanks. I'll try and get a picture of the whole tractor on here eventually.

 

[DanielW]

Must be a '53 - not only because the serial number matches, but also because you can (barely) see the
'Ferguson' name on that plate. The MH's from 53 on had the name on the tag change to, 'Massey Harris-
Ferguson'.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Daniel ... but I don't think any of the tinwork decals after that merger ever said Massey Harris Ferguson did they? I think the G stands for gas and maybe the S for a standard (non-adjustable wide) front axle maybe? Not sure about the number 1.

 

[DWF]

It's a 1954 44 Special, Gas, 1 means for standard elevation, (not for high altitude), Stanandard tread, F for foot clutch. They made specials until 1955, then came the 444.
DWF

 

[DWF]

I have a 44 Diesel Special SN 53294. There was no seperation of diesel and gas or row crop vs standard in the serial numbers. Mine is a row crop wide front. It's going to be auctioned off along with my 444 gas row crop wide front in about a month.
DWF

 

[rusty6]

(quoted from post at 17:53:57 06/12/23) It's a 1954 44 Special, Gas, 1 means for standard elevation, (not for high altitude), Stanandard tread, F for foot clutch. They made specials until 1955, then came the 444.
DWF

Thanks for the detailed information. Yes it is a standard wide front tractor as most were here. Gas engine, not seized far as I could tell. Both rear rims rusted through from chloride leaks and it needs tires.

 

[rustred]

agree, its a 1954. these specials were built for 3 years, 53-55. i have 4 specials. good tractors with the longer wheel base.

 

[Leroy]

What actually makes them a special? There has to be some feature that makes
then a special over a plain model.

 

[DWF]

44 special was a newer 44. It had a little more horsepower and
I believe a longer wheelbase. Also some other small improvements. Once the 44 special came out there were no regular 44's being built, so you couldn't say I don't want to spend the money for a special, so I will take a regular 44.
DWF