M.A.N. AS542A – c. 1953

The AS 542 A is a 42 hp, 4-wheel drive tractor from MAN in Germany. Produced from 1953 to 1955, very few of these tractors found their way to Australia.

The tractors were very robust and the model held by the Museum has proved that characteristic. This was not a cheap tractor and it apparently sold in small numbers.

This type of tractor is not often seen in Western Australia.

Technical Specifications: 4-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel engine. Bore 6.62” and stroke 4.33”. Gears: 10 forward and 2 reverse.   Output at the belt was 42hp at 2000rpm. Weight 7700 lbs.                            

History: Hugh purchased this machine in February 1996 from Mr Jurgen, a German Mercedes Benz engineer who had decided to return to his home land.

The tractor had not run for two years but after inflating the tyres and charging the battery it started without any trouble and was driven onto the truck to be transported to Hugh’s farm. Apart for some minor repairs, the addition of a new exhaust system and some repairs to the tyres, it was ready to join the Museum in 1996.