De-code a serial number

Bob N.Y. · May 5, 2019

I went to an auction yesterday. There was a Massey Harris tractor there that was sold as a 44 Special. It looked like a typical MH row crop equipped with a gas engine, power steering, hand clutch and wide front end. I didn't see a tag on the engine, so I don't know if it was a 260 or 277. The numbers on the transmission housing are 44DIRF and 51853P. The serial number matches 44 Special 1954. Does "D" mean diesel? I assume "R" means row crop. What do the "I" and "F" stand for? Do the numbers agree with the tractor configuration or is it a Frankentractor?

BIG RUH · May 5, 2019

The I stands for regular altitude
F for foot clutch and by the serial #, it's a 44 special

Bob N.Y. · May 5, 2019

Do you think it was originally a diesel? Thank you.

centash · May 5, 2019

The earlyMassey Diesels we had some 40 or 50 years ago had a sock type strainer visible in the fuel fill opening of the tank when you took the cap off. Some had provision for shutters in front of the rad and the second battery accessible through a door in the hood just to the front of the fuel tank, since they were 12 volt tractors. The D does indicate a diesel, but much could have changed over the years. A 44 Special Diesel would also have the 260 engine. Does it have the cast wheel centres front and rear?
Ben

BIG RUH · May 5, 2019

Thr D signifies that it is a diesel

Bob N.Y. · May 5, 2019

It does have cast wheel centers front and rear. By the way, it sold for $950.

Bob N.Y. · May 5, 2019

The engine must have been changed at some point in its life.

De-code a serial number

Bob N.Y.

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BIG RUH

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Bob N.Y.

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centash

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BIG RUH

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Bob N.Y.

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Bob N.Y.

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