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Canada Agriculture Museum
Collections and Research
Tractors - "Just What You Need"

Collection Highlights

Tractors

“Just What You Need”

Versatile D118 serial no. 4663 (CSTM 1988.0202), built in 1969, was the smallest of their four-wheel drive tractors, but at more than 11,000 pounds (5 000 kilograms), its size was reminiscent of early kerosene tractors. Its base price was $9 800. Although the engine’s six cylinders were comparable in size to those of the Sawyer-Massey, at 135 drawbar horsepower its output was nearly seven times that of its predecessor. “Arm strong” had been replaced by hydraulic power steering and hydraulics were also used to power tillage and planting equipment. The transmission offered nine forward and three reverse speeds, with a top speed of about 25 miles per hour (40 km/h). Like many large tractors, the Versatile was articulated to reduce its turning radius when pulling a wide implement. In order to float over soft fields during spring planting, the tractor could be equipped with dual wheels fitted with pneumatic tires. Although a cab was an optional extra, a desire for protection from the elements lead most farmers to make the purchase.

Versatile D118 #4663
Versatile D118 #4663

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