Detroit Tractor Co. 44-16

[cjrolke]

my brother bought this a few years ago.

its a detroit tractor co 44-16 made in either 1947 or 1948



http://rolke.dyndns.org/ftp/Detroit%...%20(Small).JPG

its kind of like a antique version of a bobcat type skid steer
chain drive to the rubber tires and each side

the motor is a continental 4 cylinder

the steering is brakes on a shaft that controls the chains

there is supposed to be fenders over the wheels that we think is diamond plate

this unit has a loader on it that kind of looks home made

it also has a cast aluminum hood
we recently found that there was records of this company after 1949
anyone know anything about this??
we would eventually like to get it running and drivable
thanks for any info about this

[cjrolke]

another pic

[cjrolke]

its rough but complete

[Bud Tierney]

May have a little info on the engine--I have a note (tho I failed to note the source) that they came with a Cont N62, a fairly popular little 23/4 x 31/2.
If parts for it not available locally, the most recommended source is Montes' Equipment in Chicago; Gerrad Moon is described as the contact person (gerradmoon@montes@flash.net).
You'll need your engine serial #, as a 93 Clevite bearing catalog shows a rod insert change at eng #42049 (engines before #42049 and engines after #42049). Mains stay the same per this catalog.
(I always wonder what eng # 42049 takes!). Good luck.

[cjrolke]

thanks for the info

i will pass it on to my brother

on a side note
i stumbled on to a tractor values book that lists this unit alont with 2 other (more powerful ones) and a restorable one lists at $2500 and goes up to $10000

not bad considering it was bought for scrap prices

[Bud Tierney]

Forgot to mention my note says "produced 47-48, was four wheel drive, and weighed about 1660 lbs", but I didn't note if that was just tractor or with anything attached.
If you advertise for parts include prod date or info to differentiate from the 1914 or so Detroit (Detroit Tractor Co, LaFayette, IN), which was one of the attempts at a line-drive "transitional" tractor (operator rode implement, the "tractor" replaced the horse, operated by reins/lines held by operator).

[redneckengineer]

May have talked to you a few years back on YT. I have a loader version of the model 44-16 as well, however mine is set up the reverse of yours. More like a modern skidsteer.

[cjrolke]

dont know if we have or not

but i will forward this off to my brother

can you get some more pictures of yours

just all over and around shots

thanks