When you write about pre-1920 International Harvester tractors there’s only one for me that’s the silver tuna. It’s the 18-35 Titan Tractor which had a tragic demise.
Doomed To Failure
This tractor was doomed from the beginning. It’s engine was too complicated, its starting procedure to elaborate and the production cost was astronomical. But Man, is it one of the coolest tractors ever built.
The tractor was built by the International Harvester Company from 1912 to 1915. It’s powered by a two-cylinder horizontal side by side engine that starts with compressed air. A 1 horsepower starting motor and air-compressor sits inside the cooling tank.
This compressor pumps air into a tank in the frame, a valve on the cylinder head and cam on the engine, is used to turn the engine over and start it.
The Engine
The engine is essentially a smaller version of the 45 Titan Air-Start Tractor, but with a big difference. What makes it so unique is that it has an overhead cam design that opens the rocker arms, powers the fuel pump, oilers, governor, magneto and water pump.
The tractor is rated 18 horsepower on the drawbar and 35 horsepower on the belt with the engine running at 425 rpms. The pistons have an 8 inch bore with a 10 inch stroke
Tractor
The transmission has two speeds, in low gear its top speed is 2.13 miles per hour, in high gear the top speed is 3.65 miles per hour.
The tractor is 123 inches high, 96 inches wide, and 184.5 inches long. Its shipping weight is 15,700 16,850 pounds while is road weight is 16,850 pounds.
History
Only 3 known examples of the 18-35 Tractor are still known to exist.
About International Harvester
International Harvester was a prominent American manufacturer of agricultural machinery, construction equipment, trucks, and household appliances. Founded in 1902 through the merger of several companies, including the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and the Deering Harvester Company, International Harvester played a vital role in shaping the agricultural and industrial landscape of the United States.
The company became known for its innovative farm equipment, such as tractors, combines, and plows, contributing significantly to the mechanization of agriculture. International Harvester also ventured into the production of trucks and construction equipment, solidifying its presence in various sectors.
International Harvester went through significant changes over the years and ultimately evolved into a different entity. In 1985, International Harvester, facing financial difficulties and seeking to focus on its more profitable segments, sold the agricultural and construction equipment divisions to Tenneco Inc.
In 1986, International Harvester rebranded the remaining portion of the company, primarily consisting of the truck and engine manufacturing divisions, as Navistar International Corporation.
Navistar continued to be a major player in the production of trucks, buses, and engines, while the agricultural and construction equipment divisions were no longer under the International Harvester umbrella. Over the subsequent years, Navistar faced various challenges, including financial struggles and legal issues related to engine technologies. In the early 2020s, Navistar agreed to be acquired by TRATON SE, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, marking another chapter in the company’s history.
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