McCormick C
Built: 1948–1951 · Series: FARMALL-LETTERS-Baureihe
More machines from model year 1948
McCormick Farmall-Letters series: the Farmall C (1948-1951) with a four-cylinder engine, 1,853 cm³ displacement, 21 hp/15.4 kW output and a weight of 1,290 kg
The Farmall-Letters series represents the generation of American field tractors with a narrow, tall-built design developed for row-crop work in maize and other root crops, with an adjustable front axle track. The Farmall C, with its classic tricycle front axle, belongs to this family of small to medium all-purpose tractors.
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The Farmall C has a water-cooled four-cylinder engine with 1,853 cm³ displacement, which could run on distillate, kerosene or petrol, producing 21 hp, or 15.4 kW, at a rated speed of 1,650 rpm. At 1,290 kg, with a 2,073 mm wheelbase and a width of 2,032 mm against a height of only 1,788 mm, it shows the narrow but stable build typical of row-crop work.
With a top speed of 16 km/h, the Farmall C falls under Germany's driving licence category T. Multi-fuel operation on distillate or kerosene was a common solution before diesel engines became widely available, but usually required starting cold on petrol until the engine reached operating temperature.
When buying a Farmall C of this age, the valves and carburettor should be checked for suitability to the intended fuel, since an engine set up for kerosene runs differently on pure petrol. The front axle track adjustment, tyre condition and frame cracks on this narrow build also deserve a close inspection before purchase.
Sources: SpecCodex-Register: Kennwerte des Modells Farmall C, McCormick
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | Destillat/Kerosin/Benzincorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 21 hp (15.4 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 1,650 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 4correct |
| Displacement | 1,853 cm³correct |
| Bore | 76.2 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 101.6 mmcorrect |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 3,058 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 2,032 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,788 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 2,073 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 572 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,290 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 4 V/1 Rcorrect |
| Forward gears | 4correct |
| Reverse gears | 1correct |
| Front tyres | 4.00 x 15correct |
| Rear tyres | 9 x 36correct |
| Top speed | 16 km/hcorrect |
Working data
| Fuel tank capacity | 41.6 lcorrect |
|---|
Origin and approval
| Construction | semi-frame constructioncorrect |
|---|---|
| Units built | 79,932correct |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 11.9 kW/t (15 kW / 1.3 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 8% of the tractors in the register — out of 15,663 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the McCormick C have?
The McCormick C delivers 21 hp.
How much does the McCormick C weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,290 kg.
What engine does the McCormick C have?
4 cylinders, 1,853 cm³ displacement, Destillat/Kerosin/Benzin.
How fast does the McCormick C go?
Top speed is 16 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the McCormick C?
3,058 mm × 2,032 mm × 1,788 mm.
When was the McCormick C built?
Production years: 1948–1951.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Check front and rear tyre sizes: mismatched pairs strain the drivetrain.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 26 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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Sources: [1]
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.