Minneapolis-Moline ZTU Tractor

Manufacturer Minneapolis-Moline
Price 1,500(USD)
Model ZTU
Equipment Type Row-Crop Tractors
Factory Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

VARIANTS

ZTN single front wheel
ZTE industrial

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 290 2

Description Kerosene 5-speed 2WD October 4 - 12, 1937 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 290 file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test. Gear 1 used for pull test
Belt power (max) 26.84hp / 20.0kW
Belt fuel use (max) 2.9gal/hour / 11.0l/hour
Max power 20.53hp / 15.3kW
Max pull 3,262lbs / 1479kg

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 352 2

Description Gasoline 5-speed 2WD September 3 - 7, 1940 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 352 file Drawbar performance Gear 4 used for power test. Gear 1 used for pull test
Belt power (max) 31.14hp / 23.2kW
Belt fuel use (max) 2.9gal/hour / 11.0l/hour
Max power 26.39hp / 19.7kW
Max pull 3,254lbs / 1476kg

MINNEAPOLIS-MOLINE ZTU POWER

Drawbar (claimed) 16.5hp / 12.3kW
Belt (claimed) 26.5hp / 19.8kW
Drawbar (tested) 26.39hp / 19.7kW
Belt (tested) 31.14hp / 23.2kW

ENGINE DETAIL

The Minneapolis-Moline ZTU features a 3.0L gasoline engine with a relatively low compression ratio of 5.75:1, which may limit power output but enhances fuel efficiency and longevity. Its oil bath air cleaner is advantageous for dusty conditions, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. However, the low rated RPM of 1500 may result in reduced performance for high-speed tasks, making it more suitable for slower, heavy-duty applications like tilling or hauling.

Description Minneapolis-Moline RE gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled
Displacement 185.8ci / 3.0L
Bore/Stroke 3.625x4.50inches / 92x 114 mm
Air cleaner oil bath
Compression 5.75:1
Rated RPM 1500
Firing order 1-3-4-2
Coolant capacity 14qts / 13.2L

ENGINE OIL

The Minneapolis-Moline ZTU tractor has an oil capacity of 7 quarts (6.6 liters), which is essential for optimal engine lubrication and performance. Adequate oil capacity helps maintain engine temperatures and prolongs engine life, but ensure regular oil checks and timely changes to avoid potential overheating issues. Given its moderate oil capacity, this model is suitable for light to medium-duty agricultural applications, providing a balance between power and efficiency.

Oil capacity 7 qts /6.6 L

MINNEAPOLIS-MOLINE ZTU ENGINE

The Minneapolis-Moline ZTU tractor's 3.0L 4-cylinder gasoline engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency for medium-duty agricultural tasks. With a 15.5-gallon (58.7L) main fuel tank and a 1.25-gallon (4.7L) auxiliary tank, it provides extended operation time, reducing fuel stops during long tasks. However, the reliance on gasoline may lead to higher operational costs compared to diesel alternatives, particularly in extensive field applications.

Description Minneapolis-Moline 3.0L 4-cyl gasoline
Fuel tank 15.5gal / 58.7L
Aux. fuel 1.25gal / 4.7L

TRANSMISSION

The Minneapolis-Moline ZTU tractor features an unsynchronized 5-speed forward and 1-speed reverse gear system, which may limit ease of gear shifting, particularly under load. Its 10-inch dry disc clutch provides reliable engagement but may require careful modulation to prevent wear during operation. With an oil capacity of 28 quarts (26.5 liters), regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring optimal engine lubrication and performance efficiency.

Type unsynchronized gear
Gears 5 forward and 1 reverse
Clutch 10-inch dry disc
Oil capacity 28qts / 26.5L

MECHANICAL

The Minneapolis-Moline ZTU features a 4x2 2WD chassis, which enhances maneuverability but limits traction on uneven terrain compared to 4WD models. Its manual worm-and-sector steering may provide precise control but can be labor-intensive during extended operations; this is crucial for tasks requiring prolonged steering input. The open operator station offers excellent visibility, although it exposes the operator to the elements and may reduce comfort during long work hours.

Chassis 4x2 2WD
Steering manual worm-and-sector
Brakes drum
Cab Open operator station.
Transmission 5-speed unsynchronized gear

POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)

Rear RPM 540 (1.375)

MINNEAPOLIS-MOLINE ZTU TIRES

The Minneapolis-Moline ZTU tractor features a robust tire configuration with 5.25x16 or 5.50x16 front tires and 9.00x36 rear tires, enhancing traction and stability for agricultural applications. This setup provides excellent flotation in various soil conditions, but may lead to compromised maneuverability in tight spaces. The larger rear tires ensure efficient power transfer, making it suitable for field work, but consider potential challenges in transport due to overall width and height.

Ag front 5.25x16/5.50x16
Ag rear 9.00x36

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 82inches / 208cm
Length 132inches / 335cm
Width 79inches / 200cm
Height 60inches / 152cm
Weight 4,000lbs / 1814kg
Clearance (rear axle) 22.75inches / 57cm
Front tread 7 inches /17 cm
Rear tread 54 to 84inches / 137to 213 cm

DIMENSIONS & TIRES

The Minneapolis-Moline ZTU tractor features a compact wheelbase of 82 inches, enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces, making it suitable for smaller farms or orchard applications. Weighing 4,000 lbs, it provides a balanced weight distribution, allowing for good traction with its rear tires (9.00x36) while the front tires (5.25x16) offer stability. A challenge may arise from limited horsepower due to its smaller size, potentially restricting performance in heavy-duty tasks compared to larger tractors.

Wheelbase 82inches / 208cm
Weight 4,000lbs / 1814kg
Front tire 5.25x16
Rear tire 9.00x36

ZTU SERIAL NUMBERS

1936 560001
1937 560038
1938 562975
1939 565407
1940 567155
1941 568755
1942 570822
1943 571422
1944 572968
1945 575713
1946 576814
1947 578041
1948 581815
Final 585817

BELT PULLEY

Diameter 14inches / 35cm
Width 6.5inches / 16cm
RPM 790
Speed 2,900ft/min / 883.92 meters/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.

Comments

No comment yet