Recently, we received a letter from Pierre Laquin, La Tuilerie
26, La Motte St. Jean, 71160 Digain, France. He needs information
on his Universal Model D tractor, made by Moline Plow Company,
probably in 1918 or after. Pierre writes:
‘I am missing several parts and would love to know if you
could furnish this information or better yet, put me in touch with
someone who could help me?’
Here are some of his questions:
The magneto is not original what are the references and mark?
Was there an operating manual? I have found nowhere any
instructions for starting, etc.
The radiator cap and the cover for the gas tank are missing. I
would like to have some idea of the form and material of these. Is
there a specific reproduction of these?
The plate on the motor, with the numbers is completely corroded,
and illegible. When facing the tractor, this plate is located on
the lower left. I would like to be able to replace it.
The gauge indicating the oil pressure is beyond use it does not
have any marks left on the dial to indicate the normal pressure for
operation. Can you help with those specifics?
Originally, did the engine function well on gas or oil?
Could I have some indication what colors the tractor was
painted?
Pierre says he would accept with pleasure all other information
concerning this model. He’d like to find or photocopy any
technical manuals giving the specification of this model or a
user’s manual dating from that time (1919)?
According to C. H. Wendel’s Encyclopedia of Farm
Tractors, Moline Plow Company manufactured tractors under this
name from 1915 when it acquired the Universal Tractor Company,
until 1923.
While these tractors are not extremely rare in the United
States, probably very few of them are in France, and we hope
someone will be able to help Pierre in his quest for
information!