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Kelvin
02-03-2002 12:28:32
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Re: Moline Universal in reply to Ron Bahls, 01-30-2002 08:42:18
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The original Moline Universal was a front wheel drive tractor produced in the 'teens and maybe early 20's by the Moline Plow Co. The rear of the tractor could be supported by a 2-wheel dolly on which the operator rode, or it could be supported by any of the various horse drawn implements then in existance, and the operator rode on the implement seat, where he could operate the controls on the implement as well as the tractor.
After the merger that formed the Minneapolis-Moline Company, They introduced a more conventional tractor that had adjustable rear tire tread and narrow front tread that could compete with the Farmall. Since these tractors could cultivate as well as do all the other farm jobs, they were given the 'universal' name. MM made this configuration in the J, M, R, Z, U models, as well as some of the later number series tractors. Some of the later tractors did have adjustable tread front axles, but since they could still mount a cultivator, were still referred to as universals. A few had a single front wheel.
The Uni-tractors were basically self-powered carriages upon which various harvesting equipment could be mounted. They were called Uni-'s because the operator could purchase the basic carriage and install whichever unit: a combine, cornpicker, cornsheller, baler, swather, or spreader as his needs demanded.
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