MINNEAPOLIS MOLINE UTS – c. 1938

Manufactured by the Minneapolis-Moline Power Implement Co. (M-M) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. The UTS had a long production run in the USA, although comparatively few found their way to Australia.

This was the third in a series of M-M models introduced in 1939 and this one was regarded as the least controversial. Its easy access for repairs and maintenance was regarded as superior to many competitors. It could be supplied with a high clearance and was well suited to ploughing (the “U” in the model number signalling ploughing and “S” for the standard front end of a Rowcrop tractor).  

WA Distributors (1947 and 1956): Ray J. Sharpe Pty Ltd of 860 Hay Street, Perth and earlier by Malloch Bros. Ltd, 50 William Street, Perth.  

Technical Specifications: 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, OHV petrol/kerosene engine. Bore 4.25” and stroke 5”. Gears: 5 forward and 1 reverse.   Output at the belt was 36.48hp and at the drawbar, 33.29hp at 1275rpm. Weight 5200 lbs on pneumatic tyres.                            

History: This tractor was purchased in the late 1970s from a small farm in the Mount Helena area via an advertisement in the Sunday Times. Another collector had been trying to buy this one and Hugh considered himself lucky to get it because it was somewhat rare in Australia.