Massey-Harris Challenger

Last Updated: July 2024

Overview

The Massey-Harris Challenger is a historic model from the Massey-Harris lineup, most likely reflecting the utility tractor category due to its general-purpose design. Powered by a Massey-Harris distillate, 4-cylinder, vertically-aligned I-head engine, the Challenger had a displacement of 247.7 cubic inches and operated at a rated RPM of 1200. Its engine was liquid-cooled and had a coolant capacity of 20 quarts. The manual transmission consisted of 4 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. Tire specs varied, with original steel tires being 24 inches in diameter and 4.50 inches in width at the front, and 52 inches in diameter and 8.00 inches in width at the rear, highlighting an agricultural and rugged design. The tractor had a considerable weight of 4200 pounds with operator, indicating a solidly built machine suited for various farm tasks. The overall length and height of the Challenger were 129.3 inches and 58 inches, respectively. Additional features include a Kenworth governor, Kingston carburetor, oil bath air cleaner, and pressure lubrication system. The tractor demonstrated a maximum belt horsepower of 28.58 HP and a maximum drawbar horsepower of 20.03 HP in Nebraska Tractor Tests.

Key Specifications

Transmission: Gear

Operating Weight: 4200

Fuel Type: Distillate

Image Gallery

Massey-Harris Challenger Tractor

Technical Specifications

Engine

Manufacturer: Massey-Harris
Model: -
Cooling Type: Liquid-cooled
Cylinder Orientation: Vertical
Valve Configuration: I-head
Fuel Type: Distillate
Induction Type: Naturally aspirated
Cylinders: 4
Displacement (ci): 247.7
Bore (in): 3.875
Stroke (in): 5.25
Rated RPM: 1200
Power Output (hp): -

Transmission

Type: Gear
Forward Gears: 4
Reverse Gears: 1
Total Gears: -

Dimensions

Length (in): 129.3
Width (in): -
Height (in): 58
Operating Weight (lb): 4200

Power Take-Off (PTO)

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

Miscellaneous

Chassis: -
Drive Type: -
Steering Type: Manual
Coolant Capacity (qts): 20
Front Tire Diameter (in): 24 and 5.50
Front Tire Width (in): 4.50 and 16
Rear Tire Diameter (in): 52 and 11.25
Rear Tire Width (in): 8.00 and 36
Front/Rear Rim Diameter (in): -
Tire Type: Steel
Manufacture - End Year: -
Hitch Type: -
Hitch Category: -
Hitch Position: -
Hitch Capacity (lb): -
Operator Station Type: -
Starter Type: -
Brake Type: -
Hydraulic System Type: -

Test Results

Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory - Test Date: August 10 to 18, 1936

Maximum Power and Fuel Consumption

Maximum Belt Horsepower: 28.58 HP
Maximum Drawbar Horsepower: 20.03 HP
Fuel Consumption at Rated Load: 2.696 gal/hr

Drawbar Performance

Drawbar Power at Rated Engine Speed: 20.64 HP with a drawbar pull of 1234 lbs
Fuel Consumption at Maximum Load: 2.450 gal/hr at a speed of 5.00 mph

Engine Specifications

Engine Make and Type: 4-Cylinder, Vertical
Bore and Stroke: 3 7/8" x 5 1/4"
Engine Speed at Maximum Load: 1201 RPM

Fuel and Oil

Fuel Type: Distillate
Fuel Weight per Gallon: 6.40 pounds
Total Oil in Motor: 3.05 gallons

Nebraska Tractor Test Lab. (1936). Test 265: Massey-Harris Challenger. Lincoln, NE: Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/tractormuseumlit/868