Titan 10-20

This International Harvester Titan 10-20 was one of the most interesting exhibits at the 2015 WNC Fall Harvest Days event. A lifelong Tennessee resident it was purchased new by John Kennerly from a dealership in Jonesborough Tn. ca. 1921-22 who used it to power woodworking machinery. From there it was used on a farm in Washington County Tn. for a number of years. It has been owned since 2007 by Fred, Melissa and Nathen Milner from Johnson City, Tn.

Produced from 1914 / 15 to 1922 this tractor came off the line near the end of a production run that totaled around 80,000 units. According to Smokestak.com about a thousand examples are known to survive today.

A must see website for International fans and collectors or anyone with an interest in industrial history is www.wisconsinhistory.org a site provided by the Wisconsin Historical Society where you can browse their McCormick - International Harvester digital collection. The following information is extracted from International Harvester General Catalog number 20 page 321.

Titan 10-20 specifications: Rated hp. belt 20 drawbar 10, forward speeds 2 1/4 and 2 7/8 mph, reverse 2 7/8 mph, engine rpm 575, bore 6 1/2" stroke 8", wheel base 91" , total length 147", width 60", height 66 3/4", turning radius 14', fuel capacity 16 gal., water 40 gal., shipping weight 5710 #.

Note that only one engine speed is listed. This resulted in different size belt pulleys being provided.

Sitting on top of the two cylinder engine is the magneto which " furnishes current for the jump spark ignition. The engine starts and runs on the magneto - no batteries required." The black box which might be mistaken for some kind of battery is in fact a force feed mechanical oiler. It's interesting to note that both pistons operated together which resulted in a rocking motion of the entire tractor. If you look closely at the video clip of the Titan posted earlier you can just make out this motion. This motion is obvious in the original video but after Youtube got through "processing" the upload, the result leaves much to be desired. The pipe above the engine connects to the 40 gal. water tank to cool by a thermosyphon system.

This photo provides a good look at the operators platform and controls. The can like object next to the fender is the water air cleaner.

"Strong durable roller chains are used. They are the best known final drive for a farm tractor."

Additional resources:

www.nationalihcollectors.com


www.wellssouth.com


www.tractordata.co.uk


www.smokstak.com


And a special thanks to the Milners for bringing this great bit of history to the show.