The McCormick-Deering steel-wheeled, kerosene-powered 15-30 tractor was a popular farm model between 1921 and 1934. In 1935, when Dad (Warren Neal) graduated from high school, about 85% of tractors rode on metal wheels.
Those steel wheels were covered with piercing lugs that gouged every surface. It’s no wonder hard-surface roads often had signs that read: “Tractors with Lugs Prohibited.”
McCormick-Deering 15-30
The Ideal Three-Plow Tractor
“Powerful, fast-moving, economical, the McCormick-Deering 15-30 is the ideal three-plow tractor. With a plowing speed of three miles an hour and abundant power, the McCormick-Deering tractor owner can plow a satisfactory acreage every day and at a depth of his liking. Fast, deep plowing requires plenty of power. That is the reason this tractor meets the requirements of the practical farmer.
“The McCormick-Deering 15-30 has ample power to pull three plows and meets the requirements of tractor owners for a little more power and a little more speed to enable them to accomplish more during the rush periods of spring, summer and fall work.
Ever-Ready Belt Power
“On belt work, the McCormick-Deering 15-30 exceeds all expectations for smooth, steady running. The effective throttle governor regulates the fuel to the load and keeps the speed practically constant even though the load may vary.
“The McCormick-Deering 15-30 is designed throughout to be of maximum utility as a farm power unit. It is fully equipped with steel platform, wide fenders, belt pulley, adjustable drawbar, brakes and removable angle lugs.
“See the McCormick-Deering dealer or write us for information on this tractor.”
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How to start one of these tractors.
The history of the McCormick-Deering is complicated. Check it out if you’re interested.
I wonder whether this tractor was Grandpa Kenneth Neal’s first tractor. Grandma Ruby wrote, “Living close to town and having a nice matched team of horses, Kenneth was called upon to drive them on the horse-drawn hearse.”
