Super M - Propane

PFarmer · Oct 2, 2015

Again, I don't have the time to go back and see if this shows up as a topic on one of the previous 3700+ pages. What I am wanting to know is any information that is available on the model SUPER M FARMALL that had a factory install LPG system (the factory install LP tank ran cross ways to the frame of the SUPER M and filled in front of the operators platform, M-W had a propane conversion for the tractor that involved a tank that ran length ways with the frame and filled from the side). Other than the tractor is rare and at one time my father owned a 1952 model of it I know very little about the LP Version of the tractor so any information I can get would be appreciated.

CenTex Farmall · Oct 2, 2015

What is it you want to know?

There were aftermarket conversions that also used a crosswise tank. I have two of them sitting in the yard. One has a Manchester tank and I can't remember what the other one is.

The factory tanks were made by Santa Fe in Tulsa Ok and have a large semi-triangular shape (on stage 2 tractors). The solitary stage 1 tractor I have has a rectangular data plate.

Serial tag will have NJ or CJ suffix. The stage 2 came with a cold manifold. The stage 1 that I have has a regular gasoline manifold and appears to be original.

They factory LP's show up fairly regularly in Texas and trade at about the same cost as a regular SM. There's not as many of them compared to regular SM's but then there's not as much people who want to mess with propane.

PFarmer · Oct 2, 2015

The fact that there are more SUPER M - Propane's in Texas may go along with one of the stories I have heard, which may or may not be true. The story is that the tractors were built at IHC's Farmall Works plant at Rock Island, IL, then were shipped to Lubbock TX where the LPG systems were installed after which they were delivered directly to dealers to be sold. Does anyone know if there is any truth to that story?

CenTex Farmall · Oct 2, 2015

That story goes with SMTA's that were sent to Lubbock and/or Midland. On those the tank goes longitudinally and the valve assembly in a monoblock at about the 11 o'clock position as seen from the driver's seat. I have 1 1/2 of those and have seen one or two others.

Story is they did 500 tractors like that. Not sure if it was a test for a cost saving measure or if they were destined for some sort of specialty market or what. I also have a SMTA with a crosswise tank that is coded for LP and for being a cotton picker. It appears that the cotton picker half was never installed.

Matt Thomas · Oct 2, 2015

I too have an LPG Super M (with a wide front end) with the tank that runs perpendicular to the frame. I had been told it was a factory set up and it certainly does not look like an unprofessional job. The serial indicates it was a high altitude tractor but I cannot remember what suffix it had now...and it's at the farm 40 miles away.
Watching this post with interest.

RN · Oct 2, 2015

Texas was a niche market for the LP tractors and some other equipment- guess why? Oil fields and refinery area would have plenty of the CNG/LP fuel available with minimal transport cost at short distance, fuel would be a lot cheaper than the gasoline and diesel fuel that could be transported further with less expensive equipment, but the cheap fuel would be in the limited area-SO, any gasoline or diesel equipment that could be set up for the cheaper fuel would sell well in that area. There a lot of red LP super Ms in Texas? Also probably the green thingies missing half their cylinders, the orange and yellow tractors using LP. Louisiana is another area for the LP, again because of the very cheap fuel in the area. The fuel may be 85% or less energy of gasoline or diesel- but it would be at 15% or so cost of the liquid fuels after the specialty equipment was installed at vendor and user end. If no market for the LP, then common practice was to 'flare' the gaseous fuel in the air, total loss of the energy that might be used to turn a crankshaft. RN

D Slater · Oct 2, 2015

Lots of factory SM tractors were equipped with high altitude pistons to raise the compression. That family of engines didn't get a smaller combustion chamber head to raise compression until during 400 production. SM first used the same manifold as a gas until serial number 25931, 25932 up the colder type was used.

Super M - Propane

PFarmer

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CenTex Farmall

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PFarmer

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CenTex Farmall

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Matt Thomas

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RN

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D Slater

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