| Manufacturer | Wetmore |
| Price | 1,185(USD) |
| Model | 12-25 |
| Equipment Type | Standard-Tread Tractors |
| Factory | Souix City, Iowa, USA |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 73
| Description | Kerosene 3-speed 2WD/April 6 - 12, 1921/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 73 file/Drawbar performance |
| Belt power (max) | 27.94 hp/20.8 kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) | 3.5 gal/hour/13.2 l/hour |
| Max power | 16.10 hp/12.0 kW |
| Max pull | 2525 lbs/1145 kg |
WETMORE 12-25 POWER
| Drawbar (claimed) | 12 hp/8.9 kW |
| Belt (claimed) | 25 hp/18.6 kW |
| Plows | 2*14-inch |
| Drawbar (tested) | 16.10 hp/12.0 kW |
| Belt (tested) | 27.94 hp/20.8 kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Wetmore 12-25 tractor features a robust selection of kerosene-powered engines, including the Rutenber 4.8L, Weidely 4.5L, and Waukesha 4.7L, all of which provide reliable power, albeit with a higher fuel consumption compared to gasoline engines. A key advantage is the lower cost of kerosene, which can lead to operational savings in large-scale farming scenarios. However, challenges include the need for effective starting mechanisms in cold temperatures and potential carbon build-up in the engine, requiring more frequent maintenance.
| Description | Rutenber 4.8L 4-cyl kerosene/Weidely 4.5L 4-cyl kerosene/Waukesha 4.7L 4-cyl kerosene |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Wetmore 12-25 tractor features a Rutenber kerosene engine with a significant displacement of 294 ci (4.8 L), providing ample torque for agricultural tasks. Its hand-crank starter may pose an accessibility challenge, especially in cold conditions, potentially limiting usability. Notably, the Kingston carburetor's design optimizes fuel efficiency, making it suitable for prolonged operation in farming scenarios where resource management is crucial.
| Description | Rutenber/kerosene/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 294 ci/4.8 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.125x5.50 inches/105 x 140 mm |
| Fuel system | Kingston carburetor |
| Starter type | hand crank |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Wetmore 12-25 tractor features a kerosene-powered, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 276.5 ci (4.5 L) and a bore/stroke ratio of 4.00x5.50 inches, delivering robust torque at a rated RPM of 1265. The use of a carburetor may limit fuel efficiency and cold starting performance compared to modern fuel injection systems, and the hand crank starter could present ergonomic challenges, especially for extended operations. This tractor is ideally suited for vintage agricultural applications where lower speed power and durability are prioritized, though it may require adaptations for ease of use on contemporary farms.
| Description | Weidely/kerosene/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 276.5 ci/4.5 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00x5.50 inches/102 x 140 mm |
| Fuel system | carburetor |
| Rated RPM | 1265 |
| Starter type | hand crank |
ENGINE DETAIL 3
The Wetmore 12-25 tractor, powered by a Waukesha 4-cylinder kerosene engine, features a substantial displacement of 289.02 ci (4.7 L) and utilizes a Kingston carburetor for fuel delivery, which can enhance fuel economy in suitable conditions. Its bore-stroke ratio of 4.00x5.75 inches is optimized for torque production at a rated RPM of 950, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications. However, the hand crank starter may pose challenges in starting, especially in cold conditions, making it less efficient for operator use compared to modern electric starting systems.
| Description | Waukesha/kerosene/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 289.02 ci/4.7 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00x5.75 inches/102 x 146 mm |
| Fuel system | Kingston carburetor |
| Rated RPM | 950 |
| Starter type | hand crank |
WETMORE 12-25 ENGINES
The Wetmore 12-25 tractor features a versatile engine configuration with options for Rutenber, Weidely, or Waukesha 4-cylinder kerosene engines, providing 12-25 HP. This range allows for flexibility in engine choice, impacting fuel efficiency and torque delivery, which can be beneficial for tasks requiring variable power output. However, potential challenges may include sourcing parts for specific engine variants, so consideration of availability and service support is essential for long-term maintenance.
| Description | Rutenber 4.8L 4-cyl kerosene/Weidely 4.5L 4-cyl kerosene/Waukesha 4.7L 4-cyl kerosene |
TRANSMISSION
The Wetmore 12-25 tractor features a Fuller gear transmission with a simple 3 forward and 1 reverse gear setup, providing straightforward operation for users. The dry disc clutch can offer better performance in terms of engagement but may require more frequent maintenance compared to wet clutches. This design is ideal for light agricultural tasks but may limit versatility in demanding terrain due to its limited gear range.
| Transmission | Fuller |
| Type | gear |
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | dry disc |
MECHANICAL
The Wetmore 12-25 tractor features a simple 4x2 2WD chassis which offers basic traction but may struggle on uneven terrain. Its mechanical drum brakes and manual steering provide reliability, though they can be less responsive compared to modern systems, making it less suitable for heavy-duty or high-speed operations. The 3-speed transmission allows for manageable speed adjustments, ideal for small farming tasks but may limit efficiency in larger applications.
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
| Final drives | internal spur gear |
| Steering | manual |
| Brakes | mechanical drum |
| Cab | Open operator station. |
| Transmission | 3-speed gear |
WETMORE 12-25 TIRES
The Wetmore 12-25 tractor features robust 28x5 steel front wheels and 46x10 steel rear wheels, which provide excellent traction and stability on rugged terrain. The larger rear wheel diameter enhances ground contact and power transfer, making it suitable for heavy farming tasks. However, the all-steel construction may lead to increased weight and reduced ride comfort compared to pneumatic options, affecting maneuverability in delicate field conditions.
| Ag front | 28x5 (steel) |
| Ag rear | 46x10 (steel) |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase | 74 inches/187 cm |
| Weight | 2900 lbs/1315 kg |
| Clearance (front axle) | 12.5 inches/31 cm |
| Clearance (rear axle) | 17 inches/43 cm |
| Rear tread | 53 inches/134 cm |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Wetmore 12-25 tractor features a relatively compact wheelbase of 74 inches, which enhances maneuverability in tight spaces, making it ideal for small farms or gardens. Its weight of 2900 lbs provides stability, but may limit performance on soft terrain. The tire specifications, with large rear tires (46x10), offer better traction and load-bearing capacity, crucial for heavy-duty tasks such as plowing or towing.
| Wheelbase | 74 inches/187 cm |
| Weight | 2900 lbs/1315 kg |
| Front tire | 28x5 |
| Rear tire | 46x10 |
BELT PULLEY
| Diameter | 12 inches/30 cm |
| Width | 7 inches/17 cm |
| RPM | 800 |