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MH 44 crawler

Hi all,

So the other day I was screwing around on the net and came across something I have never heard of, let alone seen and that is a Massey Harris 44 crawler. However, I cannot seem to find any further information on it. Was this a prototype that MH built and never went into production? Is this the only one that was built? Anybody know?

Sure would be something neat to have in the collection.

Cheers,
           Dakota
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RE:MH 44 crawler

Would be a neat addition even if it is custom built unit.

RE:MH 44 crawler

Dakota,

The crawlers are cool for sure.  I know of at least 3 Massey Harris crawlers out in the wild.  One of them claims to be a factory prototype, but i personally have not seen the evidence indicating a factory connection as opposed to a neat backyard conversion.  A second one  was made by George Smyth in Canada which he sold during his sale in August 2013.  He used a Cletrac underbody which fit nicely under a 44 frame.  I’ll have to dig up pictures of it as it was well done. 

There were obviously Massey Ferguson crawlers made from the factory.  

Keep on the Internet hunt.  You’ll be sure to always find what you are looking for!

Drew


RE:MH 44 crawler

Hi Drew,

Interesting. I'd definitely like to see the pics of the one in Canada. It had to be a bit of a project to convert it and make sure things worked as they should. Which specific Cletrac tractor underbody did he use? Do you know?

 I have seen MF crawlers, (weren't those mainly sold in the UK?) and have always been intrigued by crawlers used for farming.

Cheers,
            Dakota


RE:MH 44 crawler

I stand corrected.  It was an 81 not a 44.  I am unsure of which Cletrac model he used.  But it was cool for sure.

Drew
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RE:MH 44 crawler

Interesting. Amazing what some people can think of and create. Cletrac built crawlers for Oliver at one time and judging by the looks of the chassis it looks like its off of an OC-3. But I could be completely wrong.


Still cool though! 

RE:MH 44 crawler

Dakota,
 
MF bought the Italian firm Landini in 1960.  They had a history of both wheel and crawler tractor production.  The purchase gave MF access to their crawler tractors.
 
Here is a pic of my MF 134C crawler tractor.  It has a three cylinder Perkins diesel engine more or less the same as in the MF 35/135 tractors.

The crawlers were sold throughout Europe, Africa and elswehere but never as far as I am aware in N America.  They had a good reputation.
 
One of these enthusiast built “”MH”” crawlers was also sold in Gerald and Charlotte Fank’s sale a few years ago in Cosmos, Minnesota.  I think, but am not absolutely sure, that they were all based on Cletrac chassis etc.
 
John
 

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RE:MH 44 crawler

Dakota,

I forgot to mention that I did a comprehensive article on MF crawlers for the "Massey Legacy" magazine a few issues ago.  If you can get hold of a copy then you can read up on them there

John

RE:MH 44 crawler

Hi John,

Interesting. I have heard about the MF crawlers, but never knew much about them. Is that magazine a good read?

 Cheers,
            Dakota

RE:MH 44 crawler

Dakota - Yes, Massey Legacy is a very good quality magazine and is an absolute must for Massey enthusiasts.  There is nothing else of consequence for us!  In all seriousnes it is a high quality production and quite outstanding compared with others.

Enjoy!

John