| Manufacturer | Massey-Harris |
| Price | 3,850(USD) |
| Model | 55 |
| Equipment Type | Standard-Tread Tractors |
| Factory |
VARIANTS
| 55K | all-fuel engine |
| 55D | diesel engine |
| Western | wide-tread |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 394 2
| Description | Gasoline 4-speed 2WD May 18 - 27, 1948 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 394 file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Belt power (max) | 58.98hp / 44.0kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) | 5.2gal/hour / 19.7l/hour |
| Max power | 52.47hp / 39.1kW |
| Max pull | 5,674lbs / 2573kg |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 428 2
| Description | Tractor fuel 4-speed 2WD October 3 - 14, 1949 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 428 file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test. Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Belt power (max) | 52.17hp / 38.9kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) | 5.3gal/hour / 20.1l/hour |
| Max power | 47.64hp / 35.5kW |
| Max pull | 5,546lbs / 2515kg |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 452 2
| Description | Diesel 4-speed 2WD October 17 - 26, 1950 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 452 file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Belt power (max) | 59.04hp / 44.0kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) | 3.9gal/hour / 14.8l/hour |
| Max power | 51.07hp / 38.1kW |
| Max pull | 5,865lbs / 2660kg |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 455 2
| Description | Gasoline 4-speed 2WD April 16 - May 7, 1951 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 455 file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Belt power (max) | 66.91hp / 49.9kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) | 5.9gal/hour / 22.3l/hour |
| Max power | 57.55hp / 42.9kW |
| Max pull | 6,377lbs / 2892kg |
MASSEY-HARRIS 55 POWER
| Drawbar (claimed) | 41hp / 30kW |
| PTO (claimed) | 56hp / 41.8kW |
| Plows | 5 |
| Drawbar (tested) | 57.55hp / 42.9kW |
| Belt (tested) | 66.91hp / 49.9kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Massey-Harris 55 tractor features a versatile Continental 6.3L 4-cylinder engine available in gasoline, diesel, all-fuel, and LP gas configurations, offering flexibility in fuel choice based on regional availability and operational needs. Its robust engine size provides substantial torque and power for various farming applications, making it suitable for both light and heavy-duty tasks. However, operators must consider the specific fuel type's availability and performance characteristics, as variations like LP gas may require additional storage and handling considerations.
| Description | Continental 6.3L 4-cyl gasoline Continental 6.3L 4-cyl diesel Continental 6.3L 4-cyl all fuel Continental 6.3L 4-cyl LP gas |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Massey-Harris 55 features a Continental J382 engine with a relatively low compression ratio of 5.65:1, which allows for lower-octane fuels but may limit power output, particularly in demanding applications. With a displacement of 382 ci (6.3L) and a starter voltage of 6V, this tractor offers robust torque at rated 1350 RPM, favorable for agricultural tasks requiring consistent low-end power. However, the oil bath air cleaner may necessitate more frequent maintenance, and the substantial coolant capacity could affect the thermal efficiency in hot environments, emphasizing the importance of proper cooling system management.
| Description | Continental J382 gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 382ci / 6.3L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.50x6.00inches / 114 x 152mm |
| Air cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 5.65:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1350 |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Oil capacity | 10qts / 9.5L |
| Coolant capacity | 28qts / 26.5L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Massey-Harris 55 tractor features a robust Continental J382D diesel engine with a displacement of 6.3L, providing substantial torque at lower RPMs (1350), ideal for heavy-duty applications. The 15:1 compression ratio enhances thermal efficiency, although the oil bath air cleaner may require regular maintenance to ensure optimal airflow. This tractor is well-suited for agricultural tasks, but its bulk may pose challenges in maneuverability on smaller fields.
| Description | Continental J382D diesel 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 382ci / 6.3L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.50x6.00 inches / 114 x 152mm |
| Air cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 15:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1350 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
ENGINE DETAIL 3
The Massey-Harris 55 tractor is powered by a Continental J382 engine, offering robust performance with a 6.3L displacement, suitable for heavy-duty applications. Its low compression ratio of 4.5:1 and rated RPM of 1350 allow for efficient operation on varied terrains, but may limit higher-speed operations. The oil bath air cleaner and significant oil capacity of 10 quarts enhance maintenance intervals, though users should ensure starter robustness due to the outdated 6-volt system for reliable cold starts.
| Description | Continental J382 all fuel 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 382ci / 6.3L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.50x6.00inches / 114 x 152mm |
| Air cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 4.5:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1350 |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Oil capacity | 10qts / 9.5L |
ENGINE DETAIL 4
The Massey-Harris 55 tractor with a Continental J382 LP gas engine features a 382 ci (6.3L) displacement and operates efficiently at a rated RPM of 1350, making it suitable for low-speed agricultural tasks. An advantage of the LP gas engine is cleaner combustion and reduced emissions compared to diesel counterparts, although it may have lower torque output at higher RPMs. Ideal for farmers seeking a reliable tractor for field work with an emphasis on sustainability, its performance may challenge those requiring high-speed power for heavier loads.
