The Rise of Minneapolis-Moline: Powering the Agricultural Revolution

The demand for powerful agricultural machinery has been a driving force since tractors first appeared in the late 19th century. By the mid-1960s, this demand surged, prompting Minneapolis-Moline (M-M) to ramp up its efforts in developing high-horsepower tractors. With technological advancements in engine design—particularly the emergence of long-stroke and big-bore engines—Minneapolis-Moline became a leader in the industry, producing robust tractors for nearly two decades.

Venturing into Diesel Power

Minneapolis-Moline made its first foray into diesel engines in the early 1950s, introducing the model UDU. This diesel engine, designated D283-4, featured a 283 cubic inch cylinder displacement. The innovative engine platform allowed the production of gas, liquid propane, and diesel variants, facilitating greater flexibility in fuel options.

These early diesel engines boasted a horsepower output ranging from 42 to 46 belt hp, operating consistently at 1,300 rpm. This robust design has allowed some of these engines to remain operational, powering irrigation pumps in the American West to this day.

As farmers sought more power, Minneapolis-Moline recognized the urgency to establish its reputation in the Midwest market, facing competition from larger tractor manufacturers such as IHC, John Deere, and Allis-Chalmers.

The Glory Years of Muscle Tractors

In response to the increasing demand for power, the company launched the D425A-6 diesel engine in 1955, first featured in the model GB-D tractor. This six-cylinder engine, with 425.5 CID, produced nearly 44 hp at 1,300 rpm. The D425A-6 continued to be utilized in later models such as the GVI and G704, boosting power output to 54 hp through an increase to 1,500 rpm.

Significantly, the G704 was notable for being the first production tractor equipped with a factory-installed front-wheel-drive front axle, enabling enhanced traction and field performance.

The D509A-6 Engine Platform: A Breakthrough

The introduction of the G706 in 1962 saw the debut of the D509A-6 diesel engine, which had an impressive 509 CID and delivered nearly 102 hp at 1,600 rpm—marking a significant increase in power output.

This engine platform fueled several prominent Minneapolis-Moline tractors, including the G708, G1000, G900, and the A4T-1400, the company’s first four-wheel-drive model introduced in 1964.

The design of the D509A-6 originally operated at 1,600 rpm but was escalated to 1,800 rpm in subsequent models, showcasing the advancements made by M-M engineers in combustion technology.

Pioneering the 100-hp Platform

The launch of the D585-6 diesel engine in the G-1350 model in 1969 marked a new era as it was the first—and ultimately the last—M-M engine to utilize direct fuel injection. This powerful engine, boasting 585 CID, produced approximately 95 hp in the G1350 and continued to exceed 100 hp in the A4T-1600 and G-1355 models.

The G-1355 and its D585-6 diesel engine represented the last products bearing the Minneapolis-Moline logo, as White Motor Corporation acquired the company in 1963 and integrated its offerings into a broader product line by 1973.