View from the Cab: Return of a favorite

The new Farmall utility "M" tractor shown at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur.

By Kent Casson

I had to do a double take when strolling past the CASE IH display at last week’s Farm Progress Show in Decatur.

There was a new tractor referred to as a Farmall M. This wasn’t a typo. The new version of an old favorite was introduced at the show.

“We are super excited about the new M,” said Brian Williams, livestock product specialist with CASE IH. “The legacy of Farmall is very important to us and with this new M coming out, it is actually the premium top of our Farmall line.”

It comes with the F36, 3.6 liter four-cylinder engine. The tractor offers higher torque at lower RPMs which is what customers say they want.

“The torque curve on this engine is fantastic,” notes Williams.

The lift capacity is elevated on this unit with the rear lift capacity just north of 11,700 pounds. The transmission has 16 forward and 16 reverse gears. Plus, when you press the brake, it disengages the clutch.

“A great option when you are doing a lot of loader work,” added Williams.

The M has been a big part of the Farmall legacy which started back in 1923. The company just celebrated 100 years of Farmall a few years ago. This tractor is available in 110 and 120 horsepower with the larger having the Super M logo as well as the older International Harvester emblems.

“For a lot of our older customers, there is a special place in their heart for these.”

Many folks attending the show told Williams the Farmall M was the first tractor they had ever driven.

I had a great time walking around the Farm Progress Show last week and it was good to see everyone – from broadcast colleagues in the media tent to local advertisers and familiar faces from back home.

I’m glad the show is in Decatur every other year as it is not a bad drive and I have the chance to get countless interviews in a day.

The show returns to Iowa next year as it switches off between the two semi-permanent locations.