| Description | Continental J382 LP gas 4-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 382ci / 6.3L |
| Rated RPM | 1350 |
MASSEY-HARRIS 55 ENGINES
The Massey-Harris 55 features a versatile Continental 6.3L inline-4 engine available in gasoline, diesel, all-fuel, and LP gas variants, offering flexibility for various agricultural applications. The choice of fuel type allows farmers to optimize operating costs based on fuel availability and prices. However, each fuel variant may present unique maintenance and performance challenges, such as the potential for carbon build-up in gas engines compared to the cleaner combustion of diesel variants.
| Description | Continental 6.3L 4-cyl gasoline Continental 6.3L 4-cyl diesel Continental 6.3L 4-cyl all fuel Continental 6.3L 4-cyl LP gas |
TRANSMISSION
The Massey-Harris 55 tractor features a simple 4-speed forward and 1-speed reverse gear system, which allows for straightforward operation, making it suitable for basic tasks in farming or light industrial applications. The dry disc clutch provides reliable engagement and disengagement but may pose challenges in muddy conditions due to potential slippage. Overall, its straightforward drivetrain design is advantageous for ease of maintenance, but operators should be aware of its limited gear range for more demanding tasks.
| Type | gear |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | dry disc |
MECHANICAL
The Massey-Harris 55 tractor features a 4x2 2WD chassis, ideal for flat terrains and light-duty tasks. Its manual steering and differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes offer simplicity and reliability, though they may require more operator effort compared to modern systems. The 4-speed gear transmission provides moderate control over speed and power, making it suitable for farming applications where consistent engine performance and maintenance of lower speeds are essential.
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
| Steering | manual |
| Brakes | differential mechanical expanding shoe |
| Cab | Open operator station. |
| Transmission | 4-speed gear |
CAPACITY
| Fuel | 27.5gal / 104.1L |
| Hydraulic system | 3.5gal / 13.2L |
HYDRAULICS
| Capacity | 3.5gal / 13.2L |
| Total flow | 10gpm / 37.9lpm |
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear RPM | 540 (1.375) |
| Engine RPM | 521@1350 |
MASSEY-HARRIS 55 TIRES
The Massey-Harris 55 tractor can be equipped with various tire sizes, including 7.50x18 for the front and options ranging from 14-34 to 18-26 for the rear, which affects its traction and stability. The choice of rear tire size significantly impacts load capacity and ground engagement, making larger tires more suitable for heavier agricultural tasks or uneven terrain. However, the challenge lies in balancing tire size for optimal performance while maintaining compatibility with other implements in various farming scenarios.
| Ag front | 7.50x18 |
| Standard Ag rear | 14-34 |
| Western Ag rear | 18-26 |
| Ag rear | 15-34 |
DIMENSIONS
| Standard Wheelbase | 88.5inches / 224cm |
| Western Wheelbase | 90.1inches / 228cm |
| Length | 145.5inches / 369cm |
| Height | 83.3inches / 211cm |
| Standard Rear tread | 57.4inches / 145cm |
| Western Rear tread | 70inches / 177cm |
MASSEY-HARRIS 55 WEIGHT
| Gas Operating | 7223lbs / 3276kg |
| Diesel Operating | 7571lbs / 3434kg |
| Ballasted | 10155lbs / 4606kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Massey-Harris 55 tractor features a standard wheelbase of 88.5 inches, providing stability during operation, while its western wheelbase option enhances maneuverability for row-crop applications. Weighing between 7,223 and 7,571 pounds, this tractor offers substantial traction but may present challenges in towing or transport due to its weight. The front tires (7.50x18) contribute to a durable setup, while the rear tires (14-34) optimize grip for larger load handling, making it suitable for diverse agricultural tasks yet requiring consideration for tire wear in adverse conditions.
| Standard Wheelbase | 88.5inches / 224cm |
| Western Wheelbase | 90.1inches / 228cm |
| Weight | 7223 to 7571pounds |
| Front tire | 7.50x18 |
| Rear tire | 14-34 |
55 SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location | On side of tractor frame |
| 1946 | 1001 (all-fuel) |
| 1947 | 1013 (all-fuel) |
| 1948 | 1554 (all-fuel) |
| 1949 | 1001 (diesel) |
| 1950 | 1022 (diesel) |
| 1951 | 2058 (diesel) |
| 1952 | 2822/10001 (diesel) |
| 1953 | 13017 (diesel) |
| 1954 | 15299 (diesel) |
| 1955 | 17059 (diesel) |