Massey-Harris 55

Last Updated: July 2024

Overview

The Massey-Harris 55 is a classic standard-tread utility tractor with a 4x2 2WD chassis and manual steering. Powered by a 4-cylinder Massey-Harris engine with 312 cubic inches displacement and a 4.89:1 compression ratio, it can run on multiple fuel types. The updated specifications confirm 5 forward gears and 1 reverse gear in the transmission. Independent test results indicate a maximum belt horsepower of 57.55 HP at 1507 rpm and a maximum drawbar horsepower of 54.76 HP at 1350 rpm with 4066 lbs pull. The tractor weighs around 7200-7500 lbs for gas/diesel models and over 10,000 lbs when ballasted. Additional features include a 6-volt electric starter, single plate dry disc clutch, expanding shoe brakes, and an independent PTO.

Key Specifications

Category: Utility, Standard Tread

Transmission: Gear

Drive Type: 2WD

Operating Weight: Gas Operating: 7223, Diesel Operating: 7571, Ballasted: 10155 (Test results show varying weights based on configuration)

Fuel Type: Multiple (Gasoline, Diesel, All Fuel, LP Gas)

Technical Specifications

Engine

Manufacturer: Massey-Harris
Model: -
Cooling Type: -
Cylinder Orientation: -
Valve Configuration: -
Fuel Type: Multiple (Gasoline, Diesel, All Fuel, LP Gas)
Induction Type: Naturally Aspirated
Cylinders: 4
Displacement (ci): 312
Bore (in): 4.5
Stroke (in): 6
Rated RPM: 1350
Power Output (hp): -

Transmission

Type: Gear
Forward Gears: 5
Reverse Gears: 1
Total Gears: -

Dimensions

Length (in): 145.5
Width (in): -
Height (in): 83.3
Operating Weight (lb): Gas Operating: 7223, Diesel Operating: 7571, Ballasted: 10155 (Test results show varying weights based on configuration)

Power Take-Off (PTO)

PTO Type: -
PTO Speed 1 (rpm): -
PTO Speed 2 (rpm): -
PTO Speed 3 (rpm): -

Miscellaneous

Chassis: 4x2 2WD
Drive Type: 2WD
Steering Type: Manual
Coolant Capacity (qts): 28
Front Tire Diameter (in): -
Front Tire Width (in): -
Rear Tire Diameter (in): -
Rear Tire Width (in): -
Front/Rear Rim Diameter (in): -
Tire Type: Ag (Agricultural)
Manufacture - End Year: -
Hitch Type: -
Hitch Category: Category 3
Hitch Position: Rear
Hitch Capacity (lb): -
Operator Station Type: -
Starter Type: Electric (6V)
Brake Type: -
Hydraulic System Type: -

Test Results

Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory - Test Date: April 16 to May 7, 1951

Maximum Power and Fuel Consumption

Maximum Belt Horsepower: 57.55 HP at 1507 rpm
Fuel Consumption at Maximum Power: Data not recorded
Maximum Drawbar Horsepower: 54.76 HP at 1350 rpm

Drawbar Performance

Power at Rated Engine Speed (3rd Gear): 54.76 HP (40.66 kW) with a drawbar pull of 4066 lbs and a speed of 5.05 mph
Fuel Consumption at Rated Speed: Fuel consumption data was not recorded during some tests, so efficiency data is limited.

Torque and Engine Performance

Maximum Torque: Information not disclosed
Torque Rise: Information not disclosed

Hydraulic Performance

Maximum Force Exerted: Information not disclosed
Pump Delivery Rate: Information not disclosed
Hydraulic Power: Information not disclosed

Overall Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency at Standard PTO Speed: Information not disclosed beyond the 57.55 HP record at 1507 rpm
Fuel Consumption: Varied data, not recorded systematically for all tests

NTTL.(1951).Nebraska Tractor test 455 for Massey-Harris 55 Diesel. Lincoln, NE:Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/tractormuseumlit/578