| International Farmall B Serial Number 158749 1946 Model (146700 - 182963) Continued - Page 2 |
Fast Facts
The first Farmall B was produced September 5, 1939 and production ran through 1947.
The Farmall A & B were developed to compete with the Allis-Chalmers B. International Harvester
developed their own "torque-tube" concept (narrow tube connecting engine and transmission) and later
had to pay royalties to Allis-Chalmers for patient infringement.
The Farmall B was targeted toward the smallest of farmers and in many cases replaced the draft horse.
The Farmall B had a narrow front-end and the driver sat off-center, the Farmall A had a wide front end
and the engine/powertrain was set off center.
The purpose of the seat offset was for the operator to better see the crop rows they were cultivating.
The Farmall B did not have hydraulics. Early Bs may not have had an electric starter or even a place to
put one in the casting, but instead used the hand crank.
Factory: Chicago, IL
Engine: 113 cubic inch (C-113)
(In the 1950s, the 113 engine was increased to 123 cubic inches by increasing the piston bore).
Belt Power: 18.39 horsepower
Drawbar: 16.21 horsepower
Transmission: 4 speeds forward, one reverse.
The Farmall B was replaced with the Farmall C in 1948.
The Farmall A became a Super A, then 100, 130, and ended as the 140 spanning years 1939 - 1979.
http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe40s/machines_0202.html
http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/2/8/286-farmall-b.html
Fay & Kraushaar. (1998). Farmall Letter Series Tractors
When introduced by International in 1939, the Farmall B was one of the most innovative tractors put to
market. Priced around $600 at introduction, the B replaced horses on small farms and provided
supplemental power and delicate crop cultivating ability on larger farms...
-- http://www.vintagetractordigest.com/antique-tractors/farmall/ih-farmall-b
The first Farmall B was produced September 5, 1939 and production ran through 1947.
The Farmall A & B were developed to compete with the Allis-Chalmers B. International Harvester
developed their own "torque-tube" concept (narrow tube connecting engine and transmission) and later
had to pay royalties to Allis-Chalmers for patient infringement.
The Farmall B was targeted toward the smallest of farmers and in many cases replaced the draft horse.
The Farmall B had a narrow front-end and the driver sat off-center, the Farmall A had a wide front end
and the engine/powertrain was set off center.
The purpose of the seat offset was for the operator to better see the crop rows they were cultivating.
The Farmall B did not have hydraulics. Early Bs may not have had an electric starter or even a place to
put one in the casting, but instead used the hand crank.
Factory: Chicago, IL
Engine: 113 cubic inch (C-113)
(In the 1950s, the 113 engine was increased to 123 cubic inches by increasing the piston bore).
Belt Power: 18.39 horsepower
Drawbar: 16.21 horsepower
Transmission: 4 speeds forward, one reverse.
The Farmall B was replaced with the Farmall C in 1948.
The Farmall A became a Super A, then 100, 130, and ended as the 140 spanning years 1939 - 1979.
http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe40s/machines_0202.html
http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/2/8/286-farmall-b.html
Fay & Kraushaar. (1998). Farmall Letter Series Tractors
When introduced by International in 1939, the Farmall B was one of the most innovative tractors put to
market. Priced around $600 at introduction, the B replaced horses on small farms and provided
supplemental power and delicate crop cultivating ability on larger farms...
-- http://www.vintagetractordigest.com/antique-tractors/farmall/ih-farmall-b
| June 3 & 4, 2010 |
I decided to tear into the engine. After removing the engine head, I took it to the local parts store
for reconditioning. I had many doubts after discovering what looked like JB Weld both on the head
and between cylinder's two and three on the block (see above). A day later they called and said the
head was no good. After cleaning it they found multiple cracks. Decision time; should I overhaul this
engine, overhaul the spare block, or look for another complete engine? I located a C-123 engine off a
Supper C in Hendricks, Minnesota (*All States Ag Parts chain of salvage yards) . They said it was a
good engine and they would run it for me. It supposedly came off a Super C that had been in a barn
fire but was not hurt. At $1000.00, it was more than I really wanted to pay. I suppose though, by
the time I collected all the parts and located a head, a complete major overhaul could approach that
cost. The C-123 engine was a little stronger running engine (10%) and some points were beefed up:
the crankshaft was strengthened, piston rings updated to an "automotive type", and the connecting
bearings were changed to a "micro" type bearing. the C-123 engine came with a water pump. Original
As, Bs, and Cs, used a "thermosyphon" cooling system not requiring a water pump. (Fay & Kraushaar)
So on June 4th, my wife Rita and I drove to Minnesota to make the exchange. The people there were
very nice. They had the engine running for me and it sounded sweet. The only visible signs of fire was
the plug wires were a little melted, but they still worked just fine. We also received a newer clutch
in the deal!
