Model D Production
As the founder and coordinator of the Haas Tractor Club, I wrote
an article (see GEM, December 2000, page 20) about our first
reunion at the Baraboo, Wisc, Badger Steam and Gas Engine Club
Show. We were happy to see the article printed and want to share
our sincere appreciation for that. I doubt we often realize the
impact such articles can have on others. The direct result of that
article was two new members and friends for the club, neither of
whom had an inkling such a club existed. One person had never heard
of Haas, while the other had a Model D and was searching for
information about the tractor and its history, as well as
restoration assistance. The Model D came complete with its original
bill of sale, which gave us new dates and figures to work with that
had not previously been available. That tractor also gave us
another look at original paint colors.
We have been able to pinpoint early production of the Model D as
mid-1949. This series started with serial numbers after 1000 and
up. A later variation started at 2000, however all numbers are
quite low regardless of category. We know only 300 Model Ds were
produced, and most were exported. Some have been seen in Germany,
and pictures of some in China are known. The Model D used a common
140-cubic-inch Continental engine and a B.F. Avery transmission
made by Clark, while the Model A and the Model B used a Haas-made
engine with Ford Model A car parts where they could. The A and B
were similar except for an extra two-speed gearbox in the Model
B.
Considering how few Haas tractors were made, it’s amazing to
see this many in one place. The larger tractors to the right are
Model D Haas tractors, while the smaller units to the left are
Model A Haas tractors.
The Model A tractors have not shown up and the Model B tractors
are hard to find, usually requiring a great deal of restoration.
Both the D and B were made in Racine, Wisc, and many of the Model
Ds are in Wisconsin. It seems, however, that most of the Model B
tractors ended up in Michigan where some were used as factory mules
in the Continental engine plant. I have given up finding manuals
for either tractor.
I plan to complete a restoration handbook by show time for the
Model D. This will include parts drawings as well as tips on making
needed repairs and parts sources. Our second reunion was again held
in conjunction with the Baraboo show in August of 2001. We voted at
the time to come back in 2002 for our third reunion. This
year’s show will be held Aug. 16-18. You can find more
information on the show at www.badgersteamandgas.com
We encourage members to let the club know if they plan to go to
any other shows so we can have additional meetings in other places,
as well. Thanks again to GEM for helping us get started.
Contact tractor and engine enthusiast Bob Haas at: 1909
County Rd. 1700E, Roanoke, IL 61561-7730.
