SMTA vs 400 question

DK44H · Apr 24, 2011

Did the SMTAs have the 3 holes on each side of the rear end where the fast hitches attached like my 400 does? Also were the front bolsters squared off below the grille on a SMTA like the 400s with the 2 verticle holes in them? I'm asking because I saw a SMTA at an auction saturday with a fast hitch and a front bolster that reminded me of a 400. Some other things looked a bit suspicious on this tractor and I wondered if it had been thrown together with parts from some other tractors. Thanks DK

redgems · Apr 24, 2011

yes,bolster,rear end housing,center t.a. housing basically the same except for casting codes smta codes is Z and 400 is A. Tony

Andrew Z · Apr 24, 2011

Yes and Yes, the SMTA and 400 share many many of the same large cast pieces.

Andrew

DK44H · Apr 24, 2011

Aswesome. Thanks for the help. The serial plate was all messed up and I wasn't sure on the others. The tractor hadn't run in 6 years but I suppose I should have jumped on it, oh well. DK

Leo S · Apr 24, 2011

There are a few (very early) 400 with a "Z" casting code too. There is some dispute, but 400s up to either serial number 2587 or4731 were made in 1954 (Z).

John A. · Apr 24, 2011

DK44H, The 400 is the pinnacle of the Farmall M series, they do share many components and simularities. Plus some differences too. Hope this helps!
Later,
John A

redgems · Apr 24, 2011

Leo S , your right ,what I have encountered is early model 400's have mixture of z & a codes as smta should be all z

D Slater · Apr 25, 2011

The 2 housings for both tractors have the same casting and casting number on them. Some early 400 tractors have some casting dates well back to the middle of 1954. Casting # for the t/a or center housing changed from R1 to R2 near the change to 400 tractors. They look the same and interchange.
Have a 400 serial 8xx with a rear housing date code of 6-Z. I had another 6xxx with same rear housing date. Some MTA have later castings than that, kind of mixed up as they used them.

DK44H · Apr 25, 2011

Thanks guys. Excellent help just as usual!

mkirsch · Apr 26, 2011

Why isn't the 450 the pinnacle of the Farmall M series?

450 has the biggest engine.
Power steering may as well have been stock on the 450 (most/all had power steering IIRC)
Better accessibility to the hydraulic remotes for switching between one- and two-way operation.
Full modern instrumentation (i.e. tachometer came on most/all)
Push-button starting (400 had a key-twist like a car)
Modern 12V negative ground electrical (early 400 was 6V, late was 12V positive).
Improved fast hitch (arguable, for sure)

These are the facts as I understand them. Feel free to dispute.

The 450 is the ultimate "bolt crap on to an M" tractor.

rustyfarmall · Apr 26, 2011

(quoted from post at 07:35:37 04/26/11) Why isn't the 450 the pinnacle of the Farmall M series?

450 has the biggest engine.
Power steering may as well have been stock on the 450 (most/all had power steering IIRC)
Better accessibility to the hydraulic remotes for switching between one- and two-way operation.
Full modern instrumentation (i.e. tachometer came on most/all)
Push-button starting (400 had a key-twist like a car)
Modern 12V negative ground electrical (early 400 was 6V, late was 12V positive).
Improved fast hitch (arguable, for sure)

These are the facts as I understand them. Feel free to dispute.

The 450 is the ultimate "bolt crap on to an M" tractor.

The 560 took all of that one step further, and was still basically an "M"

*IHMMJD* · Apr 26, 2011

I have a 1954 400 with z casting codes! I had a IH collector who argued with me and insisted that none where made in 54, but there was and then he tried to get me to sell it to him LOL!

SMTA vs 400 question

DK44H

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redgems

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Andrew Z

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DK44H

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Leo S

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John A.

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redgems

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D Slater

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DK44H

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mkirsch

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rustyfarmall

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IHMMJD

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