(a quote by Ian M Johnston)
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THE SUPER 90
The “Super 90” was basically designed for broadacre farming. (large-scale farming: the use of a large area of land to farm a single crop).
These tractors were NOT fitted with “3 Point Linkage”. The drawbar system was virtually the exclusive method of attaching implements (other than direct attachment to the tractor) before Harry Ferguson developed the three-point hitch. Equipment attached to the three-point hitch can be raised or lowered hydraulically with a control lever.
Bob Chamberlain had worked on repairing tractors for several years and believed he could produce a tractor more suited to Australian conditions. After working on a prototype (40K in Melbourne) for a few years, the Western Australian Government persuaded the Chamberlains to set up a manufacturing plant in Perth. A.W. Chamberlain and his Sons produced their first production tractor in 1949 at their Welshpool factory in Western Australia.
In 1963 Chamberlain released the “Super 90”, a restyled unit tipping the scales, when water ballasted, at around seven tonnes. Originally configured to produce 90 hp, a new updated version of basically the same engine (GM 3-71) delivered 100 hp at 1800 revs. The 213 cubic inch capacity at first glance seemed inadequate in relation to its performance. But the two stroke diesel engine with its three cylinders was super-charged (as distinct from turbo charged) and the “Super 90” was capable of exerting a massive drawbar pull of 8460 pounds (3837 kg) at 3.1 mph (4.99 kph).
In terms of pure grunt, the 100 hp “Super 90” was possibly the most powerful two wheel drive farm tractor in its era. Indeed farm implement manufacturers at that time were unable to manufacture ploughs and scarifiers of sufficient size to match the available power of the “Super 90”. Therefore it was a common sight when driving through Australia’s broadacre country to see a Chamberlain “Super 90” working comfortably with two 22 disc ploughs coupled together in tandem.
On a still evening, when night ploughing, the distinctive sound of a “Super 90” under power could be heard for miles.
The “Super 90” had nine well spaced forward gears and a hand operated over centre hand-operated clutch which was a joy to use. The front axle had a soft leaf spring suspension, which rendered the tractor an uncommonly soft ride and produced less operator fatigue when long days had to be endured. Rear tyres 18.4 x 30 (duals).
The “Super 90” was a classic in its own time. Older generation farmers when discussing their ‘pride and joy’ tend to get a glazed expression as they nostalgically recount the many incidents which endeared the “Super 90” to their hearts for ever. The high cost of manufacturing the “Super 90” proved uneconomical in relation to a realistic retail price and therefore created severe budgetary problems for the company. As a consequence it was phased out in 1966, ending the era of a great Australian tractor. It is believed that about 800 “Super 90's” were manufactured.
The “Super 90” was basically designed for broadacre farming. (large-scale farming: the use of a large area of land to farm a single crop).
These tractors were NOT fitted with “3 Point Linkage”. The drawbar system was virtually the exclusive method of attaching implements (other than direct attachment to the tractor) before Harry Ferguson developed the three-point hitch. Equipment attached to the three-point hitch can be raised or lowered hydraulically with a control lever.
Bob Chamberlain had worked on repairing tractors for several years and believed he could produce a tractor more suited to Australian conditions. After working on a prototype (40K in Melbourne) for a few years, the Western Australian Government persuaded the Chamberlains to set up a manufacturing plant in Perth. A.W. Chamberlain and his Sons produced their first production tractor in 1949 at their Welshpool factory in Western Australia.
In 1963 Chamberlain released the “Super 90”, a restyled unit tipping the scales, when water ballasted, at around seven tonnes. Originally configured to produce 90 hp, a new updated version of basically the same engine (GM 3-71) delivered 100 hp at 1800 revs. The 213 cubic inch capacity at first glance seemed inadequate in relation to its performance. But the two stroke diesel engine with its three cylinders was super-charged (as distinct from turbo charged) and the “Super 90” was capable of exerting a massive drawbar pull of 8460 pounds (3837 kg) at 3.1 mph (4.99 kph).
In terms of pure grunt, the 100 hp “Super 90” was possibly the most powerful two wheel drive farm tractor in its era. Indeed farm implement manufacturers at that time were unable to manufacture ploughs and scarifiers of sufficient size to match the available power of the “Super 90”. Therefore it was a common sight when driving through Australia’s broadacre country to see a Chamberlain “Super 90” working comfortably with two 22 disc ploughs coupled together in tandem.
On a still evening, when night ploughing, the distinctive sound of a “Super 90” under power could be heard for miles.
The “Super 90” had nine well spaced forward gears and a hand operated over centre hand-operated clutch which was a joy to use. The front axle had a soft leaf spring suspension, which rendered the tractor an uncommonly soft ride and produced less operator fatigue when long days had to be endured. Rear tyres 18.4 x 30 (duals).
The “Super 90” was a classic in its own time. Older generation farmers when discussing their ‘pride and joy’ tend to get a glazed expression as they nostalgically recount the many incidents which endeared the “Super 90” to their hearts for ever. The high cost of manufacturing the “Super 90” proved uneconomical in relation to a realistic retail price and therefore created severe budgetary problems for the company. As a consequence it was phased out in 1966, ending the era of a great Australian tractor. It is believed that about 800 “Super 90's” were manufactured.
Links;
Gibbs Family Tractor Collection http://www.gibbstractorcollection.com.au/modelsup90.htmweeblylink_new_window
Rod's Super 90 http://www.flickr.com/photos/57462288@N06/sets/72157625976871710/weeblylink_new_window
Other Super 90's http://www.flickr.com/groups/796735@N20/weeblylink_new_window
TOMM Forum http://forums.tomm.com.au/index.php
FarmPhoto http://www.farmphoto.comweeblylink_new_window
Classic Tractor Tales by Ian Johnston http://www.ausgrain.com.au/Back%20Issues/195jfgrn10/35-tractortales.pdfweeblylink_new_window
Flickr - photos http://www.flickr.com/groups/796735@N20/
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