53 super m wide front end

Anonymous-0 · Feb 15, 2010

I have a 53 super m with a wide front end. Doesn't look like what I have in my parts manual, so how do I know if it is Farmall or some other?

Red Mist · Feb 15, 2010

The factory m and super m versions of the wide front end had the [b:1915c88361]steering linkage forward[/b:1915c88361] (out front) of the axle. The Super MTA (SMTA) factory version - frequently seen on Super M's - had the steering linkage behind the axle and have a [b:1915c88361]triangular casting[/b:1915c88361] at center, under the grill where it bolts to the front bolster of the tractor. To see an example of this later version, go to "Galleries" on the left side of this page, click on "tractor photos" and type in smta. Look for a photo by [b:1915c88361]Ernie Bob[/b:1915c88361] on the first page or two of smta photos.
The aftermarket non-factory wide fronts had the steering linkage behind the axle, but the frame where it bolts to the bolster were [b:1915c88361]stamped steel[/b:1915c88361] rather than cast. Hope this helps you. mike

Wardner · Feb 16, 2010

This front end came off a SMTA. It is currently on a 400. It is correct for both tractors. I think the SM used the same unit. Not seen is a wishbone and bracket that straddles the frame just below the crankshaft pulley. Tie rods are behind axle.

Red Mist · Feb 16, 2010

Thanks for providing the photo, Wardner. I'm sure Tim Daugherty appreciates both of our efforts and time to answer his question - although we'll probably never know for sure........
mike

mkirsch · Feb 16, 2010

Dad's 1952 Super M has the same front end as Wardner shows in his picture.

An aftermarket front end will look similar, but the center pivot will be made of welded flat plate steel, not cast. Schwartz is a popular aftermarket front end, and is still made today. Allan in NE can show you what a Schwartz front end looks like.

D Slater · Feb 16, 2010

Depending on when the parts manual you have was printed you may show one or two wide fronts in the attachment section. (SMV wide front is in the regular section) The one that says adjustable wheelbase front axle would be the type that was available from IH in 1953. If it also shows the adjustable wide tread front axle for SM and MD tractors 60001 up, that one was released by IH around 2-1954. Since it was also released as a attachment to install on previous M and SM tractors along with a drilling diagram for the frame rails to add mounting holes for installing on previous tractors, this sometimes leads to confusion. Some dealers had new 53 and 54 model tractors at the same time with 2 different wide front attachments that could be installed. So when someone says they got a new 53 model with the new type wide front, they probably did. Or if someone bought a SMTA with the old type wide front, maybe so.
If your wide front doesn't look like the ones in the parts book, post a picture. Someone will identify it.

53 super m wide front end

Anonymous-0

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Red Mist

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Wardner

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Red Mist

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mkirsch

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D Slater

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