Tractor Trivia
Massey Harris Continued….
One of the first tractors(not THE first one)that I ever got was a 55 Massey Harris Diesel. I call it “mine” although dad traded an old not running R John Deere for it. The starter never worked so we always pulled it to start it. I have now had the tractor for 41 years, but a few years ago while raking hay the engine began to knock. Somehow I will have to get her fixed up! I have had a few people interested in taking the old 55 off my hands but I love those old standard tread tractors and tractors are kind of like my children. I have probably owned 50 tractors in my life and have only sold 3! I am pretty sentimental about my tractors.
When my dad moved to Oklee, from Clearbrook, MN, in 1952 he often told me the story of the Massey’s he saw working the ground around Oklee. Big tractors like a 55 pulling 5 bottoms and a 44 pulling 4!! Of course towns and regions often had certain brands of tractors or machinery often reflecting quality dealerships in the area. Well, this was probably a reflection on Swenson Equipment. Earl Swenson purchased D & H Sales from Ed Halseth. Next the Ole Loiland garage was purchased and it became part of Swenson Sales and Service. In the 50s Swenson Sales and Service sold Massey tractors and equipment, thus the Oklee area was dotted with the red and “straw” yellow Massey machines.
Massey Tractors of this vintage came in 6 sizes ranging from the Pony on up to the model 55. The company had factories in 8 countries. Three in the United States and three in Ontario, Canada. Other countries included Scotland, England, France, Germany, South Africa, and Australia.
Whenever I drive by an old Massey tractor I get a twinkle in my eye. After John Deere, Massey Harris has a special place in my tractor loving heart! Oh yah, and I have become aware of a model 555 Massey tractor…..I would kind of like to get my hands on one like that!!
How about a little tractor trivia!
1. Name the Massey Harris tractor that had 11hp on the belt and 10hp on the drawbar.
2. Name another “horse” named tractor that later replaced the model 22.
3. In a model 44-6, what does the 6 stand for?
4. The model 55 Massey Harris came out in 1946. What was the last year of production?
5. What model replaced the 55 tractor.
ANSWERS: 1. The Pony 2. The Mustang 3. 6 cylinder engine instead of a 4! 4. Last year was 1955 5. The 555 replaced the 55.
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Eric Mickelson
Green Magazine
RIchard's Publishing
Oklee, MN 56742
218-791-9157