Massey-Harris Challenger Specs ( 1936-1939 )
Overview
The Massey-Harris Challenger is a row-crop farm tractor manufactured in Racine, Wisconsin, between 1936 and 1939 as the successor to the Wallis 12/20. This 3,900-pound machine is powered by a 4.1L 4-cylinder gasoline engine and features a manual steering, open operator station configuration.
Ideal Applications
Tested Power Output:
According to Nebraska Tractor Test 293, the engine delivered a maximum of 34.9 hp on the belt and 29.8 hp at the drawbar while operating at a maximum fuel consumption rate of 3.7 gallons per hour.
Mechanical Transmission Layout:
The powertrain is equipped with a gear-driven transmission system providing four forward gears and one reverse gear for operator control.
Twin Power Utility:
The engine incorporates a Twin Power feature designed to increase engine rpms specifically to provide additional horsepower for belt-driven implements.
Production
| Description | Row-Crop tractor / Built in Racine, Wisconsin, USA / The Massey-Harris Challenger was the row-crop version of the Pacemaker. These tractors replaced the Wallis 12/20 in Massey's line. The Twin Power feature increased engine rpms to provide additional horsepower for belt work. |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Massey-Harris |
| Total built | 14,000 |
Engine
| Aux. fuel | 1.6 gal (6.1 L) |
|---|---|
| Description | Image courtesy of Cyrille Brouard |
| Engine type | Massey-Harris 4.1L 4-cyl gasoline |
| Fuel tank | 18 gal (68.1 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.875x5.25 inches (98 x 133 mm) |
| Coolant capacity | 20 qts (18.9 L) |
| Description | Massey-Harris / gasoline / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 247.7 ci (4.1 L) |
| Rated RPM | 1200 |
| Belt (claimed) | 32 hp (23.9 kW) |
| Belt (tested) | 34.9 hp (26.0 kW) |
| Drawbar (claimed) | 20 hp (14.9 kW) |
| Drawbar (tested) | 29.8 hp (22.2 kW) |
Transmission
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | 4-speed gear |
| Type | gear |
Mechanical
| Cab | Open operator station. |
|---|---|
| Drive type | Two-wheel drive |
| Steering | manual |
Dimensions & Tires
| Height | 58 inches (147 cm) |
|---|---|
| Length | 129.3 inches (328 cm) |
| Weight | 3900 lbs (1769 kg) |
| Wheelbase | 78 inches (198 cm) |
| Front tire | 24x4.50 |
| Rear tire | 52x8.00 |
| Weight | 3900 lbs (1769 kg) |
| Wheelbase | 78 inches (198 cm) |
| Ag front | 24x4.50 (steel) / 5.50x16 |
| Ag rear | 52x8.00 (steel) / 11.25x36 |
Challenger Serial Number Location
| Description | On side of main tractor frame. |
|---|
Nebraska Tractor Test 293
| Belt fuel use (max) | 3.7 gal/hour (14.0 l/hour) |
|---|---|
| Belt power (max) | 34.9 hp (26.0 kW) |
| Description | Gasoline October 1937 / Drawbar performance |
| Max power | 29.8 hp (22.2 kW) |