Twin City KTA

Mike Farmer · Oct 14, 2010

Hi' I've never owned an MM series tractor before and someone has offerred me a 1937 Twin City KTA. As I've never even heard of it would one or lots of you kind gents maybe give me a run down on this particular crittur. I will listen eagerly to whatever you have to say. Thanks in advance for your help MTF

MrsLM · Oct 14, 2010

I own several Molines/Twin city and my favorite is my 1934 KTA. They are well built beautiful machines like the way things used to be built in this country.
I waited for ten years to find my KTA and my Husband and I bought it for each other for our anniversary gift. I have several digital pictures of mine I can send you if you send me your number so I can get your e-mail as this site rightfully will not display your e-mail.
P.S. All antique MM owners are not male

Mike Farmer · Oct 15, 2010

Well I almost guessed from your 'Mrs LM' title that you were probably a lady. However thanks very mush for your reply. Love to see your pics so my email is [email protected] The one I'm offerred is a 1937 with Twin City MM on the front. I've only seen pics so far and I would like to know a bit about them before I go to look at it. Like does it have electric start, how easy for spares, is a workshop manual available etc etc take care MTF(Mike)

Jeff Blaney · Oct 15, 2010

I purchased one (1935 KTA) about 5 or 6 years ago and have just recently completed the restoration. They are very cool machines. Lots of fun and not something that you see all the time at a show either!

Numbers wise they are not extremely rare, but rare enough I think to MM collectors. They have a 4 cyl engine (283ci) babbitted mains/rods, single piece block and head. Crank start only.

Quite a few parts interchange between the KTA and Model U so sometimes you get lucky if your stuck for a part.

I think they average between 2K-4K. Almost all the survivors I've seen are on cut downs, so if yours is on steel go for it!

I'll post a pic of mine in the photo gallery.

Keep us posted!

Mike Farmer · Oct 15, 2010

Hi Thanks for that. Just saw your after pic but couldn't find the before. VERY NICE machine. Mine is on offer in England and I suppose it comes almost in the top end of your suggested prices. Tell me more about the engine being basically 'one piece'. By babbitted bearings do you mean basically made in place and then line bored(Fordson N etc) or single piece replaceable shells.What method of valve opening is used etc. push rods or OHC or ???? MTF

BMG1 · Oct 15, 2010

Mike,
I'm sure a Twin City in England is worth more than here in the States. There can't be many KTA's in England. I bet it would be something different at the shows over there. Moline used a monoblock in the KTA. All 4 cylinders are cast into one replaceable cylinder assy. In 1947 Moline changed that style engine in the U tractor (newer version of the KT series) over to a split block style where cylinders were cast in pairs. All the KTA and U series engines are overhead valve type with pushrods and rocker arms. The babbitt bearings are poured in place similar to the Fordson for both the crank and rods. Replaceable shell bearings did not come out until the late 30's or early 40's during the U series production. There were quite a few U series shipped over during the war. If you can talk to someone over there with a U tractor you can get a good idea about the engine in the KTA.

Brian

Mike Farmer · Oct 16, 2010

Hi thanks for that info. At this stage I am still not fully committed. Here the converted price comes out at about $4300. Incidently this tractor only arrived in England from the USofA about 5or6 days back.It has been sorta restored at some stage but it is now definitely lacking any lustre. I've never even seen one before. Although in my youth ????? I saw several old big MMs. I shall continue to pick brains Please!!!!! MTF

Jeff Blaney · Oct 16, 2010

To be honest with you Mike, $4300 does not sound outrageous. These are real cool tractors, they sound awesome too. Even if you were to buy a heap closer to home you will have oodles of money tide up in parts and motor work (I know from experience with my KTA)

I would assume the seller is an honest chap. Just ask him the standard questions. These KTA's aren't that different from other machines of the era.

The only problem I see is your shipping costs. It could be pricey as well as a pain in the butt.
These tractors come up for sale here every once in a while and if you ask around you may just find one for sale right now.

A good guy to talk to is Tony Thompson. He runs a Twin City website that is loaded with info. You can find it easy enough on "google"

Good luck, feel free to e-mail me if you want pics or any other info.

Mike Farmer · Oct 17, 2010

That price is inclusive as Its actually already here in UK so I only have to go about 120 miles to collect. How heavy is it by the book. I'd be obliged if anyone can send me a copy of the engine page from a manual. Thanks in advance MTF

shinnery · Oct 17, 2010

Tractor Data says it is about 4300 lbs.

http://www.external_link/farm-tractors/003/7/5/3757-twin-city-kta.html
Bryce

SD Oldiron · Oct 21, 2010

The babbit bearings in the KE engines are replacable shells and do not need to be line bored. Makes things a little easier
Mike

Farmall Buddy · Jun 5, 2018

Would like to see pictures of your KTA we have a 1936 KTA

Farmall Buddy · Jun 5, 2018

(quoted from post at 07:48:46 10/15/10) I purchased one (1935 KTA) about 5 or 6 years ago and have just recently completed the restoration. They are very cool machines. Lots of fun and not something that you see all the time at a show either!
Would like to see pictures of your KTA I have one too 1936 KTA
Numbers wise they are not extremely rare, but rare enough I think to MM collectors. They have a 4 cyl engine (283ci) babbitted mains/rods, single piece block and head. Crank start only.

Quite a few parts interchange between the KTA and Model U so sometimes you get lucky if your stuck for a part.

I think they average between 2K-4K. Almost all the survivors I've seen are on cut downs, so if yours is on steel go for it!

I'll post a pic of mine in the photo gallery.

Keep us posted!

Twin City KTA

Mike Farmer

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MrsLM

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Mike Farmer

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Jeff Blaney

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Mike Farmer

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BMG1

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Mike Farmer

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Jeff Blaney

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Mike Farmer

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SD Oldiron

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