| Manufacturer |
Massey-Harris |
| Price |
2,952(USD) |
| Model |
44 Special |
| Equipment Type |
Row-Crop Tractors |
| Factory |
Racine, Wisconsin, USA |
VARIANTS
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 510 1
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 510 2
| Description |
Gasoline 5-speed 2WD/October 10 - 24, 1953/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 510 file/Drawbar performance/Gear 3 used for power test./Gear 1 used for pull test. |
| Belt power (max) |
48.95 hp/36.5 kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) |
4.3 gal/hour/16.3 l/hour |
| Max power |
43.58 hp/32.5 kW |
| Max pull |
5,341 lbs/2422 kg |
MASSEY-HARRIS 44 SPECIAL POWER
| Engine |
40 hp/29.8 kW |
| Plows |
3-4 |
| Drawbar (tested) |
43.58 hp/32.5 kW |
| Belt (tested) |
48.95 hp/36.5 kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Massey-Harris 44 Special tractor features versatile engine options, including gasoline, diesel, and LP gas variants, which allows for adaptability to various fuel availability and operational costs. The 4.5L gasoline engine and the 4.3L diesel offer robust power for agricultural tasks, with diesel providing better fuel efficiency and torque under heavier loads. However, the differing fuel types may influence maintenance complexities and overall lifecycle costs, necessitating consideration based on specific use scenarios.
| Description |
Massey-Harris 4.5L 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 Special features a robust 277 ci (4.5 L) 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a low compression ratio of 6.25:1, which may enhance longevity but limits power output for heavy-duty tasks. Its 1.25 Zenith carburetor and oil bath air cleaner optimize fuel delivery and filtration, ensuring efficient engine performance. However, rated at only 1350 RPM, the tractor may struggle with demanding applications requiring higher speed or torque, thus it is best suited for moderate-load agricultural operations or light utility tasks.
| Description |
Massey-Harris/gasoline/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement |
277 ci/4.5 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
4.00x5.50 inches/102 x 140 mm |
| Fuel system |
Zenith 1.25 |
| Air cleaner |
oil bath |
| Compression |
6.25:1 |
| Rated RPM |
1350 |
| Oil capacity |
8 qts/7.6 L |
| Coolant capacity |
22 qts/20.8 L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Massey-Harris 44 Special features a robust Continental 4-cylinder diesel engine with a relatively high compression ratio of 15.0:1, enhancing thermal efficiency and torque output. With a displacement of 259.4 ci and rated at 40 hp at 1500 RPM, it is well-suited for heavy-duty agricultural tasks, though lower RPM may limit its performance in high-speed applications. The oil bath air cleaner system serves to reduce maintenance needs, but may contribute to engine fouling if not properly serviced, affecting overall reliability.
| 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 |
1500 |
ENGINE DETAIL 3
The Massey-Harris 44 Special tractor is equipped with a robust 4-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, featuring a displacement of 259.4 ci (4.3 L) and a bore/stroke ratio that enables effective torque production suitable for fieldwork. Its oil bath air cleaner provides superior filtration in dusty environments, enhancing engine longevity, while a low compression ratio of 4.68:1 facilitates easier cold starts but may limit power output compared to modern tractors. Operating at a rated RPM of 1350, this tractor is ideally suited for consistent, steady-load applications such as plowing or tilling.
| 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 |
4.68:1 |
| Rated RPM |
1350 |
ENGINE DETAIL 4
The Massey-Harris 44 Special is powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder LP gas engine with a displacement of 259.4 ci (4.3 L), providing a robust torque curve suitable for heavy-duty applications. Its bore/stroke ratio (3.875 x 5.50 inches) indicates a focus on low-end power, making it effective for field work but potentially limiting high-RPM performance (rated at 1350 RPM). The oil bath air cleaner enhances engine longevity by improving filtration efficiency, though it requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal operation.
| Description |
Massey-Harris/LP gas/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 |
| Rated RPM |
1350 |
MASSEY-HARRIS 44 SPECIAL ENGINES
The Massey-Harris 44 Special tractor features a versatile engine lineup with options for gasoline, diesel, and LP gas, offering a flexible choice depending on fuel availability and operational preferences. With a robust 4.5L gasoline or 4.3L diesel engine, users can benefit from reliable power output and potential fuel efficiency, particularly with the diesel variant. However, the varying fuel types can pose challenges in maintenance and component compatibility, necessitating careful consideration of the intended use case and fuel infrastructure.
| Description |
Massey-Harris 4.5L 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 Special features an unsynchronized 5-speed forward and 1-speed reverse transmission, which may require skillful shifting to avoid gear grinding, particularly under load. Its 11-inch dry disc clutch provides reliable engagement but can be less forgiving in terms of maintenance compared to hydraulic systems. This setup is ideal for operators who value simplicity and direct control over power delivery in fieldwork scenarios, though it may not be as user-friendly for inexperienced operators.
| Type |
unsynchronized gear |
| Gears |
5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch |
11-inch dry disc |
SPEEDS
| Description |
With 12-38 rear tires./ |
MECHANICAL
The Massey-Harris 44 Special features manual worm-and-sector steering, providing reliable control but can be less responsive than modern hydraulic systems, affecting maneuverability in tight spaces. The differential mechanical drum brakes ensure decent stopping power, though they may lack the efficiency of modern disc brakes under heavy loads. This tractor's 5-speed unsynchronized transmission offers robust performance for various agricultural applications, but operators may find gear shifting less smooth, requiring skillful coordination, especially when changing speeds in the field.
| Steering |
manual worm-and-sector |
| Brakes |
differential mechanical drum |
| Cab |
Open operator station. |
| Transmission |
5-speed unsynchronized gear |
CAPACITY
| Fuel |
23 gal/87.1 L (gas)/19 gal/71.9 L (diesel)/27.2 gal/103.0 L (LP-gas) |
| 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 |
live |
| Rear RPM |
534 |
| Engine RPM |
534@1350 |
MASSEY-HARRIS 44 SPECIAL TIRES
The Massey-Harris 44 Special tractor features versatile tire sizes, offering options for both narrow and wide configurations, enhancing stability and traction for various agricultural tasks. The front tires (6.50x16/9.00x10) are suitable for maneuverability in tight spaces, while the rear tire options (11-38/12-38/13-38) provide adaptability to different load capacities and soil conditions. One consideration is its vintage design, which may lack modern propulsion efficiencies and advanced features, ideal for restoration projects or using on smaller farms with specific needs.
| Ag front |
6.50x16/9.00x10 |
| Ag rear |
11-38/12-38/13-38 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
88 inches/223 cm |
| Length |
135.3 inches/343 cm |
| Width |
79 inches/200 cm |
| Height |
80 inches/203 cm |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Massey-Harris 44 Special, with an 88-inch wheelbase, provides enhanced stability for agricultural operations, especially in rough or uneven terrain. The front tires, sized at 6.50x16, offer good maneuverability, while the larger rear tires (11-38) contribute to better traction and weight distribution during heavy-duty tasks, such as plowing or tilling. However, the specific tire sizes may limit the tractor's performance on very soft or muddy ground, necessitating careful operation in such conditions.
| Wheelbase |
88 inches/223 cm |
| Front tire |
6.50x16 |
| Rear tire |
11-38 |
44 SPECIAL 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. |
| 1953 |
50001 |
| 1954 |
51364 |
| 1955 |
58067 |
BELT PULLEY
| Diameter |
13.5 inches/34 cm |
| Width |
6 inches/15 cm |
| RPM |
863 |
| Speed |
3050 ft/min/929.64 meters/min |
