The International Motor Cultivator is an unusually designed tractor built by the International Harvester Company meant to be a versatile lightweight tractor that could replace the horse for most field work.

Work on the International Harvester Motor Cultivator started in 1915. Documents show a patent was submitted on October 23, 1916, and production commenced in 1917. By the end of production in 1919, approximately 300 units had been manufactured.

DESIGN

Power is provided by a rear-mounted LeRoy 4-cylinder engine rated at 12 horsepower. The main drive wheel sits behind the operator making it rear wheel steer. Additional steering of the cultivator is created by steering with your feet left or right. The tractor has one speed forward and one speed reverse with a maximum speed of 4 miles per hour. The tractor weighs in at 2,200 pounds.

FAILURE

The International Harvester Motor Cultivator was a failed venture for the company, but its failure led the engineers back to the drawing board to design the Farmall Regular. The Farmall emerged as International Harvester’s flagship tractor, boasting unparalleled success and profitability with production numbers exceeding 130,000 units between 1924 and 1932.

The International Motor Cultivator could be described as widow-maker. The rear wheel drive, top heavy design was prone to tip over on steep or unleveled ground.

The tractors were supposedly recalled by International Harvester, but it appears that not all were, as a handful of examples still exist.

International Harvester

Antique Tractor Life