Versatile 103 swather

Thomas(AB) · Apr 23, 2015

Local Vintage Tractor club was given a 103 last year that had been sitting several years. Group went out, tinkered for less than an hour and we were able to drive it on the trailer. It has a 12' table, needs a couple belts and the canvas replaced.

Any opinions about this machine? Anything to watch out for? Hoping to use it this year on a couple acres of wheat. I have ordered a manual for it, need to figure out how to adjust the drive clutches as it doesn't steer correctly.

Jim in Sask · Apr 24, 2015

Years back when we farmed near your part of the province there were quite a few 103 Versatiles in our neighbourhood. The 103 and the Co-op 500 were probably the most popular sp swathers around there. My dad had a Hesston-made Case 850 so I have no first hand experience with either make but guys seemed to get on with them okay. Those old Versatiles had their weak points but I think they were one of the better cutting swathers - friend of mine talked about cutting ripe canola in the rain to prevent shelling. When Versatile brought out the 400 they pretty well owned the market - the hydrostatic drive was a real improvement.

Dick2 · Apr 24, 2015

My nephew has 2 of them. He doesn't swath much grain anymore, but he uses them to cut hay on CRP land every year.

Darald · Apr 24, 2015

Back when I started farming and did not have much money for machinery I bought a new 103 in a crate, with a surplus V4 painted green but new. That swather used to cut nearly 1500 acres of wheat every year, sometimes we double swathed, 103 as lead and a JD 190 as the overshot. Anyhow my brother assembled it and we hit the field, a very good swather and we kept it shedded, put a 20' cutter bar through a 18' door. Kinda brings back memories.

Thomas(AB) · Apr 25, 2015

Thanks for the thoughts. Going to go tinker with it Monday. Received the manual for it yesterday.

Bob · Apr 25, 2015

Be aware the two cone clutches for reverse STICK, which is NOT good when you have the original factory setup with the ignition switch back on the engine itself!

I learned to keep a hand on the forward speed control lever, ready to jerk it upward when backing up!

That will either pop the offending reverse clutch(es) loose or kill the engine, either of which beats sticking the tailwheel though the polebarn wall, which is what my late Uncle did the first time he ever drove our 103, just after it was delivered!

Randy Weed · Apr 28, 2015

Back in North Dakota in the late 60's Dad had a 16' Versatile 103. The metal platform to the right of the operator was a perfect perch for my dog " Jake"
We cut hay with it then small grains and at the end of the season Kosher Weeds!
The 103 was the best all around abuse taken swather made! Dad later traded the 103 in for a new Massey Ferguson that couldn't hold a candle.

Versatile 103 swather

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