The Massey-Harris 44 was the 45 hp tractor of the company’s final pre-merger generation, introduced immediately after the Second World War between the 35 hp M-H 33 and the 55 hp M-H 55. From 1950 it could be ordered with the Draft-o-Matic hydraulic system, and in 1956 it was replaced by the restyled 444.
Massey-Harris 44 at a glance
| Maker | Massey-Harris Limited, Canada |
|---|---|
| Type | farm tractor |
| Series | final Massey-Harris generation, introduced immediately after World War II |
| Power | 45 hp |
| Siblings | M-H 22 (25 hp), M-H 33 (35 hp), M-H 55 (55 hp) |
| Hydraulics | Draft-o-Matic, optional from 1950 |
| Replaced | 1956, by the M-H 444 |
| Successor series | the triple series 333, 444 and 555 |
| Successor equipment | power steering, live power take-off and hydraulics |
| Successor styling | new hood, chrome trim on grille and hood, different colour scheme |
| Triple series production | until 1958 |
There is no Wikipedia page for the M-H 44 itself; the model is described in the Massey-Harris company history on English and German Wikipedia.
History of the Massey-Harris 44
The 45 hp step
The final generation of Massey-Harris tractors, introduced immediately after the Second World War, was built in four power steps: the 25 hp M-H 22, the 35 hp M-H 33, the 45 hp M-H 44 and the 55 hp M-H 55. The 44 therefore sat in the middle of the range, between the two smaller tractors and the 55 hp flagship, and it was the model that many mixed farms would have chosen.
Hydraulics and equipment
Massey-Harris introduced the Draft-o-Matic hydraulic system in 1949, at first as an option on the Model 22. A year later the same system was available on the Models 30 and 44. The company had also developed its own three-point hitch, the Hitch-All, which it offered from 1951; unlike the Ferguson system, it was not compatible with Harry Ferguson’s implements and was considered technically inferior to them.
The 444 and the triple series
In 1953 Massey-Harris merged with Harry Ferguson Limited, and in 1956 the 33, 44 and 55 were replaced by the 333, 444 and 555. The new tractors were commonly known as the triple series. They were mechanically similar to their predecessors but had new styling: a slightly different hood design, chrome trim on the grille and hood, and a different colour scheme. They were also available with power steering, live power take-off and hydraulics. The triple series stayed in production until 1958.
Design and features
- 45 hp: the middle power step of the post-war Massey-Harris range.
- Draft-o-Matic: the hydraulic system offered as an option from 1950.
- Hitch-All: Massey-Harris’ own three-point hitch, offered from 1951 and not compatible with Ferguson implements.
- 444 successor: replaced in 1956 by a mechanically similar tractor with new styling and more equipment.
Massey-Harris 44 versions
- M-H 44 (45 hp): the standard post-war model.
- M-H 444 (1956): the successor in the triple series, with new hood and chrome trim.
- M-H 22, 33 and 55: the other tractors of the same generation, of 25, 35 and 55 hp.
- M-H 50 (1955): the 30 hp model based on the Ferguson TO-35, also sold as the F-40.
The other tractors of the same generation are the M-H 22 and the M-H 55. The earlier range included the Model 744. More machines are in the Massey-Harris collection.
Video: 1950 Massey Harris Diesel 44 Plowing
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Massey Ferguson, English Wikipedia: post-war series, triple series, styling and equipment
- Massey-Harris, German Wikipedia: Draft-o-Matic, the merger of 1953
