Tractor Summary |
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· Weight: 4700 lbs · Engine: Buda 4 1/2 x 6 YR (27 to ~29?) YRA (~29?+) · Mag: Dixie 46C or 46T · Carb: Stromberg M3 · Serial numbers: 270xxx - 290xxxx? · Nebraska Test 144 |
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F 1927 - 1935 FA 1929 - 1935 |
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The Rock Island F was the longest running line of the Rock Island tractors, with multiple variants. Introduced in 1927 the F was the highest horse power and most modern tractor Rock Island produced at the time. The F was initially labeled just the 18-35 but was shortly thereafter advertised as the F 18-35. The 1927 Nebraska Test 144 rated out at 30-36 on distillate making it an underrated tractor. Although the G2 seems to be more common in preservation, the F/ FA now appears to have been produced in far greater numbers with at least 2884 produced.
Although the F 18-35 designation was kept until 1935, it did undergo some internal changes including the switch from the Buda YR to the YRA engine around 1928 - 1929. There is evidence from third party parts manuals that at some point the Buda YTU engine was also used but no mention is found in the 1938 Case/Rock Island parts list. In 1930 a special variant of the F was released in Canada called the Canadian Special 18-35 and 24-45. Both tractors utilized a Waukesha DSR engine.
The standard coloring was the normal Rock Island Grey and Red scheme. A few examples are painted all red which is not indicative of their actual status as Canadian Specials. The F’s feature distinctive side panels, buda engine and a larger overall size. Very early F’s under 270251 appear to have had some unique features not found on general production F’s. Advertising of that time indicates a few external differences including fenders and a missing air stack.
At least some F’s were sold with an all red paint scheme (mistakenly attributed to Canadian Specials). According to Mark Paskevich who owns a 1928 F that was originally painted in this scheme, this was a Canadian Paint scheme from Waterloo, Rock Islands Canadian distributor. I so far have no direct evidence in the form of literature or advertising to corroborate this, Waterloo materials I so far have seen all show the standard Grey and Red.
Starting with the 1929 parts list, at 29000 the transmission case changed from the same parts number as the G2 to its own part number. Coinciding with that, in 1929 a new version of the F was introduced, the FA (serial numbers for an FA will begin FA29xxxx). Both tractors continued to be manufactured until 1935. The FA had different gearing (the gearing for the F also changed at serial 290000) at 29000 the transmission case changed from the same parts number as the G2 to its own part number. Coinciding with that, in 1929 a new version of the F was introduced, the FA. Both tractors continued to be manufactured until 1935. The FA had different gearing from the standard F (the gearing for the F also changed at serial 290000) Oil pump changed at 290599 belt pulley gear changes at 290000 Other changes occurred at serials 270042, 270251, 280133, 280613, 280699 and 290000. Luckily, the F parts list is easily available through Jensales. I have an ongoing restoration log for FA HERE. Eventually it will get its own webpage. |
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HP 18 - 35 |
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Rock Island 18-35 FA
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Copy write 2011, 2012, 2013 not for republication or sale without express written consent. All images are the property of their respective owners and are not to be reused without their express permission. |
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Left: Craig A’s 18-35 F Right: Rock Island 18-35 FA Below: Various F and FA’s
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F/FA Instruction book (click to open) |
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The short lived Canadian Specials were produced in 1930 for the Canadian market. The two main features were a Waukasha DSR engine and a heavier front axle design. The Serial number for these Canadian Specials started in F400xxx.
Dedicated Canadian Special Page HERE |
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1930 Canadian Special |
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Above: 1927 F brochure.
Right: revised 1928+ F brochure
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Above: Cutaway of the Rock Island F
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