For Sale: 1929 Miscellaneous Tractor in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

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.