| Manufacturer |
Massey-Harris |
| Price |
- |
| Model |
44 |
| Equipment Type |
Row-Crop Tractors |
| Factory |
Racine, Wisconsin, USA |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 389 2
| Description |
260 gasoline 5-speed 2WD/October 29 - November 12, 1947/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 389 file/Drawbar performance/Gear 3 used for power test./Gear 1 used for pull test. |
| Belt power (max) |
45.64 hp/34.0 kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) |
4.0 gal/hour/15.1 l/hour |
| Max power |
39.90 hp/29.8 kW |
| Max pull |
4,612 lbs/2092 kg |
MASSEY-HARRIS 44 ROW-CROP POWER
| Engine |
45 hp/33.6 kW |
| Drawbar (claimed) |
31 hp/23.1 kW |
| PTO (claimed) |
44 hp/32.8 kW |
| Plows |
3-4 |
| Drawbar (tested) |
39.90 hp/29.8 kW |
| Belt (tested) |
45.64 hp/34.0 kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Massey-Harris 44 tractor is equipped with a 4.3L 4-cylinder engine available in gasoline, diesel, or LP gas variants, providing flexibility in fuel options depending on user preferences and availability. The gasoline model can offer higher horsepower and lower initial cost, while the diesel version provides better fuel efficiency and torque for heavier applications, making it suitable for agricultural tasks. However, the choice of fuel can significantly affect operating costs and maintenance requirements, so understanding the specific use case is essential for optimizing performance.
| Description |
Continental 4.3L 4-cyl gasoline/Continental 4.3L 4-cyl diesel/Massey-Harris 4.3L 4-cyl tractor fuel/Massey-Harris 4.3L 4-cyl LP gas |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Massey-Harris 44 tractor features a robust 4-cylinder Continental gasoline engine with a displacement of 259.4 ci (4.3 L) and delivers 45 hp at a low operational RPM of 1350, making it suitable for tasks requiring steady torque. Its oil bath air cleaner enhances engine longevity by effectively filtering dirt, while a relatively low compression ratio of 5.65:1 contributes to its moderate power output but may limit fuel efficiency. Understanding its 8-quart oil and 23-quart coolant capacities is essential for proper maintenance and operation during extended use, ensuring optimal engine performance and cooling.
| Description |
Continental/gasoline/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement |
259.4 ci/4.3 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.875x5.50 inches/98 x 140 mm |
| Power |
45 hp/33.6 kW |
| Fuel system |
Zenith carburetor |
| Air cleaner |
oil bath |
| Compression |
5.65:1 |
| Rated RPM |
1350 |
| Starter volts |
6 |
| Oil capacity |
8 qts/7.6 L |
| Coolant capacity |
23 qts/21.8 L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Massey-Harris 44 tractor features a robust 4-cylinder Continental diesel engine with a liquid-cooled vertical I-head design, delivering 40 hp at a low operational RPM of 1350, which allows for efficient torque generation, ideal for heavy agricultural tasks. With a high compression ratio of 15.0:1, it ensures better fuel efficiency and powerful performance, although this could lead to potential issues with cold starting in low temperature conditions. The oil-bath air cleaner enhances filtration, contributing to engine longevity, making it advantageous for long-duration field operations, but may require more maintenance compared to dry-type cleaners.
| Description |
Continental/diesel/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement |
259.4 ci/4.3 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.875x5.50 inches/98 x 140 mm |
| Power |
40 hp/29.8 kW |
| Air cleaner |
oil bath |
| Compression |
15.0:1 |
| Rated RPM |
1350 |
| Starter volts |
12 |
ENGINE DETAIL 3
The Massey-Harris 44 tractor features a robust 4.3 L liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder engine with a low compression ratio of 4.65:1, which enhances durability and prevents knocking but limits power output. Its oil bath air cleaner effectively captures contaminants, promoting engine longevity, while the relatively low rated RPM of 1350 suggests it's optimized for heavy pulling tasks rather than high-speed operations. With a displacement of 259.4 ci, this tractor offers high torque at low RPM, making it well-suited for agricultural applications requiring substantial pulling strength.
| Description |
Massey-Harris/tractor fuel/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement |
259.4 ci/4.3 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.875x5.50 inches/98 x 140 mm |
| Air cleaner |
oil bath |
| Compression |
4.65:1 |
| Rated RPM |
1350 |
| Starter volts |
6 |
ENGINE DETAIL 4
The Massey-Harris 44 LP-gas tractor features a liquid-cooled 4-cylinder I-head engine with a displacement of 259.4 ci (4.3 L), providing efficient power delivery at a rated RPM of 1350. With only 460 units produced in 1952, its rarity can be an advantage for collectors, though spare parts may pose a challenge. The oil bath air cleaner enhances longevity and performance in dusty conditions, while the 6-volt starter system is a consideration for electrical upgrades.
