R vs Z

[Big Boar]

The R and the Z were made about the same time and there is only 2-3 horsepower difference. Why did MM make both at the same time?

 

[CraigWis]

Here is a scan of what Brian Rukes wrote in his Book on RT Molines
You have to Remember that in the 1930's Most farmer were using Horses for Field work andthe farms size may have only been 40 Acres
They tried making a 2 Cylinder engine baced on the ZT engine block. But Had no power. YT tractor

 

[JOCCO]

There was quite a difference in weight, power, gearing and so on. R I guess was a take for small farmers (like the guy said about the 40 acers and horses) To me it would be like comparing a Farmall C to an H

 

[NY 986]

There was quite a difference in weight, power, gearing and so on. R I guess was a take for small farmers (like the guy said about the 40 acers and horses) To me it would be like comparing a Farmall C to an H

Good analogy but I would put a Z at a little more power in practice than a H.

 

[T.R.K.]

As far as Hp, it may depend on the year it was made. In the late 40's, I am thinking an R was about 24 hp and a Z by then it was the (ZA) was advertised at 31 hp.
The R was also sort of an 'economy' model. 4 speeds, vs the Z's 5 speeds. The Z also had a longer wheelbase. Most if not all Zs had fenders, I am thinking the R was available without fenders.