Vehicle Description
1929 McCormick & Deering Tractor 15-30
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
As most of you know, McCormick-Deering was never a "company"
itself, but the trademark name of a line of tractors and farm
machinery manufactured by the International Harvester Co. Between
the mid-1880s and 1902, a vicious battle known as "the Harvester
Wars" was waged on America's grain fields. The farm equipment
manufacturer's capacity to build harvesting machines far exceeded
demand, so sales representatives of the two giants, McCormick
Harvesting Machine Co. and Deering Harvester Co., along with their
smaller rivals, tried every trick possible to sell their binders to
reluctant farmers. The struggle became so intense that competing
salesmen would not only bribe farmers to buy, but also allegedly
sabotaged the competition's machines and physically attacked
people.
For consignment a fully restored, courtesy former auctioneer from
Macungie, Pennsylvania, Ted Maurer. This 1929 15-30 designated so
by the 15-30 gear drive these tractors had installed on them. The
plate on the back fender designates 22-36, The 1929 model year
carried the name The New 15-30 with the 22-36 designation. This
tractor is just as fine as they come, and cosmetically nearly
perfect. It is powered with a kerosene 4-cylinder engine and has
plenty of power to plow with a 3 or 4 plow setup. Currently this
engine does not run, but does have movement albeit very stiff.
Exterior
Bathed in correct gray with not a hint of rust, all panels have
been fashioned to fit perfectly and cover the inner workings of
this tractor up front. Cowled side panels which are vented, open to
reveal the engine and give the owner the ability to do some
wrenching. A front spread wheel setup, can be adjusted to various
plantings so the tractor does not run over the planted crop. Big
red painted wire wheels are wrapped in new tractor front tires, and
there even is a bit of sprung suspension for the rack and pinion
steering. As we move back the farmers seat area has all the
controls within arms reach, a right side mounted steering
mechanism, and a large exterior wheel to hook up a PTO belt drive
that can operate a host of machinery that will run off of a belt.
Large curved fenders protect the driver from the rear diamond
traded tires along with more large red painted spoked wheels.
Pedals all move freely, and steering can turn the wheels with the
best of them.
Drivetrain
An International Harvester liquid cooled vertical valve in-head
kerosene engine sits under the cowl and shows in 382ci format. This
is a hand crank only starter, hence not currently not running as no
one can crank it, but there is movement. The transmission is a 3
gear forward and 1 reverse type and affords speeds of low medium
and high, with a speed range of 2 to 4 MPH. Not bad for a 6540
pound machine.
A wonderfully restored to museum quality piece, a finer example
would take a lot of searching and may never be found. Real farming
history here, from the early days of International Harvester
manufacturing, when competition was fierce, and loyalty among
farmers was even greater.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.