T model Crawlers subject to WW II restrictions

One of the last tractors to be tested at Nebraska in 1941 as the International gasoline powered T-9 Crawler.
 Then along came WW II and testing ended, not to be resumed until July 19, 1946.
 The T-9 gasoline and TD-9 diesel models were introduced in 1939 and remained in production until 1956. During that time, there were more than 58,000 crawlers of these two models manufactured.
 The T-9 Crawler featured a 334 CID for-cylinder engine with a 4.4 by 5.5 inch bore and stroke operating at 1500 RPM.
 The Crawler operated at speeds of 1.5, 2.2, 3.2, 3.9 and 5.3 mph. Reverse speed was 1.7 mph. This engine is the same as used in the W-9 wheel tractor.
 The Crawler in low gear produced a pull of 9,868 pounds and delivered 39 drawbar horsepower. Both Crawler models had exceptional rigid and heavy main frames.
 This feature combined with unit construction assured alignment and efficiency of the drive train.   Several years ago, when visiting with two former International engineers, they agreed “the W and T series tractors were among the best quality produced unit at that time.”
 The Nebraska tests of 1940 and 1941 noted no repairs or adjustments during the test period. Both Crawlers were available with two track widths of 44 inches and 60 inches. This measurement was from center to center of the crawler track.
 The TD-9 used a Bosch fuel injection system. The diesel engine operated at 1,400 rpm as compared to 1,500 rpm for the gasoline powered T-9. The diesel engine produced a fuel economy of 14.3 horsepower hours per gallon of fuel.
 The gasoline model produced 9.1 horsepower per gallon of fuel. It weighed 10,830 pounds.
 The manufacturing of the T model crawlers were subject to WW II restrictions as set by the Supply Priorities and Applications Board. This was true of all agricultural machinery during the WW II years.
 One example of a tractor company adapting to the restricted use of material was the Ford Company in producing the 2-N in 1942. It was essentially about the same as the 9-N, except for savings in the production and manufacturing process.
 International Harvester was to introduce a newer version of the TD-9 in the early 1960s. It was a six-cylinder diesel engine with 282 CID operating at 1,700 rpm with a compression ratio of 18 to 1. This newer model weighed 13,640 pounds.
 Written by Delmer Dooley, an agricultural engineer, former high school ag teacher (Platte), expert on vintage tractors and farmer. The author lives with his wife on his parents’ homestead farm near Ramona in Lake County. 

Two former International engineers agreed that the W- and T-series tractors were among the best-quality produced units at that time.