1911-1918

During 1911 Rumely introduced their 15-30 “F” tractor. The engine was simply as single-cylinder version of the 30-60 “E” model. This particular 15-30 is shown at work in the Kankakee Marsh district of northwestern Indiana. As illustrated in this photograph, the soil surface was covered with a dense growth of weeds and vines. The soil itself was a combination of sod, muck, and peat. Gaining the necessary flotation to work effectively required the 22-inch extension rims shown on this tractor. Adding this large amount of wheel surface dropped the soil pressure from an initial figure of 27 pounds per square inch to 14 psi. Other photos of this pictorial series illustrate a five-bottom plow behind the 15-30. Due to the conditions a three-man crew is on hand. An engineer was required of course, and two more men were needed to operate the plows. Chances are that frequent stops were required to clean the plow of entangled vines and brush — a job that must have been very unpleasant.

The model F was a single cylinder tractor which was in production from 1911 to 1918. Most used low tension ignition but later when the Model F 18-35’s came about there was the option for high tension systems.This tractor was apart of the heavy-weight class of Oilpulls. This tractor was designed to meet the needs of smaller corn-belt farms. It would run a husker, sheller, shredder, and any size separator up to 32-inch in good grain. It had a 10 inch bore and 12 inch stroke with a maximum engine speed of 375 RPM. At this point in time, OilPull tractors used low tension ignition and mechanical igniters. As with all OilPull models, cooling was effected by the induced draft from the engine exhaust. A heavy load created a much stronger exhaust, resulting in a larger draft over the cooling sections within the radiator. Production of the 15-30 ended in 1917.

Engine: Advance-Rumely

Cylinders: 1

Bore and Storke: 10x12

RPM: 375

Fuel: Kerosene

Main Fuel Tank Cap: 36

Cooling Capacity: 35

Drawbar HP: 15

Belt PTO HP: 30

Weight: 16,000 lbs

Length: 192 inches

Width: 94 inches

Height: 125

Number of Gears: 2 forward

Total Produced: 3,855

1911: 5001-5680

1912: 5681-6738

1913: 6739-7487

1914: 7500-7856

1915: None-Built

1916: 7857-8084

1917: 8085-8591

1918: 8903-9177