1919 International Harvester Titan 10-20

[Harry]

This was the most versatile kerosene tractor, production from 1915 to 1922. Approximately 80,000 were produced and now less than 1,000 remain around the world. This model sold for $800.00.

Powered by a two cylinder engine with a 6.5" X 8" bore and stroke with a parallel crank, it is thermo-syphon cooled by means of a water tank which eliminated the need for a water pump or fan. It has two forward speeds and reverse with a top speed of 2.375 m.p.h.

This Titan ran a saw mill in West Virginia. It is owned by Don McDilda, Jr. of Fort Pierce, Florida. Displayed at the Florida Flywheelers Show 2009.

Here it is in motion at the Zolfo Springs, Florida show.

[Sloroll]

I sure appreciate those photos! Thank you!

[Travis]

very nice original

Thank you for the photos. I wonder what the value of it is and how much would you de-value it by painting it. Not that I would paint it or anything just wondering.

[Steve Kunz]

Nice photos Harry, I thought I saw you at the Flywheelers show and was going to introduce my self but you were talking to someone and when I looked back you were gone. I dident know you could move that fast.
If I remember right the Titan was sitting by itself kind of in the flea market area. I wish they would had desiginated areas for tractors, steam, and engines. I know being a first timer at the show I got turned around a few times and probably missed alot.

[Phil Johnson]

Nice to see such a nicely maintained 10-20 in such fine condition. Thanks for the pics.

[Tony Thompson]

Thanks Harry,
Less than a 1,000 now left. I wonder how many are in the prefered original condition that one is in?
I think it well known by now that many of the stakkers would never paint a well preserved piece of history like this. Arlyn White brings up a good question. Would this tractor be de-valued by painting it? There are still many people who have not come full circle in this hobby, and they appear to be slow in accepting tractors of any kind that are not "dressed for show". High roller auctions seem do do better when the items for sale are tattooed in colorful new mylar, and tacky pinstriping that is vainly paraded with the stench of new high grade automotive finishes
Next question; do you leave a tractor like this in its current rusty-dry finish, or scrub it clean, and treat it with a relatively clear preserving finish that would give it a cleaner, darker overall appearance? If so, what would you rub, brush, or spray on it?

[CaseyJoeS.]

All I would do is store it inside and try to keep it from getting wet. Leave the finish original. But of course still keep it in operating condition.

1% humidity will still cause the metal it to oxidize over time? So how do you protect it?

[Craig A]

That's a nice Titan........but aren't they all?
Some folks can't stand the sight of a spot of rust and others thrive on it.
I happen to be from the rust camp and the only thing I'd "paint" that with is the occasional wipedown with an oily rag or some heavy fuel.

It's missing the first reduction gear cover. Shon Jacobson, a member here under a different name (casesteamer), had some done that are first class in case the owner should want to complete his.