Massey-Harris Model 81


The Massey-Harris Model 81 was a two-plow small-farm tractor built by Massey-Harris from 1941-1948. Introduced to replace Massey's General GG, the 81 was paired with the Model 82 and was very similar to the Model 101 Junior, which first appeared in 1939. It was offered in standard-tread and row-crop versions, as was the Model 20 that followed it. The Model 81 was joined in 1946 by the Model 20, both of which survived in production until 1948.

Pricing

With a base price of around C$800, it was competitive with the C$900 John Deere A. and less than Ford and Ferguson-Brown models of the period.

Weight

The bare weight without ballast was 2,600 lb, some 1,100 lb less than the contemporary Model 30.

Engines

The 81 used the same 124 in3 engine of the 101 Junior, while the 82 used a 140 in3 model. The 124 in3 was rated at 21 hp at the belt, and was manufactured by Continental, like all Massey-Harris tractors at the time.

Use by Royal Canadian Air Force

The Royal Canadian Air Force used blue-painted standards as aircraft tugs, out of under 2,600 standard-tread 81s made.