Who likes Versatile? Any collectors? Some History.

Posted by Don Wadge on January 27, 2001 at 18:23:10 from (216.81.26.32):

I was just browsing around today and I happened to notice a question regarding the Versatile 'Big Roy'. In reply to the question; 'Big Roy' is located at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum at Austin, Manitoba and is brought out and paraded at the annual Threshhermen's Reunion each July.

By the way I've noticed from e-bay that there must be quite a few people collecting Versatile paraphernelia. About 15 years ago I decided that I would like to get a D100 before they all disappeared (this was Versatiles first tractor not to be confused with the later Bi-directional). Since then I've got jackets, and belt buckles, and rulers, and pens, etc.,etc..

I now have two of these tractors: a gas and a diesel. This was Versatile's first four-wheel drive tractor. The year was 1966 (some may have been produced in 1965 for 1966 sales but they were the 1966 model). The production numbers were very low: 100 diesel units and 25 gas units (give or take 1 or 2). The gas and diesel units were identical in all aspects except for the engines and engine related items. The D100 and G100 were each rated at 100 horsepower. The D100 carried a 363 cu.in. 6 cylinder Ford industrial diesel engine. The G100 carried a Chrysler 318 cu.in. industial V8. Transmission was four speeds forward and 1 reverse coupled to a four range transfer case which gives the tractor twelve speeds forward and four reverse. Two hydraulic spools were provided. These tractors were equipped with 16.9 x 30 rubber. None of these tractors were factory equipped with a cab. There are no fancy items on these but of course do have power steering as they are articulated. They are very nice tractors to operate and it is clear why Versatile gained ready acceptance.

The D100 and G100 were followed in 1967 by the D118, G125 and D145. The D118 carried a 353 cu.in. Cummins V6 diesel engine (this is where Versatile started with Cummins) and the G125 carried a 391 cu.in.Ford (truck) gas engine. I think the D118 and G125 were introduced first and then followed later in the year or for 1968 with the D145 with a 470 cu.in. Cummins V8 diesel engine. The model designations were also the rated horsepower of each model. The G125 was produced in 1967 and 1968 only. The G125 was the last gas powered model in the large 4-wheel drives that Versatile built. I'm not sure why they produced the gas models as gasoline had just about passed for use in large farm tractors at this time, but then gas was still reasonably priced at this time. The D118 and D145 were both produced until 1971 with the 145 being by far the largest production. There are still many of these 145's in use today. In 1971 Versatile introduced the 700, 800, and 900 series. The 900 was rated at 300 hp. and was the largest in the field at the time. By this time Versatile was firmly established as a leader in 4-wheel drive Ag tractors. Notice I did say " a " leader as there were others who also led the way with Versatile into large 4-wheel drive ag tractors but certainly Versatile was one of the most respected & influential.

Any other collectors? Toys? Literature? Paraphernelia?

Any owners? Former owners?

What do you think??

Follow Ups:

• Re: Who likes Versatile? Any collectors? Some History. Bryan 08:10:28 01/29/01 (0)
• Re: Who likes Versatile? Any collectors? Some History. john rennie 11:24:03 01/28/01 (1)
  • Re: Re: Who likes Versatile? Any collectors? Some History. Don Wadge 20:24:35 01/28/01 (0)
• Re: Who likes Versatile? Any collectors? Some History. Mudcat49 08:26:25 01/28/01 (0)

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