Opinions of Farmall C's

H

Hengy

501 Club
Hi all... I have most certainly been bitten by the Farmall bug, and BAD. Last weekend, I attended two parades for our local Oktoberfest Grenadier Corps, and like most rural parades, there were nicely restored old tractors there. This was the first time I had seen a Farmall C up close and personally since I have been on the forum. I actually saw a Demonstrator C as well, and that was neat. I was wondering what everybody's opinions were of them? They seem to shoot the gap between the A/B tractors and the H, but is there really an appreciable difference between either tractor that makes the C stand out? I admit that I know nothing about them really. Are the engines similar to either the H or A/B? I have heard it referred to as a "straight axle B" tractor...is there any truth to that?

Thanks for your help!

Mike in La Crosse, WI
 
Deep down inside, the C is a Farmall A. It replaced the B and had changes to address some B shortcomings. The things addressed were greater flexibility of track width, availability of a wide front and addition of hydraulics. The engine is a C-113 of Super A vintage so it has a place for the hydraulic pump. Most of the engine, transmission, final drive and hydraulic parts are identical to the Super A.

You are going to need a larger yard.
 
I have a '52 super "C" as a chore tractor. It has good power and handling. We had a Massey Harris 22 on the farm when I was a kid, the "C" is a much better tractor.
The cons are; it is a tall tractor, hard to get on and off. The lift rod, (mine is 3pt) runs by your left leg and limits movment. Other than that it is fine. I like the short turning radius of a row-crop.
 
Man... I have it figured out. I have FARMALL FEVER. The Cub is just the "gateway drug" to the Tractor addiction like Mary Jane is the gateway to other drug addiction! I have the addiction really badly!! I'd love a C!


Mike in La Crosse, WI
 
Jim Becker":pi2j6u1y said:
Deep down inside, the C is a Farmall A. It replaced the B and had changes to address some B shortcomings. The things addressed were greater flexibility of track width, availability of a wide front and addition of hydraulics. The engine is a C-113 of Super A vintage so it has a place for the hydraulic pump. Most of the engine, transmission, final drive and hydraulic parts are identical to the Super A.

You are going to need a larger yard.
Click to expand...

Does the C have a final drive? I thought it was a straight axle tractor like the H and Ms did?

Mike in La Crosse, WI
 
as long as the color is the same as blood you can guarantee ( that is not how you spell it i think )
that it will last. check out this video at the antique show at my church


[youtube]HGIL7XBylvM[/youtube]

at the end that is not me its my friend
 
If you get one try to make it a Super C , a bit more power and better brakes, and fast hitch would be a pluss too, one of the better 2 row cultivating tractors ever made
 
WisconsinCubMan":6rtcpxia said:
Man... I have it figured out. I have FARMALL FEVER. The Cub is just the "gateway drug" to the Tractor addiction like Mary Jane is the gateway to other drug addiction!
Click to expand...

Just promise you won't start breaking into the neighbors houses to support your "habit". :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
WisconsinCubMan":2p7c65ny said:
Does the C have a final drive? I thought it was a straight axle tractor like the H and Ms did?
Click to expand...
It is a straight axle design. It has a final drive but no separate final drive housings. The differential drives pinion shafts that power bull gears on the axles.
 
AHA! Thanks for that explanation, Jim!

I am intrigued now, and would really like to see (and drive) one in person to experience it!

Mike in La Crosse, WI
 
Mike: If you ever want to make the trek to the Eastern part of the state, we have a 53 Super-C and 20 acres that you can "test drive" :lol: one if you like. Just holler.

Jeff
 
I owned a Super C for many years, and really liked the dual hydraulics that allows you to change the plow draft on the fly. I also did a lot of sickle bar mowing with it. In one of my dumber moments I sold it several years ago and have regretted the sale ever since. if I find one at areasonable price it might just follow me home !
Berlin
 
I have a C under restoration. It is the tractor that is responsible for giving me tractor fever, and connecting me and Otis and subsequently the reason I now own my farm. Aside from that being enough to make a great tractor, I really like the utility of it. A good 2 row tractor. Decent power. Sits high and wide and yet still small enough to get through the woods with a trailer of wood. I love my C!
 
I really enjoy my Super C. I did nearly a full redo on mine. It's a heavier tractor obviously, but keep in mind, the cub parts you lifted with ease will be heavier on a C. You'll need a good hoist and strong cribbing to lift and support it. It has a good cushy ride, easy steering, and good power.
 
In the Nebraska tests, the A rated engine speed was 1400 RPM while the C rated engine speed was 1650 RPM. I do not know if there are any internal engine differences, such as camshaft. The C did pull a heavier load than did the A. This is not unexpected as the larger diameter tires of the C place a larger footprint on the surface below and reduce slippage. Based on observations locally during the time these tractors were new, sales volume of the A was much greater than those of the C. So availability of used parts and implements specifically for the tractor will be much greater for the A than for the C.
 
I believe overall the C outsold the Super A at about any point in time. But the C was replaced by the Super C in '51, so the total for all years was greater for the Super A. The total of C and Super C is more than Super A plus Super A1. Sales in various local areas varied greatly.

The C had a different governor spring than the Super A. I don't think there were any other noteworthy engine differences. The C had a pressure cooling system and optionally a water pump.
 
When I was growing up we had a Super C at my Father's parents farm. Every year I used that tractor to cut hay and also other odd jobs. We had quite a bit of equipment but this one was always my favorite. Years later the place was sold and Dad bought a lot of the stuff we had, but the Super C went to an Aunt. If I had the room for one right now I would have one. It was just so much fun to drive and use. Maybe I will keep my eyes out for one anyway.
 
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