International Harvester Type C 20HP

The International Harvester Type C 20HP is a standard-tread tractor with a historical prominence dating back to the early days of mechanized farming. It is characterized by its very large single-cylinder engine with a significant displacement of 902 cubic inches, designed to run at low rated RPM of 290. This tractor's engine, known as the "Famous", is a gasoline-powered, liquid-cooled unit, which was quite innovative for its time, providing robust and reliable performance. The tractor has a very simple transmission system with one gear forward and one reverse, consistent with the utilitarian design of the time. It was equipped with 70-inch steel rear tires, suggesting that it was likely utilized in rough terrain or for tasks requiring a great deal of traction. With manual steering and a significant operating weight of 13,500 lbs, this tractor illustrates the shift from horse-powered to machine-powered farming, representing an era when tractors were engineered for durability and power over speed or comfort.