Minneapolis-Moline UTU
Verified
The Minneapolis-Moline UTU is the tricycle-front, row-crop (universal) version of the full-size U — MM’s mainstay row-crop tractor from the late 1930s into the mid-1950s.
Identification & configuration
TractorData lists the UTU as the universal row-crop U; it ran across a long 1938–1955 span. In the U line it pairs with the standard-front UTS — see UTU vs UTS and the U-series overview.
The U family also included the wide-front UTE, single-front UTN, high-crop UTC, and industrial UTI/UTIL variants (see the suffix guide).
Factory paint
Per the MMCI paint records, the early U (1938–1948) wore the first Prairie Gold (PG1); the UTU of 1948–1955 used the more common Prairie Gold (PG2) with Cherry Red wheels. See the full paint reference for the year-by-year configuration.
What to verify
- Serial / plate: On the U the serial number is on the gear/transmission case (right side). 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. We do not assert horsepower or production-count figures until confirmed against factory literature. See the U-series overview.
Serial Number Ranges
| Year | Serial range | Number type | Source confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1938 | 310026 – 310646 | tractor plate | Conflicting sources Medium |
| 1939 | 310647 – 312450 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1940 | 312451 – 314892 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1941 | 314893 – 316500 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1942 | 316501 – 317701 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1943 | 317702 – 318162 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1944 | 318163 – 321101 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1945 | 321102 – 325230 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1946 | 325231 – 329751 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1947 | 329752 – 337417 | tractor plate | Verified High |
| 1948 | 337418 – 337418 | tractor plate | Verified High |
Specifications
| Nebraska Test | No. 319 (1939) |
|---|---|
| Max Belt HP | 42.71 hp @ 1275 rpm |
| Rated Belt HP | 38.77 hp @ 1275 rpm |
| Max Drawbar HP | 35.16 hp @ 3582 lb pull (3rd gear) |
| Rated Drawbar HP | 28.32 hp @ 2620 lb pull |
| Engine | M-M (own), 4-cyl vertical, 4 1/4 x 5 in, rated 1275 rpm |
| Magneto | Fairbanks-Morse FM-4B |
| Carburetor | Schebler TTX17, 1 in |
| Fuel | Gasoline (70 octane) |
| Weight as Tested | 6,773 lb |
| Speeds | 2.5 / 3.2 / 4.3 / 5.7 / 18.5 mph |
| Tested fuel economy | 10.59 hp·hr/gal |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 319 | Gasoline | 1939 | 35.16 hp | 42.71 hp (Belt) |
| 521 | Gasoline | 1954 | 33.51 hp | 37.23 hp (Belt) |
Factory Paint Colors
Body, wheel, and powertrain colors documented for this model's era by the MMCI Paint Committee. The exact part-by-part configuration, year breaks, and footnotes are in the full paint reference. Individual tractors vary — special orders and regional exceptions were common, so confirm against your own machine.
- Prairie Gold (body)
- Cherry Red (wheels / trim)
Manuals & Literature
Factory publications cataloged for this model (MMCI / Floyd County Museum). We catalog the publication and its coverage — not its contents. Obtain copies from the museum or a reproduction seller.
Parts Catalogs
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.
Factory parts catalogs
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.
Belt
- KE964E — Fan & generator belt
Clutch
- UT266 — Complete clutch assy (Twin Disc Model C)
Decal
- 10D0832 — Decal set
Gasket
- 10A8617 — Manifold-to-carb gasket (2-11/16" centers)
Hose
Seal
- UT459A — Outer rear-axle oil seal
Surviving Examples (collector-reported census)
Owner-submitted survivors, reviewed before publishing. Collector-reported — these corroborate, but do not establish, the documented serial ranges above.
- 8 known survivors
- Serials observed: 318,367–114,900,972
Service Bulletins
Factory dealer service bulletins — supplements, field conversions, and fixes for this model. See the full reference.
- D 80 UTU Steering shaft bracket
Sources & Verification Notes
Status: Verified
Primary source: TractorData — Minneapolis-Moline UTU tier 4
Last checked: 2026-05-31
Where this model fits in the Minneapolis-Moline history & timeline →
Videos
Minneapolis Moline UTU @ HappyOldIron Antique tractors in Belgium Happyoldiron1
Late Minneapolis Moline UTU Vintage IronCurated 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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