Farmall 130 Distillate Tractor(with pics)

brmtdg · Jun 16, 2011

Attached are some pictures of our "new to us" distillate Farmall 130. I have seen distillate SAs and 100s but this is the first distillate 130 I have ever seen. The serial number suffix is A, which according to Case/IH site is a distillate version so it does not appear to be a aftersale conversion.
As for the tractor it cranks good, runs strong and is in pretty decent shape.

Can not find any info on the web regarding number distillate 130s made.Or any info regarding distillate 130s.

Tractor appears complete and original down to the radiator shutters and starting tank and fuel line plumbing. Tractordata list 130 as gas only powered.

It would be greatly appreciated if someone could offer some insight into the number of distillate 130s produced or/and any info regarding distillate 130.

As always any input would be appreciated
Thanks
BMD

rustyfarmall · Jun 17, 2011

The distillate option was available through the 130, 230, 350, and 450 tractors. I personally have seen a factory 350 and a 450 with the distillate set-up, and both of those tractors were in museums. The distillate option is not real common, but obviously they do exist.

BMD · Jun 17, 2011

Thanks for the info. Apparently that was the last generation to have distillate as an option.My guess is that option was produced in very limited numbers.

I had thought distillate had been phased out of use in the USA long before the late 50's.
Would anyone happen to what or if there is a modern equivalent of distillate fuel today? Not planning to try it out but just curious what it is similar to?

Probable should leave it as is since it appears to be 100% original and runs good. Guess it gets to stay inside the nicer building next to Oliver 440 and 50 cub. Guess that still leaves the 140,364 and 664 to do the really hard work around the place.

thanks for the info
BMD

GRAPE-DRANK · Jun 17, 2011

Question: What's a distillate tractor and what was the point in making them?

I know what a distillate is, but I am wondering if this thing ran on some kind of paint thinner.

Janicholson · Jun 17, 2011

From early in the 1900s, Refiners were able to produce a heavier fuel from the crude than gasoline for much less money. It was called tractor fuel, or Distillate. The tractors could run on it if started on gasoline, and heated up (with radiator shutters) so the heavy fuel would vaporize and burn.
The Fuel was low in Octane, and smoked substantially. The compression ratio was limited to 2/3 that of gasoline engines. Different heads, valves, intake/exhaust manifolds, Carb differences, Radiator shutters, Fuel tanks and fuel lines were primary differences.
The combustion was not very complete, and would dilute the oil. As the oil level raised, it was drained to the bottom petcock and new oil was added to keep it usable.
As cracking systems improved, it became more expensive than gasoline, and was phased out entirely (mid 60s would be my guess)
Kerosine is similar, but refined so as to remove the smoke and particulates. A distillate tractor could burn Kero with little issue, but they run best on gasoline. Jim

bugman · Jun 18, 2011

just wondering if this is actually an industrial model as it seems to have a diamond shaped front axle and a deluxe seat.some also came with a foot throttle. what year is this beauty and where is her home?

brmtdg · Jun 26, 2011

Serial number suffix's are J and A for distillate and Rockford clutch. Tractor data shows build year as early 1957. No foot throttle or evidence there was ever one installed.
As for industrial model, not sure but it was fully dressed out in full cultivators and fast hitch.
Any idea what would designate it as a industrial model? Features or serial suffix's.

Looked over the tractor again this weekend and it looks all original. I guess its one quite strangely optioned 130.

Would anyone happen to if there is any breakdown on Farmalls produced by features/options/suffix codes. That would give me some idea how common certain option were.

Oh, by the way it located in Burlington NC about 40 miles west of Raleigh NC

BMD

Farmall 130 Distillate Tractor(with pics)

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