*www.tractorpartsasap.com
for reconditioning. I had many doubts after discovering what looked like JB Weld both on the head
and between cylinder's two and three on the block (see above). A day later they called and said the
head was no good. After cleaning it they found multiple cracks. Decision time; should I overhaul this
engine, overhaul the spare block, or look for another complete engine? I located a C-123 engine off a
Supper C in Hendricks, Minnesota (*All States Ag Parts chain of salvage yards) . They said it was a
good engine and they would run it for me. It supposedly came off a Super C that had been in a barn
fire but was not hurt. At $1000.00, it was more than I really wanted to pay. I suppose though, by
the time I collected all the parts and located a head, a complete major overhaul could approach that
cost. The C-123 engine was a little stronger running engine (10%) and some points were beefed up:
the crankshaft was strengthened, piston rings updated to an "automotive type", and the connecting
bearings were changed to a "micro" type bearing. the C-123 engine came with a water pump. Original
As, Bs, and Cs, used a "thermosyphon" cooling system not requiring a water pump. (Fay & Kraushaar)
So on June 4th, my wife Rita and I drove to Minnesota to make the exchange. The people there were
very nice. They had the engine running for me and it sounded sweet. The only visible signs of fire was
the plug wires were a little melted, but they still worked just fine. We also received a newer clutch
in the deal!
*www.tractorpartsasap.com
| Out with the C-113, in with the C-123 |
| June 7, 2010 |
Today we coupled the new engine to the
powertrain. From my farming days years ago I
have accumulated an assortment of tools,
machinery, jacks, and more. I call it the "spoils of
my farming days!" One thing I don't have is an
engine jack or hoist. However, with a little
improvisation and steel-toed boots, the two mated
together with little problem.
powertrain. From my farming days years ago I
have accumulated an assortment of tools,
machinery, jacks, and more. I call it the "spoils of
my farming days!" One thing I don't have is an
engine jack or hoist. However, with a little
improvisation and steel-toed boots, the two mated
together with little problem.
| June 19, 2010 |
Coupling the front end of the tractor to the block did
take some minor modification. The top right hand
bolt was threaded on both the engine block and the
front housing. I decided to drill out the housing as to
not alter the block. The radiator hose size was 1/4
of an inch larger on the block side than the radiator.
This required me to call the salvage yard and ask for
an exchange from the old block, which they agreed to
do with no problems. Also, since Cs and Supper Cs had
a hydraulic pump that was powered off the governor
drive on the right front of the engine crankcase, and
the B did not have hydraulics, it was necessary to
build a small plate to cover this hole.
take some minor modification. The top right hand
bolt was threaded on both the engine block and the
front housing. I decided to drill out the housing as to
not alter the block. The radiator hose size was 1/4
of an inch larger on the block side than the radiator.
This required me to call the salvage yard and ask for
an exchange from the old block, which they agreed to
do with no problems. Also, since Cs and Supper Cs had
a hydraulic pump that was powered off the governor
drive on the right front of the engine crankcase, and
the B did not have hydraulics, it was necessary to
build a small plate to cover this hole.
| June 25, 2010 |
Two of my brothers, my father, and I attended the IH Collectors Club Red Power Roundup in LaPorte,
Indiana. (see below). This was our second IH tractor show to attend. I include it here for the ideas
found. I was able to purchase a decal kit, name plates, OE bar for mounting lights, and light wiring
overhaul kits. We had a great time looking at hundreds of IH tractors. see: www.nationalihcollectors.com
Indiana. (see below). This was our second IH tractor show to attend. I include it here for the ideas
found. I was able to purchase a decal kit, name plates, OE bar for mounting lights, and light wiring
overhaul kits. We had a great time looking at hundreds of IH tractors. see: www.nationalihcollectors.com
| June 14, 2010 |
Made a trip about an hour south of where I live to the town of Clinton, MO. Cook Tractor
(www.cooktractorinc.com) is a salvage yard located there. I was able to purchase 3 original tear-drop lights
and an original ignition pull switch. The lights came off a junked C Farmall and were fairly rusty, but in
otherwise good shape. Salvage yards are so interesting to me. I guess it is all the history!
(www.cooktractorinc.com) is a salvage yard located there. I was able to purchase 3 original tear-drop lights
and an original ignition pull switch. The lights came off a junked C Farmall and were fairly rusty, but in
otherwise good shape. Salvage yards are so interesting to me. I guess it is all the history!
| Back row: Robert and Aaron, Seated: Lee and Carl. I hope my B looks this good! |
Draft... under
construction
construction
This Super C engine block number was 1-27-W
which translates to the date it was cast:
1-21-1951. Engine block part number is
354898R1 which confirms it to be a Supper C
Block.
which translates to the date it was cast:
1-21-1951. Engine block part number is
354898R1 which confirms it to be a Supper C
Block.
| Comments? Contact Carl Crabtree at crabtreecarl@hotmail.com This information may be used by individuals for their own personal use, libraries and historical societies, however, commercial use for profit of this information is prohibited without prior written permission. If copied, this copyright notice must appear with the information and credit given to the author. Copyright 2003-2011, Carl Crabtree. All rights reserved In honor of my grandparents, Cameron and Mildred Morrison - Morrison Truck and Tractor |
| July 1, 2010 |
I sanded the light reflectors and painted
them with chrome paint. A person at the Red
Power Roundup passed that idea to me. I
believe they turned out okay as did a sanding
and painting of the used tear-drop lights.
them with chrome paint. A person at the Red
Power Roundup passed that idea to me. I
believe they turned out okay as did a sanding
and painting of the used tear-drop lights.
