Massey-Harris 101 Junior Tractor

Manufacturer Massey-Harris
Price -
Model 101 Junior
Equipment Type Row-Crop Tractors
Factory Racine, Wisconsin, USA

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 318 2

Description 124 gasoline 4-speed 2WD May 22 - 26, 1939 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 318 file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test
Belt power (max) 26.27hp / 19.6kW
Belt fuel use (max) 2.4gal/hour / 9.1l/hour
Max power 20.47hp / 15.3kW
Max pull 3,079lbs / 1396kg

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 2

Description 140 gasoline 4-speed 2WD October 7 - 12, 1940 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test
Belt power (max) 30.56hp / 22.8kW
Belt fuel use (max) 2.6gal/hour / 9.8l/hour
Max power 24.65hp / 18.4kW
Max pull 3,278lbs / 1486kg

MASSEY-HARRIS 101 JUNIOR POWER

Drawbar (claimed) 20.5hp / 15.3kW
PTO (claimed) 26.3hp / 19.6kW
Plows 2
Drawbar (tested) 24.65hp / 18.4kW
Belt (tested) 30.56hp / 22.8kW

ENGINES OVERVIEW

The Massey-Harris 101 Junior is equipped with a variety of Continental gasoline engines, with options of 2.0L, 2.3L, and 2.7L 4-cylinder configurations. Key advantages include versatility for different applications, with increasing power capacity from the smaller 2.0L to the more robust 2.7L engine, accommodating different operational demands. However, potential challenges may arise in fuel efficiency and maintenance complexity, notably as displacement increases.

Description Continental 2.0L 4-cyl gasoline Continental 2.3L 4-cyl gasoline Continental 2.7L 4-cyl gasoline

ENGINE DETAIL 1

The Massey-Harris 101 Junior features a Continental gasoline 4-cylinder engine with a modest displacement of 2.0L, optimized for reliable low-RPM operation at 1500 RPM. Its low compression ratio of 6.7:1 and oil bath air cleaner enhance engine longevity and maintenance efficiency, albeit potentially limiting power output for heavier workloads. Ideal for small-scale farms or vintage tractor enthusiasts, this model offers nostalgia and simplicity but may struggle with modern agricultural demands due to its lower engine performance and older technology.

Description Continental gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical L-head Original engine, used until 1940
Displacement 123.7ci / 2.0L
Bore/Stroke 3.00x4.375inches / 76x 111mm
Air cleaner oil bath
Compression 6.7:1
Rated RPM 1500
Starter volts 6
Coolant capacity 11qts / 10.4L

ENGINE DETAIL 2

The Massey-Harris 101 Junior tractor features a Continental MFA gasoline engine with a displacement of 139.6 ci, offering ample torque for fieldwork within its rated RPM of 1800. Its oil bath air cleaner allows for better filtration in dusty conditions, although maintenance may be more involved compared to modern dry systems. The 6-volt starter system indicates potential challenges in cold starting; consider battery capacity for reliable operation in lower temperatures.

Description Continental MFA gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical L-head Larger engine, used from 1940 to 1943
Displacement 139.6ci / 2.3L
Bore/Stroke 3.1875x4.375inches / 81x 111mm
Air cleaner oil bath
Rated RPM 1800
Starter volts 6

ENGINE DETAIL 3

The Massey-Harris 101 Junior features a Continental 4-cylinder L-head engine, providing a robust displacement of 162 ci (2.7L), ideal for light to medium-duty agricultural tasks from the mid-20th century. With a bore and stroke of 3.4375x4.375 inches (87x111 mm), this setup offers a balance of torque and horsepower, beneficial for low-end power requirements. However, its age may present challenges in parts availability and modern efficiency standards, limiting its appeal compared to newer tractors.

Description Continental gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical L-head Final engine, used from 1943 to 1946
Displacement 162ci / 2.7L
Bore/Stroke 3.4375x4.375inches / 87x 111mm

MASSEY-HARRIS 101 JUNIOR ENGINES

The Massey-Harris 101 Junior features an array of Continental gasoline engines (2.0L, 2.3L, and 2.7L), offering versatility in power selection for various agricultural tasks. With a fuel tank capacity of 10 gallons (37.9L), it balances operational endurance with weight efficiency, allowing for extended use without excessive refueling downtime. The primary considerations include engine output suitability for specific tasks and fuel consumption levels, which can impact operational costs and efficiency in the field.

Description Continental 2.0L 4-cyl gasoline Continental 2.3L 4-cyl gasoline Continental 2.7L 4-cyl gasoline
Fuel tank 10gal / 37.9L

TRANSMISSION

The Massey-Harris 101 Junior features a simple gear transmission with 4 forward and 1 reverse gear, which provides basic speed control suitable for light agricultural tasks. This limited gear range offers advantages in ease of use and maintenance, making it ideal for novice operators or small-scale farming. However, the lack of additional gears may restrict versatility for more demanding applications or varied terrain.

Type gear
Gears 4 forward and 1 reverse

MECHANICAL

The Massey-Harris 101 Junior features a basic 4x2 2WD chassis, making it suitable for light agricultural tasks and offering ease of maneuverability in open fields. Its manual steering can present challenges during prolonged use, potentially leading to operator fatigue, but it enhances steering feedback for precision handling. The 4-speed gear transmission provides limited speed options, ideal for tasks requiring controlled power delivery, but may limit versatility in varied field conditions compared to multi-speed or hydrostatic systems.

Chassis 4x2 2WD
Steering manual
Cab Open operator station
Transmission 4-speed gear

POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)

Rear RPM 540 (1.375)

MASSEY-HARRIS 101 JUNIOR TIRES

The Massey-Harris 101 Junior, equipped with 4.75-15 front tires and 10.00-36 rear tires, offers a balanced load distribution ideal for small-scale farming tasks. The larger rear tires enhance traction on uneven terrain, while the smaller front tires assist with maneuverability. However, the size disparity may lead to steering challenges in tight spaces, particularly in field row crop applications.

Ag front 4.75-15
Ag rear 10.00-36

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 83.5inches / 212cm (row-crop) 78inches / 198cm (standard)
Weight 3400lbs / 1542kg
Rear tread 52inches / 132cm (standard)

DIMENSIONS & TIRES

The Massey-Harris 101 Junior tractor features a compact wheelbase of 83.5 inches for row-crop and 78 inches for standard configurations, providing stability and maneuverability in tight farming conditions. Weighing 3,400 lbs, its distribution enhances traction while the rear tires (10.00-36) facilitate optimal power transfer, crucial for heavy tillage tasks. However, the small front tire size (5.00-15) may affect overall balance during heavy loads or on uneven terrain, potentially limiting operational versatility.

Wheelbase 83.5inches / 212cm (row-crop) 78inches / 198cm (standard)
Weight 3400lbs / 1542kg
Front tire 5.00-15
Rear tire 10.00-36

101 JUNIOR SERIAL NUMBERS

Location On frame, rear-left side near transmission case
1939 377001
1940 377928
1941 379550
1942 379815
1943 379855
1944 380641
1945 382569
1946 384298

BELT PULLEY

Diameter 13inches / 33cm
Width 6 inches /15 cm
RPM 837
Speed 2958ft/min / 901.60meters/min


Last Updated 2025-01-01
Stephen is a passionate tractor hobbyist with a deep-seated love for all things mechanized and agricultural. Growing up in a rural setting, he developed a fascination with these mighty machines that have played a crucial role in shaping the farming industry.

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