| Manufacturer | Massey-Harris |
| Price | 3,650(USD) |
| Model | 444 |
| Equipment Type | Row-Crop Tractors |
| Factory | Racine, Wisconsin, USA |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 576 2
| Description | Diesel 10-speed 2WD June 2 - 14, 1956 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 576 file Drawbar performance Gear 1L used for pull test |
| Belt power (max) | 48.21hp / 36.0kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) | 3.2gal/hour / 12.1l/hour |
| Max power | 43.8hp / 32.7kW |
| Max pull | 6,463lbs / 2931kg |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 602 2
| Description | LP gas 10-speed 2WD October 25 - November 3, 1956 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 602 file Drawbar performance Gear 1L used for pull test |
| Belt power (max) | 49.24hp / 36.7kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) | 5.1gal/hour / 19.3l/hour |
| Max power | 45.3hp / 33.8kW |
| Max pull | 6,534lbs / 2963kg |
MASSEY-HARRIS 444 POWER
| Drawbar (claimed) | 35hp / 26.1kW |
| PTO (claimed) | 48hp / 35.8kW |
| Belt (claimed) | 43hp / 32.1kW |
| Drawbar (tested) | 45.3hp / 33.8kW |
| Belt (tested) | 49.24hp / 36.7kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Massey-Harris 444 tractor features a 4.5L, 4-cylinder engine available in diesel, LP gas, and gasoline variants, providing flexibility depending on fuel availability and preference for power output. Diesel offers superior torque and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks, while LP gas and gasoline options may deliver cleaner emissions and lower operating costs, ideal for lighter work scenarios. Key considerations include fuel type availability, maintenance accessibility, and potential power limitations based on the selected engine configuration.
| Description | Massey Harris 4.5L 4-cyl diesel Massey-Harris 4.5L 4-cyl LP gas Massey-Harris 4.5L 4-cyl gasoline |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Massey-Harris 444 features a robust 4-cylinder diesel engine with a liquid-cooled vertical I-head, providing a displacement of 277 cubic inches for enhanced torque and efficiency at a low-rated RPM of 1500. With a compression ratio of 15.9:1 and an oil bath air cleaner, this tractor is designed for durability and optimal performance in agricultural settings, particularly in high-load applications. However, the engine's size may pose challenges in terms of fuel efficiency and maintenance; careful management of the 22-quart coolant capacity is essential to prevent overheating during prolonged operations.
| Description | Massey Harris diesel 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 277ci / 4.5L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00x5.50inches / 102x 140 mm |
| Air cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 15.9:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1500 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Coolant capacity | 22qts / 20.8L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Massey-Harris 444 tractor features a 4-cylinder LP gas engine with a displacement of 277 ci (4.5L) and a long stroke design (5.50 inches) that enhances torque delivery at low RPMs, making it ideal for heavy-load applications. With a compression ratio of 9:1, it achieves efficient combustion, although the reliance on LP gas can limit refueling options. The 23-quart coolant capacity supports adequate thermal management for prolonged operation, ensuring reliability under continuous use.
| Description | Massey-Harris LP gas 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 277ci / 4.5L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00x5.50inches / 102x 140 mm |
| Compression | 9:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1500 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Coolant capacity | 23qts / 21.8L |
ENGINE DETAIL 3
The Massey-Harris 444 features a gasoline 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 277 cubic inches, providing robust torque for agricultural tasks. The bore and stroke of 4.00x5.50 inches (102x140 mm) contribute to its excellent low-end power, making it suitable for heavy tillage and hauling applications. However, gasoline engines typically offer lower fuel efficiency compared to diesel counterparts, which may result in increased operational costs over time.
| Description | Massey-Harris gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 277ci / 4.5L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00x5.50inches / 102x 140 mm |
| Starter volts | 12 |
MASSEY-HARRIS 444 ENGINES
The Massey-Harris 444 tractor features a versatile 4.5L 4-cylinder engine available in diesel, LP gas, and gasoline variants, offering flexibility in fuel choice depending on operational needs. With a robust fuel tank capacity of 27.2 gallons (103.0 liters), it is well-suited for extended field work, minimizing downtime for refueling. Operators should consider the implications of fuel type on engine performance and maintenance, as diesel may provide better torque and efficiency for heavy-duty tasks, whereas gasoline may offer faster starts and easier availability in some areas.
| Description | Massey Harris 4.5L 4-cyl diesel Massey-Harris 4.5L 4-cyl LP gas Massey-Harris 4.5L 4-cyl gasoline |
| Fuel tank | 27.2gal / 103.0L |
TRANSMISSION
The Massey-Harris 444 tractor features a gear transmission with 10 forward and 2 reverse speeds, allowing for versatile operation across various field conditions. The presence of five gears in two ranges enhances torque management and speed flexibility, making it suitable for tasks ranging from plowing to transport. However, effective gear shifting is crucial to prevent stalling, especially under heavy load scenarios, which can be challenging for less experienced operators.
| Type | gear |
| Gears | 10 forward and 2 reverse |
| Description | Five gears, plus reverse, in two ranges |
MECHANICAL
The Massey-Harris 444 features a 4x2 2WD chassis, which is ideal for flat terrain but may face traction challenges in hilly or muddy conditions. The optional power steering enhances maneuverability, making it user-friendly for operators, while the 10-speed transmission provides versatility in speed control, suitable for various tasks. However, the open operator station may expose the driver to the elements, impacting comfort during prolonged use.
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
| Steering | manual/power optional |
| Brakes | differential mechanical shoe |
| Cab | Open operator station. |
| Transmission | 10-speed gear |
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO | independent |
| Rear RPM | 540 |
MASSEY-HARRIS 444 TIRES
The Massey-Harris 444 tractor features Ag front tires sized 6.50-16 and Ag rear tires sized 13-38, providing a suitable balance between traction and flotation for various field operations. The larger rear tires enhance rear-end stability and improve power transfer during heavy tillage or pulling applications. However, this tire configuration may limit maneuverability in tighter spaces, making it less ideal for small or irregularly shaped fields.
| Ag front | 6.50-16 |
| Ag rear | 13-38 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase | 88.125inches / 223cm |
| Operating weight | 6,500lbs / 2948kg |
| Ballasted weight | 9,489lbs / 4304kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Massey-Harris 444 tractor, with an 88.125-inch wheelbase and a weight of 6,500 lbs, offers a stable, robust platform suitable for various agricultural tasks. The front tire size of 6.50-16 and rear tire size of 13-38 provide effective traction and balance, optimizing performance on uneven terrain. However, the weight might limit mobility on softer soils, making it less ideal for wet or marshy conditions.
| Wheelbase | 88.125inches / 223cm |
| Weight | 6,500lbs / 2948kg |
| Front tire | 6.50-16 |
| Rear tire | 13-38 |