McCormick-Deering W-40 Tractor

Manufacturer McCormick-Deering
Price -
Model W-40
Equipment Type Standard-Tread Tractors
Factory Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 268 2

Description Distillate 1600rpm 3-speed 2WD August 25 - September 3, 1936 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 268 file Drawbar performance Gear 2 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test
Belt power (max) 45.69hp / 34.1kW
Belt fuel use (max) 5.4gal/hour / 20.4l/hour
Max power 31.79hp / 23.7kW
Max pull 4,399lbs / 1995kg

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 269 2

Description Distillate 1750rpm 3-speed 2WD September 3 - 15, 1936 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 269 file Drawbar performance Gear 2 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test
Belt power (max) 49.76hp / 37.1kW
Belt fuel use (max) 5.6gal/hour / 21.2l/hour
Max power 35.22hp / 26.3kW
Max pull 4,982lbs / 2259kg

MCCORMICK-DEERING W-40 POWER

Drawbar (claimed) 28hp / 20.9kW
Belt (claimed) 45hp / 33.6kW
Drawbar (tested) 35.22hp / 26.3kW
Belt (tested) 49.76hp / 37.1kW

ENGINES OVERVIEW

The McCormick-Deering W-40 features a robust International Harvester engine lineup, offering options in 4.9L gasoline, 4.9L kerosene, and a 4.0L gasoline variant which provide flexibility in fuel choice for diverse operational needs. The advantages of this tractor include its longevity and reliability, owing to the classic IH engineering and relatively simple maintenance, while the use of kerosene may present challenges in cold starts and fuel availability. Ideal for medium-scale farm operations, the W-40 excels in tasks like tillage and hauling, ensuring efficient performance across varied agricultural applications.

Description International Harvester 4.9L 6-cyl gasoline/International Harvester 4.9L 6-cyl kerosene/International Harvester 4.0L 6-cyl gasoline

ENGINE DETAIL 1

The McCormick-Deering W-40 tractor features a robust 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled gasoline engine with a displacement of 298.2 ci (4.9L), ensuring ample power for various agricultural tasks. At a rated RPM of 1750, it strikes a balance between torque and fuel efficiency, ideal for heavy-duty applications. However, its oil and coolant capacities of 9 quarts and 48 quarts respectively may necessitate careful maintenance to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.

Description International Harvester FBB gasoline 6-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical I-head
Displacement 298.2ci / 4.9L
Bore/Stroke 3.75x4.50inches / 95x 114mm
Rated RPM 1750
Oil capacity 9 qts /8.5 L
Coolant capacity 48qts / 45.4L

ENGINE DETAIL 2

The McCormick-Deering W-40 features a robust 6-cylinder kerosene engine with a displacement of 298.2 ci (4.9 L), providing strong torque for agricultural applications, particularly in heavy tillage and fieldwork. Its oil bath air cleaner enhances filtration efficiency, reducing engine wear, while the rated speed of 1750 RPM is optimal for balancing power output and fuel efficiency. However, the kerosene fuel type may pose challenges in terms of availability and fuel management compared to diesel alternatives.

Description International Harvester kerosene 6-cylinder liquid-cooled
Displacement 298.2ci / 4.9L
Bore/Stroke 3.75x4.50inches / 95x 114mm
Air cleaner oil bath
Rated RPM 1750

ENGINE DETAIL 3

The McCormick-Deering W-40 tractor features a 242ci (4.0L) gasoline engine, optimized for lower RPM operation at 1750, which can enhance fuel efficiency but may limit maximum power output. Its oil bath air cleaner effectively reduces contaminants, promoting engine longevity, although it may require more frequent maintenance compared to dry filters. The transition to a more powerful 298ci engine in later models indicates that while the W-40 was adequate for light to moderate tasks, users requiring higher performance should consider upgrades or later iterations for enhanced capability.

Description International Harvester gasoline 6-cylinder liquid-cooled, The 242ci engine was used on the early production models of the WA-40 with gasoline engine. This was later replaced with the 298ci engine
Displacement 242ci / 4.0L
Bore/Stroke 3.375x4.50inches / 86x 114mm
Air cleaner oil bath
Rated RPM 1750

MCCORMICK-DEERING W-40 ENGINES

The McCormick-Deering W-40 features a robust International Harvester 4.9L 6-cylinder gasoline engine, which offers reliable power for farming operations. With a substantial fuel tank capacity of 31 gallons, this tractor can sustain longer working hours without frequent refueling, enhancing productivity in large fields. However, users should consider the potential limited availability of kerosene fuel options depending on their location, which may affect operational efficiency in certain scenarios.