| Description |
Massey-Harris/LP gas/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled vertical I-head/Only 460 model Massey Harris model 44 tractors were built with the LP-gas engine, all of them in 1952. |
| Displacement |
259.4 ci/4.3 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.875x5.50 inches/98 x 140 mm |
| Air cleaner |
oil bath |
| Rated RPM |
1350 |
| Starter volts |
6 |
MASSEY-HARRIS 44 ROW-CROP ENGINES
The Massey-Harris 44 tractor features a versatile 4.3L 4-cylinder engine available in gasoline, diesel, and LP gas variants, catering to different fuel preferences and efficiency needs. Its adaptability allows for varied applications, but the choice of fuel type can impact overall power output and operational costs—diesel typically offers better fuel economy, while gasoline provides easier starting in colder climates. A challenge may arise in sourcing specific fuel types, particularly LP gas in certain regions, which could limit operational flexibility.
| Description |
Continental 4.3L 4-cyl gasoline/Continental 4.3L 4-cyl diesel/Massey-Harris 4.3L 4-cyl tractor fuel/Massey-Harris 4.3L 4-cyl LP gas |
TRANSMISSION
The Massey-Harris 44 features an unsynchronized 5-speed forward and 1-reverse gear system, which can present shifting challenges, particularly under load or when transitioning speeds. Its dry disc clutch provides reliable engagement but may require more frequent maintenance than wet clutches, particularly in dusty or high-use conditions. With an oil capacity of 52 quarts (49.2 L), ensuring proper lubrication is crucial for optimal performance and longevity, especially during extensive operational periods.
| Type |
unsynchronized gear |
| Gears |
5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch |
dry disc |
| Oil capacity |
52 qts/49.2 L |
MECHANICAL
The Massey-Harris 44 features manual steering which may require more operator effort, particularly in field conditions, but offers straightforward maintenance. Its differential mechanical drum brakes provide reliable stopping power but may have challenges in terms of heat dissipation under heavy use. The 5-speed unsynchronized transmission allows for flexibility in speed selection, although shifting can be tougher for less experienced operators, potentially leading to gear grinding during transitions.
| Steering |
manual |
| Brakes |
differential mechanical drum |
| Cab |
Open operator station. |
| Transmission |
5-speed unsynchronized gear |
CAPACITY
| Fuel |
19 gal/71.9 L |
| Aux. fuel |
5.75 gal/21.8 L |
| Hydraulic system |
1.75 gal/6.6 L |
HYDRAULICS
| Capacity |
1.75 gal/6.6 L |
| Pressure |
1050 psi/72.4 bar |
| Total flow |
7.5 gpm/28.4 lpm |
TRACTOR HITCH
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO |
transmission/live*Live PTO available on late models of the Massey 44. |
| Rear RPM |
534 |
MASSEY-HARRIS 44 ROW-CROP TIRES
The Massey-Harris 44 tractor utilizes a tire configuration of 5.50-16 for the front and either 12-38 or 13-38 for the rear, which provides a balanced grip and stability suitable for agricultural applications. The larger rear tires enhance traction and allow for better power transfer during plowing or tilling, while the front tires aid in steering control on uneven terrain. However, tire wear can be accelerated under heavy loads, and operators must monitor inflation and tread depth to maintain optimal performance.
| Ag front |
5.50-16 |
| Ag rear |
12-38/13-38 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
87.75 inches/222 cm |
| Length |
135.3 inches/343 cm |
| Width |
79 inches/200 cm |
| Height |
80 inches/203 cm |
| Front tread |
6 inches/15 cm |
| Rear tread |
51.25 to 88.375 inches/130 to 224 cm |
MASSEY-HARRIS 44 ROW-CROP WEIGHT
| Shipping |
4,165 lbs/1889 kg (gas)/4,253 lbs/1929 kg (diesel) |
| Ballasted |
6,925 lbs/3141 kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Massey-Harris 44 tractor features a wheelbase of 87.75 inches, providing substantial stability during operation, particularly in fieldwork scenarios. With a weight range of 4165 to 4253 pounds, this model offers a robust balance of traction and maneuverability, although its heavier build may present challenges in transportability. The front tire specification of 5.50-16 and rear tire size of 11-38 are indicative of good load-bearing capacity, enhancing performance in various agricultural tasks, though tire wear should be monitored on hard surfaces.
| Wheelbase |
87.75 inches/222 cm |
| Weight |
4165 to 4253 pounds |
| Front tire |
5.50-16 |
| Rear tire |
11-38 |
44 ROW-CROP SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location |
Serial number plate on the side of the tractor's main frame, just ahead of the operator platform. May be on left or right. |
| 1946 |
1001 |
| 1947 |
1001 (44K) |
| 1948 |
1079 (44K) |
| 1949 |
1001 (44D) |
| 1950 |
1004 (44D) |
| 1951 |
2483 (44D) |
| 1952 |
1001 (44 LP) |
| 1953 |
43700 (44D) |
| Description |
/how to read serial numbers.../ |
BELT PULLEY
| Diameter |
13.5 inches/34 cm |
| Width |
6 inches/15 cm |
| RPM |
970 |
| Speed |
3,050 ft/min/929.64 meters/min |
ELECTRICAL
| Charging system |
generator |
| Batteries |
1 (gas)/2 (diesel) |
| Battery volts |
6 |
