| Manufacturer | Massey-Harris |
| Price | 1,121(USD) |
| Model | 81 |
| Equipment Type | Row-Crop Tractors |
| Factory |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 376 2
| Description | Gasoline 4-speed 2WD September 29 - October 20, 1941 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 376 file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Belt power (max) | 27.07 hp / 20.2 kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) | 2.5 gal/hour / 9.5 l/hour |
| Max power | 20.79 hp / 15.5 kW |
| Max pull | 2,898 lbs / 1314 kg |
MASSEY-HARRIS 81 POWER
| Drawbar (claimed) | 16 hp / 11.9 kW |
| PTO (claimed) | 26 hp / 19.4 kW |
| Drawbar (tested) | 20.79 hp / 15.5 kW |
| Belt (tested) | 27.07 hp / 20.2 kW |
ENGINE DETAIL
The Massey-Harris 81 tractor, powered by a Continental F124 gasoline engine, offers a solid 2.0 L displacement suitable for moderate agricultural tasks. Its 1500 RPM rated speed, coupled with a Marvel-Schebler TSX-28 carburetor, provides reliable fuel delivery but may require frequent tuning for optimal performance. With an 11 qt coolant capacity, ensure efficient thermal regulation during extended operations to prevent overheating.
| Description | Continential F124 gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical L-head |
| Displacement | 123.7 ci / 2.0 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.00x4.375 inches / 76 x 111 mm |
| Fuel system | Marvel-Schebler TSX-28 carburetor |
| Rated RPM | 1500 |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Coolant capacity | 11 qts / 10.4 L |
MASSEY-HARRIS 81 ENGINE
The Massey-Harris 81 tractor, equipped with a Continental 2.0L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, offers a balance of power and fuel efficiency suited for light to medium-duty agricultural tasks. With a fuel tank capacity of 12 gallons (45.4 liters), it provides reasonable operational range but may require frequent refueling during extensive use. The primary consideration is its maintenance; parts availability for older models may present challenges, but its simplicity promotes ease of repair.
| Description | Continential 2.0L 4-cyl gasoline |
| Fuel tank | 12 gal / 45.4 L |
TRANSMISSION
The Massey-Harris 81 tractor features an unsynchronized gearbox, which may pose challenges in gear shifting, particularly under load, potentially leading to increased wear on the transmission components. With 4 forward and 1 reverse gear ratios, this setup offers adequate control for various farming tasks, though limited speeds may restrict performance in larger fields. The dry disc clutch provides a reliable engagement but can require more maintenance and adjustment compared to a wet clutch system, especially in demanding applications.
| Type | unsynchronized gear |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | dry disc |
MECHANICAL
The Massey-Harris 81 features a 4x2 2WD chassis, making it suitable for light agricultural tasks on flat terrains but less effective in muddy or hilly conditions. Its manual steering may provide better control at low speeds but can lead to fatigue during prolonged operation due to the lack of power assist. The 4-speed unsynchronized transmission allows for simple gear changes, ideal for straightforward applications, although it might pose challenges for operators who require smoother shifting during varied field conditions.
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
| Steering | manual |
| Cab | Open operator station |
| Transmission | 4-speed unsynchronized gear |
MASSEY-HARRIS 81 TIRES
The Massey-Harris 81 tractor, equipped with 4.00x15 agricultural front tires and 9.00x32 rear tires, offers enhanced traction and stability, particularly in plowing and tilling scenarios. However, the disparity in tire sizes could lead to handling challenges during tight maneuvers and may require careful calibration of the rear axle’s differential to prevent uneven tire wear. Overall, this setup is advantageous for medium-duty field work but may limit performance on rough terrain due to a potentially lower ground clearance.
| Ag front | 4.00x15 |
| Ag rear | 9.00x32 |
DIMENSIONS
| Length | 119 inches / 302 cm |
| Height | 58 inches / 147 cm |
| Weight | 2,895 lbs / 1313 kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Massey-Harris 81 tractor, with a weight of 2,895 lbs (1,313 kg), is designed for stable traction and maneuverability, particularly on uneven terrain, thanks to its lower weight. The front tires (4.00x15) provide agility, while the larger rear tires (9.00x32) ensure optimal power transfer and load-bearing capability during field operations. However, the tire size may limit certain options for heavy-duty attachments, which could impact its versatility for larger farming tasks.
| Weight | 2,895 lbs / 1313 kg |
| Front tire | 4.00x15 |
| Rear tire | 9.00x32 |
81 SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location | Left side of tractor frame |
| 1941 | 400001 |
| 1942 | 403168 |
| 1944 | 403354 |
| 1945 | 403364 |
| 1946 | 404664 |
| Final | 406601 |