Production years
1931-1939
Farmall tractor ยท 1931-1939
Farmall F-30 Tractor
The Farmall F-30 is a large 1930s row-crop tractor with about 20 claimed drawbar horsepower and 30 claimed belt horsepower. It was Farmall's heavier three-plow model and is respected for its imposing size and prewar mechanical simplicity.
Engine
International Harvester 283.7 cu. in. liquid-cooled 4-cylinder
Power
20 hp drawbar and 30 hp belt, claimed
Weight
About 5,300 lb
Farmall F-30 specifications
| Production years | 1931-1939 |
|---|---|
| Engine | International Harvester 283.7 cu. in. liquid-cooled 4-cylinder |
| Power | 20 hp drawbar and 30 hp belt, claimed |
| Transmission | 4-speed unsynchronized gear |
| Weight | About 5,300 lb |
| Fuel type | Distillate; many survivors are operated on gasoline |
| Drive and steering | 2WD with manual steering |
| PTO | Rear 540 rpm |
What the F-30 is used for
The F-30 was intended for larger row-crop farms needing a three-plow tractor, belt work, and heavy drawbar tasks. Its large displacement, broad stance, and substantial weight made it a step above the F-20 in field capacity.
Most surviving examples are now collector, parade, and demonstration tractors. It can handle light farm work, but owners generally preserve it for shows and occasional period-correct use.
Why the Farmall F-30 stands out
The F-30 is notable as Farmall's bigger prewar row-crop tractor and is far less common than an F-20, with about 28,902 built. Its large four-cylinder engine, tall wheels, and classic Farmall silhouette make a correct, complete example highly desirable to collectors.
Buying a used Farmall F-30
Inspect the engine and cooling system for freeze damage, assess magneto and carburetor condition, and confirm the engine has not been forced if it is stuck. Test each transmission gear, inspect final-drive and wheel components, and look carefully for missing F-30-specific parts. Confirm the serial number and configuration against serial-number records and TractorData.com before purchasing.
Farmall F-30 frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does a Farmall F-30 have?
It was claimed at 20 drawbar horsepower and 30 belt horsepower; Nebraska testing recorded about 24.85 drawbar horsepower and 32.80 belt horsepower.
What years was the Farmall F-30 built?
Farmall produced the F-30 from 1931 through 1939.
Is an F-30 a practical working tractor?
It can perform light, low-speed work, but its value today is mainly as a historic collector and demonstration tractor.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Values and prices of used tractors vary by condition and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.