Minneapolis-Moline ZTU
Verified
The Minneapolis-Moline ZTU is the tricycle-front, row-crop version of the Visionlined Z — one of MM’s signature late-1930s tractors and, thanks to the compiled factory record, fully serial-decodable here.
Identification & configuration
TractorData lists the ZTU as a row-crop tractor with a tricycle front and a 3.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine, built 1936–1948.
Within the Z line the ZTU (row-crop/universal) sits alongside the standard-tread ZTS; see the ZTU vs ZTS comparison and the Z-series overview.
Factory paint
Per the MMCI paint records, the earliest 1936 Z tractors were MM-TC Gray; from 1937 the ZTU wore the first Prairie Gold (PG1) sheet metal with Cherry Red wheels and grille, continuing through 1948. See the full paint reference for the year-by-year configuration.
What to verify
- Serial / plate: Z-series numbers are on the transmission case. Decode the serial for model and year; the ranges are listed below.
- Configuration: confirm the front-end and fuel system against the model’s parts book (see our suffix guide).
- Originality: check paint and decals against the factory configuration for the year.
Production-year ranges, manuals, and service bulletins for this model are listed below.
Sources & Verification Notes
Configuration and production years per TractorData; paint per the MMCI Paint Committee references; serial ranges as cited on this page. ZTU serial ranges are documented from the factory-derived Z record. We do not assert horsepower or production-count figures until confirmed against factory literature. See the Z-series overview.
Serial Number Ranges
| Year | Serial range | Number type | Source confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | 560001 – 560037 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1937 | 560038 – 562974 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1938 | 562975 – 565406 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1939 | 565407 – 567154 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1940 | 567155 – 568754 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1941 | 568755 – 570821 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1942 | 570822 – 571421 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1943 | 571422 – 572967 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1944 | 572968 – 575712 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1945 | 575713 – 576813 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1946 | 576814 – 578040 | tractor plate | Conflicting sources Medium |
| 1947 | 578041 – 581814 | tractor plate | Conflicting sources Medium |
| 1948 | 581815 – 585817 | tractor plate | Verified High |
Engine
- 3.0 L Four-Cylinder Gasoline (≈184 ci / 3.0 L, Gasoline)
Specifications
| Nebraska Test | No. 352 (1940) |
|---|---|
| Belt HP (max) | 31.14 hp @ 1500 rpm |
| Belt HP (rated) | 27.94 hp @ 1499 rpm |
| Drawbar HP (max) | 26.39 hp, 2258 lb pull @ 4.38 mph |
| Drawbar HP (rated) | 21.04 hp, 1748 lb pull @ 4.51 mph |
| Engine | M-M (own), 4-cyl vertical, 3 5/8" x 4 1/2" bore x stroke, 1500 rpm |
| Magneto | Fairbanks-Morse FMK4B |
| Carburetor | Schebler TRX12, 1" |
| Fuel | Gasoline (73 octane) |
| Weight as tested | 5,025 lb |
| Tires | Rear 9 x 38, front 5.50 x 16 (tricycle) |
| Speeds | 1st 2.2, 2nd 2.7, 3rd 3.7, 4th 4.7, 5th 14.6, reverse 1.1 mph |
| Tested fuel economy | 10.06 hp·hr/gal |
| Test remark | Because the engine side covers were not readily removable, they were raised during the belt tests to facilitate cooling. |
Specifications per the cited source below. Manufacturer-advertised figures can differ from tested values — confirm restoration-critical specs against factory literature.
Nebraska Tractor Test Results
Official, independently measured performance from the University of Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory (public-domain reports). Figures are as-tested on a specific fuel/transmission variant — your tractor may differ. Look up the full report by test number.
| Test No. | Fuel | Year | Drawbar hp (max) | PTO/Belt hp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 352 | Gasoline | 1940 | 26.39 hp | 31.14 hp (Belt) |
Finding Parts
We don't publish part numbers we can't verify against factory literature. The authority for this model's part numbers is its factory parts catalog; interchange is serial- and configuration-dependent, so always confirm against the parts book before buying.
Engine-family parts
This model uses the 3.0 L Four-Cylinder Gasoline, shared with ZTS. Many engine-family components are common across these models — verify fitment against the parts catalog, as serial- and configuration-specific variations exist.
Documented parts
Cataloged Minneapolis-Moline part numbers documented for this model. Applications vary by serial, year, and configuration — confirm against your parts book before ordering.
Bearing
Clutch
- JT9051 — Clutch release spring (Twin Disc Model C)
- JT9019 — One-piece driving plate & friction discs, 63-tooth
Decal
- 10D2582 — Decal set
Oil Filter
- RE5599 — Oil filter
Piston
- 60P36462360 — 3.625"+0.020 aluminum piston w/ pin, rings, retainers
- 60P36862360 — 3.625"+0.040" aluminum piston
- 60P38002363 — 3.8" bore 700-gram forged racing piston & HP pin
- 2-10R795 — Four sets of 0.040" over-rings for 10R792 piston
- 60R3686 — Ring set (3.625"+0.040")
- 60R3646 — Ring set for 60P36462360 piston
Steering Wheel
- Steering wheel — 18″ steering wheel, 7/8″, keyed hub, three spokes — 18" steering wheel, 7/8", keyed hub, three spokes
Surviving Examples (collector-reported census)
Owner-submitted survivors, reviewed before publishing. Collector-reported — these corroborate, but do not establish, the documented serial ranges above.
- 7 known survivors
- Serials observed: 561,880–64,902,780
Sources & Verification Notes
Status: Verified
Primary source: TractorData — Minneapolis-Moline ZTU tier 4
Last checked: 2026-05-31
Where this model fits in the Minneapolis-Moline history & timeline →
Videos
Tractor Tales: 1937 Minneapolis Moline ZTU Farm Journal
Minneapolis Moline Model ZTU #minneapolis #antiquetractor Carl Hargreaves Rusty Relics UKCurated third-party videos — MinnieMo is not affiliated; links open on YouTube.
Owner Notes & Questions
Own one, restored one, or have a question about this model? Share it below. Notes are moderated before they appear, and owner-reported details are not treated as verified facts until cited.
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