The Farmall Super A tractor is powered by an engine from the International Harvester C-series. Specifically, while the core Super A model utilized an International Harvester C123 engine, its later variant, the Super A-1, featured a higher-revolving-per-minute (RPM) version of the same C123 engine. The Super A-1 was noted to be otherwise identical to the Super A, indicating a consistent engine family across these models.
Engine Details for the Super A Series
The Super A series of tractors, including the original Super A and its variants, shared a common lineage for their powerplants. The specific engine mentioned in relation to the series is the International Harvester C123.
Understanding the Engine for Super A and Super A-1
When discussing the engine of a Super A, it's important to differentiate slightly between the base model and its later iteration:
- Super A: The standard Farmall Super A tractor was equipped with an International Harvester C123 engine. This engine provided the reliable power necessary for the tractor's various agricultural tasks.
- Super A-1: Introduced in 1954, the Super A-1 model was an enhancement of the Super A. Its key difference lay in its engine: it utilized a higher-rpm International Harvester C123 engine. This indicated an upgrade in performance while retaining the fundamental engine design and characteristics of the original C123. Apart from this engine modification, the Super A-1 was functionally identical to the Super A.
This close relationship underscores that the C123 engine was the staple for this tractor series, with performance variations introduced over time.
Production Overview
The Super A tractor was a significant model in the Farmall lineup. A substantial number of these tractors were produced, reflecting their popularity and utility.
- Total Production: Approximately 94,000 Super A tractors were manufactured. This figure includes both the base Super A models and its Super AV variants, which typically featured a higher clearance design for row crop work.
- Super A-1 Introduction: The Super A-1, with its higher-rpm C123 engine, began production in 1954.
Key Engine Specifications (Inferred for Super A / Explicit for Super A-1)
To provide a clearer overview, here's a breakdown of the engine type for the Super A series:
| Tractor Model | Engine Type | Key Characteristic | Production Year (Engine Variant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super A | International Harvester C123 | Standard RPM (Implied) | (Earlier than 1954) |
| Super A-1 | International Harvester C123 | Higher-RPM | 1954 |
Understanding these details provides a comprehensive answer to what engine powers a Super A, highlighting its core engine family and the specific variant used in its improved version.
