Standard Tread

[rich10e]

There were never many standard tread tractors in SW Minn,I
get the big ones in wheat country like the 500 ,but what was
the purpose of the S and D models,were they cheaper to buy
than row crop models,just curious. Rich

 

[Don Rudolph]

Rich,

I think it depended upon whether row crops were a major crop or not. When I was a kid there were many standards in this area. I remember Case C's and D's and DC4's, hardly any DC3's, but many VAC's and many S models. There were also McCormick W4's and W6's, Oliver 70 and 77 and 88 standards. Interestingly, there were only a couple AC WF's and almost no JD standards. There just were no soybeans and only a few acres of corn for silage. Also, up until about 1955 belt power was more common than PTO in this area. Standards always seemed to be used for belt power, for some reason. Don

 

[casecollectorsc]

First year I started farming in 68 I found a Model D in a dealer lot. Never saw one in this country before. I bought it and it was the best chore tractor I ever had. Low to the ground and easy to maneuver it pulled the manure spreader and feeder wagon all year round. Drilled the water outlet and threaded and drilled a hole between 3 and 4 cylinder and put a tank heater on to use all year. Still got it and found a mate 30 years ago.

 

[Don Rudolph]

Steve,

Was it the earlier design, like an orchard DO, or the late model design with the higher platform? Don

 

[rich10e]

Thanks they are a neat looking little tractor,just never saw them around here

 

[DKase]

The earlier design D (1939 through mid 1940) had a higher platform than any of the later models either D or DC.

 

[Don Rudolph]

Darrel,

Was that the DH? The late model D's seem to have the same type clamshell fenders.

 

[casecollectorsc]

Full fenders on both tractors. One is a 48 and one a 49.

 

[GreenEnvy]

There actually were some wheat growing areas that did not need the top of the line big wheat land tractors. Also, just going by the pictures in all my books, it looks to me like some row crop farmers would buy a standard for a 2nd tractor to do their heavy work.

 

[Tubacase47]

Don, I have a 1939 or '40 DC4 and it has the high platform like the DH.

 

[DKase]

It could be the D, DH, or DC. The early ones all have the high platform. The early advertising called it the "Eagle View".