Description International Harvester 4.9L 6-cyl gasoline/International Harvester 4.9L 6-cyl kerosene/International Harvester 4.0L 6-cyl gasoline
Fuel tank 31gal / 117.3L
Aux. fuel 1.25gal / 4.7L

TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW

The McCormick-Deering W-40 tractor features a 3-speed unsynchronized gear system, which provides basic speed adjustments for various field applications, but can lead to challenges in smooth shifting under load. The 4-speed unsynchronized gear option offers increased versatility and improved performance in varying terrain, yet it may require more skill from the operator to manage shifts effectively. In scenarios involving heavier loads or uneven ground, the 4-speed option may enhance productivity despite a steeper learning curve for gear changes.

Description 3-speed unsynchronized gear 4-speed unsynchronized gear

TRANSMISSION 1

The McCormick-Deering W-40 features a simple unsynchronized gear transmission with 3 forward gears and 1 reverse, making it suitable for straightforward agricultural tasks but potentially limiting in speed modulation and smoother shifting. The dry disc clutch provides reliable engagement, but it may require more maintenance in dusty environments compared to oil-bath clutches. Optimal scenarios for this tractor include light cultivation and transport tasks where precision shifting is less critical.

Type unsynchronized gear
Gears 3 forward and 1 reverse
Clutch dry disc

TRANSMISSION 2

The McCormick-Deering W-40 features an unsynchronized transmission with 4 forward and 1 reverse gear, which may present shifting challenges under load, particularly for operators lacking experience with non-synchronized systems. The dry disc clutch offers robust durability but can lead to harsher engagements compared to hydraulic systems. Notably, the high-speed fourth gear is optimized exclusively for rubber-tired configurations, maximizing efficiency and speed on firm ground conditions.

Type unsynchronized gear
Gears 4 forward and 1 reverse
Clutch dry disc
Description High-speed fourth gear was only for tractors with rubber tires

MECHANICAL

The McCormick-Deering W-40 features a 4x2 2WD chassis, with a bull gear final drive, which provides robust torque delivery for fieldwork but may limit traction on uneven terrain. The manual steering system can require significant physical effort, particularly in tight spaces or during extended use. With options of both 3-speed and 4-speed unsynchronized transmissions, operators may face challenges in gear shifting, making it less suitable for novice users but advantageous for those seeking mechanical simplicity and reliability in straightforward agricultural applications.

Chassis 4x2 2WD
Final drives bull gear
Steering manual
Cab Open operator station
Transmissions 3-speed unsynchronized gear 4-speed unsynchronized gear

POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)

Rear RPM 553

MCCORMICK-DEERING W-40 TIRES

The McCormick-Deering W-40 features a front axle equipped with 34x6 steel wheels, which provide enhanced durability but can compromise traction on softer terrains. Its rear axle, fitted with larger 50x12 steel wheels, offers increased stability under heavy loads, ideal for mid-sized farm operations. While steel wheels are robust, they may cause soil compaction, making them less suitable for sensitive ground conditions.

Ag front 34x6 (steel)
Ag rear 50x12 (steel)

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 85inches / 215cm
Length 141.5inches / 359cm
Width 65.75inches / 167cm
Height (exhaust) 73inches / 185cm
Weight 6100lbs / 2766kg
Front tread 52.25inches / 132cm
Rear tread 53inches / 134cm

DIMENSIONS & TIRES

The McCormick-Deering W-40 tractor features a relatively short wheelbase of 85 inches, enhancing maneuverability, making it suitable for smaller farms and tight spaces. Weighing 6,100 lbs, it offers good stability during operation, but may challenge traction on loose or hilly terrain due to its weight distribution. The tire specifications, with large rear tires (50x12), provide improved traction and load-carrying capacity, beneficial for heavy tilling and plowing tasks.

Wheelbase 85inches / 215cm
Weight 6100lbs / 2766kg
Front tire 34x6
Rear tire 50x12

W-40 SERIAL NUMBERS

1935 501
1936 1441
1937 5120
1938 7665
1939 9756
1940 10323

BELT PULLEY

Diameter 15.7inches / 39cm
Width 9inches / 22cm
RPM 645
Speed 2647ft/min / 806.81meters/min


Last Updated 2025-01-01
Stephen is a passionate tractor hobbyist with a deep-seated love for all things mechanized and agricultural. Growing up in a rural setting, he developed a fascination with these mighty machines that have played a crucial role in shaping the farming industry.

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